Best pregnancy pillows

Medically reviewed by Sheri Puffer, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn

Written by Brigitt Earley | Apr 13, 2023

BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.

Photo credit: Babycenter

Lack of sleep, whether from insomnia or discomfort, is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. And while there isn’t an easy solution to quiet all of those thoughts keeping you up at night, there is something that can help you assume a more comfortable position: a pregnancy pillow.

What is a pregnancy pillow?

A pregnancy pillow is essentially any pillow designed to provide extra support for your growing body. Many moms-to-be find these pillows particularly useful in the second and third trimester, especially since experts recommend sleeping on your side with your knees bent at this point in your pregnancy. (As your belly grows, lying on your back may compress a major blood vessel that takes blood to your uterus, making you feel dizzy and possibly even reducing blood flow to your baby.)

Advertisement | page continues below

Of course, you can use a pregnancy pillow at any time in your pregnancy — and even beyond. If using one of these pillows makes you more comfortable at night, you’ll feel more rested and limber throughout the day, too — an investment well worth the payoff.

Types of pregnancy pillows

When you’re shopping, just remember, there are many different types of pregnancy pillows:

U-shaped: These large, full-body pregnancy pillows are shaped just how you’d think — like a U. They’re designed to be used upside-down, with the base of the U serving as a pillow for your head. These pillows fully contour around your body, providing support for every area — your back, belly, hips, and even your feet. Just note: Because of this, these pillows tend to be very large and heavy.
C-shaped: Like U-shaped pillows, C-shaped pillows are full-coverage pregnancy pillows, so they’re rather large and heavy. The C-shape is large and designed to wrap around your entire body, providing support to all areas that need it. But because they are very malleable and can be left open on one side, they may be a little easier to move around with — particularly good for active sleepers.
Wedges: Much more compact, wedge-style pillows are designed to offer targeted areas of support — typically under your belly or back, or between your knees. These types of pillows are nice and portable, plus tend to be less expensive, offering great value.

That said, some moms-to-be find they need more all-over support than these pillows can offer — especially later in their pregnancy.

How we chose the best pregnancy pillows

To help you get the best night’s sleep possible, we combed through millions of posts on BabyCenter's Community to find the pregnancy pillows moms-to-be use and recommend to one another.

We then gave these picks to our expert editorial team for research and vetting, making sure they offer the right support a pregnant woman needs when she sleeps, as outlined by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Whether you’re searching for full-coverage support or a compact option to give your belly a little boost, keep reading to find the best pregnancy pillows out there.

Advertisement | page continues below

Why trust us?

BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family. Learn more

Best pregnancy pillow overall

Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$69	AmazonOpens a new window
$63	LeachcoOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

This pregnancy pillow wins rave reviews from sleepless moms-to-be. The design supports the back and belly as it raises your head (bye-bye, nasal congestion and heartburn!). While it is on the larger side, the full-coverage design means you won’t need any additional pillows. What’s more, the sham-style cover comes in many different materials (and colors!), including jersey and sateen, so you can choose the one that best suits your sleep needs and preferences and zip it on and off easily for washing.

Heads up

It takes some getting used to sleeping with such a large, full-coverage pillow, especially for more active sleepers.

Parents say

“I love mine. I got it early to take pressure off my lower back. Last week I had a sinus infection, and it was a godsend. I rolled it up, and I was propped up so nicely that I could breathe!”

Specs

Dimensions: 58.75 x 25.5 x 7.75 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Choose from 22 different fabrics for slipcover
Care: Machine-washable and dryer-safe slipcover

Best pregnancy body pillow

Downlite Down Alternative Extra Long Body Pillow

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$62	AmazonOpens a new window
$62	TargetOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

Moms-to-be who swear by this rectangular pillow say that simple is better. Minus all of the crazy curves or complicated shapes of other pregnancy pillows, all you have to do is wrap your body around this soft log. Those with stuffy noses and sensitivities to allergens also appreciate that it's got a pollen barrier, pet dander barrier, and a hypoallergenic fill. It’s also a highly versatile option, since you can find a home for it on a made bed well beyond your pregnancy.

Heads up

If you're looking for a firm pillow, this one might be too cushy.

Specs

Dimensions: 60 x 20 inches
Weight: 4.7 pounds
Material: Cotton sateen cover, polyester fill
Care: Pillow is machine-washable and dryer-safe

Best pregnancy pillow for back pain

Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$55	AmazonOpens a new window
$55	TargetOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

The undulating curves of this pillow follow the line of a side-sleeping pregnant woman, helping to cradle her growing belly, tired head, and tense back. It even keeps knees apart for added support. And, even though it’s undoubtedly on the larger side, the contoured pillow has a life after pregnancy, doubling as a supportive nursing pillow or even a backrest during storytime. Also nice: The pillow and the slipcover are both fully machine-washable and dryer-safe.

Heads up

Some say that over time the pillow's stuffing can develop frustrating clumps and lumps.

Parents say

“I have a Boppy Total Body Pillow, and it’s the best thing I’ve bought this pregnancy. I can’t sleep without it.”

Specs

Dimensions: 48 x 26 x 7.5 inches
Material: Pillow 80% polyester, 20% cotton; filling 100% polyester; slipcover 100% rayon
Care: Pillow and cover are machine-washable and dryer-safe

Best U-shaped pregnancy pillow

Meiz U-Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$44	AmazonOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

If you crave support on all sides of your aching body, you’ll love this full-coverage U-shaped pregnancy pillow. It not only cradles your growing baby bump, but it also provides ample support for your back, sides, hips, knees, and even feet. If that’s not enough to make you want to cozy up to it, the super soft (and machine-washable) velvety material will certainly seal the deal. And if you run hot? Not to worry; stay cool with a jersey cotton cover instead. Taller women will appreciate that the pillow also comes in two larger sizes, too.

Heads up

The stuffing tends to flatten over time — especially with frequent washing — which can decrease the comfort factor significantly.

Parents say

“I bought a U-shaped [pregnancy pillow], because I was having trouble sleeping. It is the best thing ever! Why did I wait till getting pregnant to buy one? I got mine on Amazon... Meiz Pregnancy Pillow... and it's amazing and the perfect size for me.”

Specs

Choose from 55, 60, or 65 inches in length
Weight: 7 pounds
Choose from 8 colors
Material: Polyester
Care: Slipcover is machine-washable

Best C-shaped pregnancy pillow

PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillows

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$30	AmazonOpens a new window
$35	PharMeDocOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

For 360-degree support, you can’t beat the PharMeDoc C-shaped pillow. It’s widely-praised by moms-to-be, because of how well it hugs the body, providing belly, back, and lower body support. Despite the larger size, many say it doesn’t feel as bulky as it looks, thanks to how malleable it is. The C-shape is helpful post-baby, too, since you can use it in place of a Boppy when breastfeeding or even for added support when lounging.

Heads up

Tends to get lumpy after extended use, which can decrease the comfort factor.

Parents say

“I just bought the Pharmdoc C-shaped pillow off Amazon....AMAZING!!!! Absolutely recommend it. I wish I bought it even before I was pregnant. My boyfriend even tries to steal it from me in the middle of the night.”

Specs

Dimensions: 63 x 29 x 7 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
Choose from 8 colors and patterns
Material: Filling polyester fiberfill, cover varies but can include nylon, spandex, polyester, cotton
Care: Cover is machine-washable

Advertisement | page continues below

Best compact pregnancy pillow

Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$35	AmazonOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

It’s not exactly easy to tote your standard pregnancy pillow around. Even a traditional body pillow can be quite cumbersome. If you’re on the road a lot, consider a more compact option like the Boppy Side Sleeper. Though pint-sized and lightweight, it features both back and front support to keep you comfortable all night long. It’s also a super convenient option for lounging on the couch, since you can tuck it behind your back for the lumbar support you’re craving.

Heads up

Some moms-to-be say this pillow isn’t quite wide enough to fit comfortably underneath them.

Specs

Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 7 inches
Material: Slipcover: 95% cotton, 5% spandex; pillow 80% polyester, 20% cotton; filling 100% polyester
Care: Pillow and cover are machine-washable and dryer-safe

Best wedge pregnancy pillow

Boppy Pregnancy Jersey Wedge

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$20	AmazonOpens a new window
$20	TargetOpens a new window
$16	WalmartOpens a new window
$20	KohlsOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

If the other pregnancy pillows make your bed feel too crowded, this smaller, lightweight option may suit you (and your partner!) better. The dense wedge is easy to place wherever you need it. It offers ergonomic support when used under the belly, and better hip, leg, and back alignment when used between the knees. Unlike some of the other pillows, the cover is truly easy to get on and off for a quick refresh in the washing machine.

Heads up

You might want to try a thick, firm standard pillow or even a rolled-up blanket before buying this. Some moms say those DIY solutions perform just as well.

Parents say

“I like the wedge, I used it with my first and just started using it again. I liked that I could easily turn from side to side and move it with me, or move it between my thighs if my back hurt. I thought it was worth it!”

Specs

Dimensions: 14 x 11.25 x 3.75 inches
Material: Slipcover 95% cotton, 5% spandex; filling 100% polyurethane foam; foam cover 100% polypropylene
Care: Slipcover is machine-washable and dryer-safe; spot-clean foam cushion only

What to consider when buying a pregnancy pillow

With so many different types of pregnancy pillows on the market, how do you hone in on the best one to suit your needs? It largely comes down to personal preference in the following areas:

Size: Overall, pregnancy pillows tend to be very large, but if size is a concern, there are some more compact options that still offer enough support to keep you comfortable. Think about how much room you’re willing to lend to your pillow. If you have a smaller bed, you may want to think about a wedge, since it’s comparable in size to a standard pillow. But if you really want full support and are willing to sacrifice the space, a C- or U-shaped pillow is a nice option.

Shape: Think about where you’re experiencing the most discomfort. Is it your back? Then you may want to consider a larger U-shaped pillow, since it cradles your entire body, including your back. But if what you really want is belly support, a C-shaped pillow, a traditional body pillow, or even a compact wedge may suit your needs just fine.

Material: Like any other bedding, material matters. Because cotton is a natural, breathable fabric, you may want to consider choosing a pillow with a coton cover—especially if you tend to run hot. Otherwise, a synthetic material like polyester may be just fine, plus a bit more budget-friendly.

Care: Does the pillow have a removable cover for easy washing? Or is it spot-clean only?

Versatility: Since most pregnancy pillows are quite expensive and large, it pays to think about the versatility of the item. A traditional body pillow has a long lifespan besides a pregnancy, but a C- or U-shaped option might not — especially if you don’t plan to have additional children.

Was this article helpful?