Hey there, mama!
Pregnancy is such an amazing journey, filled with excitement and anticipation. But let’s be honest, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when trying to catch some quality ZZZs. That’s why I am so excited to share my favorite pregnancy pillow selections with you!
That’s where maternity pillows, or as some call them, pregnancy body pillows, come to the rescue! These incredible pillows are designed with your comfort and support in mind, hopefully helping you get some quality sleep each night despite the growing belly and pregnancy pains (oh, and middle-of-the-night bathroom trips).
I’ve put together a comprehensive guide where we’ll dive into the benefits of these pillows and help you find the best pregnancy pillow to suit your unique pregnancy. And if you want to just skip ahead and just read the reviews on the best pregnancy pillows, click here! Let’s get started!
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Understanding the Benefits of Pregnancy Pillows
When it comes to pregnancy, sleep becomes even more crucial for your well-being and that of your growing baby. Adequate sleep helps regulate your hormones, reduces the risk of certain pregnancy complications, and boosts your immune system – but good sleep each night can be so darn hard to get! Thankfully, pregnancy body pillows offer a range of benefits that enhance your sleep quality and can help alleviate discomfort, especially into those later trimesters! I personally would not have survived pregnancy sleep without my body pillow and am SO thankful I decided to invest in one early in my pregnancy.
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: By reducing pressure on key areas such as the back, hips, and belly, they pillows promote better spinal alignment and alleviate strain, enabling you to sleep in a more relaxed and comfortable position.
- Helps with Aches and Pains: Back pain, hip pain, and swollen legs are common discomforts during pregnancy – I didn’t believe in restless leg syndrome until I got pregnant. A maternity body pillow provides targeted support to these areas, reducing pressure and offering relief, allowing you to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Improved Blood Circulation: By properly supporting your body and aligning your spine, a pregnancy pillow helps improve blood circulation, reducing swelling and the risk of developing varicose veins – something no woman wants if they can help it!
[*Hey, mama… Have you downloaded our FREE guide yet? “The Ultimate Guide to Natural Pregnancy Remedies” It’s jam-packed with awesome tips and advice to help you tackle those pesky pregnancy discomforts using natural remedies.*]
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
There are actually a few different types of maternity body pillows and shapes! We’ll categorize our reviews below based on these categories. Let’s take a look at them:
- Full-Length Pregnancy Pillows: These body-length pillows provide comprehensive support from head to toe. They adapt to your body’s changing contours, allowing you to find the perfect position that promotes comfort and relaxation.
- Wedge Pregnancy Pillows: Wedge-shaped pillows are versatile and provide targeted support to specific areas like the back, belly, or legs. They are compact and portable, making them ideal for travel or use as a nursing support pillow postpartum.
- C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows: These large, curved pillows offer full-body support. The C-shaped pillows primarily support the back and belly.
- U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows: U-shaped pillows wrap around your entire body, cradling you comfortably and ensuring proper alignment. This was my personal favorite during pregnancy because it gave me that back support, neck support, and belly support all in one!
Things to Consider When Choosing a Pregnancy Pillow
When making your final decision, consider the following:
- Size and Shape: Where do you want the extra support? Consider your personal preferences and the stage of pregnancy you are in. Determine if you prefer a full-length pillow, wedge pillow, or curved design like the C-shaped or U-shaped pillow.
- Filling Material: Common filling materials include memory foam, polyester fiber, or microbeads – and there are even organic pregnancy pillows out there. Memory foam filling molds to your body shape, providing personalized support and relieving pressure points. Polyester fiber filling offers a plush and soft feel, and microbead filling provides a gentle, contouring support that adjusts to your body’s movements. When selecting the filling material, consider your desired level of support, firmness, and hypoallergenic needs.
- Cover Material and Maintenance: I definitely recommend choosing a pillow with a removable and washable cover for easy maintenance and hygiene. Look for soft, breathable fabrics that are gentle on your skin.
Tips for Using a Pregnancy Pillow Effectively
To maximize the benefits of your pregnancy pillow, keep the following tips in mind:
- Proper Placement: Experiment with different positions and orientations of the pillow to find what works best for you. Find the most comfortable and supportive arrangement, whether behind your back, between your legs, or under your belly. You don’t have to use the pillow like the model in the photo uses it! I actually ended up using mine flipped and it was much more comfortable.
- Additional Uses: Pregnancy pillows are not just for sleeping! You can utilize them for relaxation, nursing support, or as a comfortable lounging aid during pregnancy and postpartum. I specifically liked using mine as a tumble barrier for my baby when she was learning to sit independently!
Best Pregnancy Pillow Reviews
You’ve made it to the reviews! You might already have an idea of which style you want based on the information above. I’ve categorized each of the pillows based on their shape and size.
Some are from Amazon if you are looking for that quick and convenient shipping, and I also have some from Etsy if you don’t mind the price and slower shipping times because you love to support small businesses (the backbone of America!).
Best Full-Length Pregnancy Pillows:
1. Organic Cotton Full Body Pregnancy Pillow (polyester fiber balls) $91.54 on Etsy
My favorite part about this pillow is how fluffy it is!
2. Momcozy J-Shaped Fully Body Pillow (polyester) $59.99 on Amazon
For any mamas that want that head and belly support but hate that claustrophobic feeling if you are surrounded by pillows, this is a great option!
3. Braided Pregnancy Body Pillow $56.50 on Etsy
Looking for an aesthetic pregnancy pillow that will look good on your bed when it’s made?
4. PinkFroggie Full Body Pregnancy Pillow (cotton) $39.99 on Amazon
I love how affordable this one is! If you have a tight budget but still want a full body pillow, this is a wonderful option that won’t break the bank.
[Related post: 10 Pregnancy Myths]
Best Wedge Pregnancy Pillows:
1. Hypoallergenic Wedge Pillow (buckwheat hulls) $89.00 on Etsy
Looking for a minimalistic maternity pillow that’s also hypoallergenic?
2. Hiccapop Wedge Pregnancy Pillow (memory foam) $34.99 on Amazon
Another budget-friendly option! This pillow is unique because one side is firm and the other is soft, giving you some variety and options!
3. Boppy Wedge Pregnancy Pillow for Side Sleepers (polyester) $34.99 on Amazon
If you already have a Boppy nursing pillow you are familiar with their quality!
4. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Pillow (cotton) $34.98 on Amazon
My favorite part about this maternity pillow is you can adjust the space between each pillow – there is a hook and loop system that adjusts to your unique shape and preferences!
Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows:
1. Pharmedoc C-Shaped Maternity Pillow (polyester) $59.99 on Amazon
Over 52,000 ratings should speak for this pillow in itself.
2. Wool-Filled Luxury C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (wool) $289.00 on Etsy
Yes, it is $289. It is made of 100% organic Bulgarian wool with a 100% organic linen removable cover… plus, you are supporting a small business. If you have the money to splurge, you won’t regret it.
3. Cotton Cover, Thin, C-Shaped Pillow (polyester and microfiber) $49.99 on Etsy
A great budget-friendly option if you still want to support a small business!
4. Insen C-Shaped Body Pillow (foam) $44.99 on Amazon
One of the few c-shaped pillows made of foam!
Best U-Shaped Maternity Pillows:
1. Pharmedoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (Polyester) $59.99 on Amazon
Pharmedoc pregnancy pillows speak for themselves in popularity, and they also have a lifetime warranty.
2. Mom Cozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (Polyester) $69.99 on Amazon
I wish I would have purchased this one with my first baby – I wanted to save the $20 and went with a cheaper brand name and the quality just doesn’t compare to Mom Cozy.
3. Certified Organic Cotton U-Shaped Maternity Pillow (cotton) $62.26 on Etsy
A great option for anyone looking for that cotton filling!
4. Hypoallergenic U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (polyester) $119 on Etsy
This pillow is hypoallergenic, supports a small business, and ships for free!
Pregnancy pillows are valuable allies throughout your incredible journey of pregnancy. These specially designed pillows offer unparalleled comfort, support, and relief, addressing the unique challenges of carrying a growing baby.
With the right maternity pillow, you can experience improved sleep quality, alleviate discomfort, and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated. I know you are already spending so much money on your pregnancy and future baby, but skipping out on a quality maternity pillow may be a decision you regret.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. You have your own sleep preferences (maybe you are a stomach sleeper), pressure points, and needs.
So take a little time to research and find the best pillow that suits you! Investing in a quality pregnancy pillow will enhance your sleep and contribute to your overall well-being and the well-being of your growing baby.
Your body deserves the care and attention it needs during this special time, and a pregnancy pillow is one of those investments that will pay off… probably after its first use!
Your pregnancy pillow has your back, literally and figuratively, every step of the way.
Happy snoozing!
Jess
