Best Pregnancy Pillow 2022

Becoming pregnant can be an exciting and positive experience for many. However, no one ever said pregnancy was easy, and for many expecting mothers, getting to sleep at night can become difficult. A good way to support your changing body and keep your baby safe could be investing in a pregnancy pillow.

The best pregnancy pillow options come in a range of shapes, with some designed for certain body types and others for specific pain relief. A study✓ showed that wedge-shaped pregnancy pillows may be a more significant help than standard pillows. Furthermore, pregnancy pillows can help support side-sleeping, as well as propping up the baby bump.

(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)

1. Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow

The Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow is designed in a semi-circle or U shape and is made from polyester and polyethylene to support you as sleep and rest during your pregnancy. This pregnancy pillow has mainly received positive reviews, with many commenting on its durability and versatility.

The pillow is designed to be adaptable to various sitting and lying positions. You can position the pillow for belly support and use it in bed for total body support to help relieve hip and back pain. Inside this pillow, you’ll find a filling made up of high-density bionic polyethylene. This helps to make the pillow fluffy and comfortable while resting. On the outside of this U-shaped pillow, you’ll find a velvet cover that is soft to touch.

When you purchase this pregnancy pillow, you will get a 30-day refund or exchange guarantee so if you aren’t satisfied, you can replace it. According to the product listing, this pillow is suitable for more than just pregnant people; it can also support those with poor posture, anyone recovering from an injury and those who require more support as they sleep.

2. Bamibi Pregnancy Pillow

The Bamibi pillow serves as a pregnancy and nursing pillow, so you can continue using it once your baby comes along. It offers support for the mother and the baby and is safe to use when nursing. The pillow can also be used as an antiroll cushion for your baby's protection.

During your pregnancy, this Bamibi Pregnancy pillow claims to reduce pain, support your belly, reduce discomfort to allow you to sleep comfortably. It has been filled with polyester to ensure it offers enough support when you are resting on it. If you are concerned about your baby coming into contact with it, you should know that it has a removable cover with a hidden zipper. The cover is made from ultra-soft cotton, which can be machine-washed at a cold temperature.

This product can be purchased directly from Amazon, where you’ll find a few colours and patterns to suit your style. It has thousands of positive customer reviews, with some customers noting just how useful it was when it came to switching from a pregnancy pillow to a nursing pillow. Others commented on the value for money and how easy it is to clean.

3. Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

30% OFF Sitewide

Kally Sleep Discount Voucher Code

30% Off everything | T&Cs apply.

30% Off everything | T&Cs apply. Show Less

BLACKFRIDAYShow Code

Kally Sleep Discount Voucher Code

BLACKFRIDAY

Details

30% Off everything | T&Cs apply.

Go to offer

The Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow offers a 5 out of 10 medium firmness and is best suited for side sleepers. The dimensions are 150cm x 33cm, and it is designed to offer full-body support for both you and your bump.

The filling of this pregnancy pillow is made up of a hollowfibre filling that is made to keep you comfortable and cool. It has been ergonomically designed to help you feel supported and enjoy a restful night sleep. In addition, the pregnancy pillow has a cotton cover that is designed to be soft and breathable. The manufacturer has also added some anti-allergy fibres to keep you safe and protected against any bacteria.

This product is suitable for each trimester, thanks to its versatile design. You can also use it as a nursing pillow for back support or if you suffer from sciatica. When you purchase it from Kally Sleep, you’ll get a 14-night sleep trial to ensure it is right for you. You’ll also get free delivery on larger orders.

4. Koala Babycare Maternity and Pregnancy Pillow

The Koala Babycare Nursing Pillow has been designed to be suitable for pregnant women and nursing once the baby comes along. The 7ft pillow can be purchased on Amazon, where you’ll find positive reviews highlighting the comfort and versatility.

The filling of this pillow includes silicon fibre flakes, which, according to the brand, has been studied to ensure that your back and legs will have the comfort they require. The replaceable cover is made from 100% hypoallergenic cotton, and there is also a hidden zipper that ensures your baby won’t be harmed when you use it during the nursing stage. This product is multi-purpose and has some features that allow you to easily tie it with four closing laces and some safety straps that ensure everything stays where it should be.

To keep this product clean, you can throw the cover in the washing machine at 30 degrees. It is also possible to wash the padding in the washing machine at 60 degrees, but you’ll need to be careful when drying it.

5. HBselect Full Body C Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

The HBselect Full Body Maternity Pillow is suitable for looking for something crescent or C shaped pillow. This product offers multi-functional usage so that you can enjoy comfort when sleeping, watching TV or nursing your baby when it comes along.

The filling in this pregnancy pillow is made from high-grade 7D PP non-allergenic hollow fibre. This ensures that the pillow is easy to adjust while offering high rebound and noise reduction. The brand has also added silicone oil to the fibre to ensure that it will reduce friction and provide resilience in the long term. The inner cover in this pillow is made from delicate fabric, and it is covered by a 100% soft jersey. The zipper has been added so that it remains hidden, allowing you to stay comfortable and avoid snagging. The 100% cotton lining ensures that this pillow is breathable, which is suitable for those who may be overheating during their pregnancy.

This product has received positive reviews on Amazon, with customers impressed with the quality of the pillow. You can also adjust the height of the pillow as you go through different pregnancy stages.

6. Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow

The Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow is an award-winning pillow with a simple U-shaped design. It has been constructed to help you lie on your left side, which is often considered the best position for your baby. It comes with a tapered tail end that can fit neatly between your legs without raising them higher than is comfortable.

The Dreamgenii pillow claims to help aid a night of restful sleep and support your bump, knees and back as you rest. It can be used for resting in the living room but also for sleep at night. Whatsmore, the pillow has a patented design for Support and Feeding, meaning it can be used for some time after you give birth. This pillow is made from cotton jersey, which has been used to create a soft feel. It also comes with a 100% cotton pillow cover that can be easily washed in order to keep it clean for longer.

This product has been recommended by midwives and received hundreds of positive reviews, with customers noting that it offers support for hip pain and is comfortable to rest on. Others indicated that they couldn’t sleep without it now that they have tried it.

Defining A Pregnancy Pillow

Pregnancy pillows can be bought for all stages of pregnancy and can be used for multiple purposes, depending on your needs and preferences. While many start to use the pillow when the pregnancy bump begins to show, you can also use it in earlier stages to allow yourself to get accustomed to a new sleeping position. 

The ideal pregnancy pillow should be adaptable enough for your changing body and your different needs throughout pregnancy. There are many different shapes and sizes available, often with various benefits and features. The primary purpose of the pillow should be to offer enough support while maintaining comfort. It’s common to place pregnancy pillows between the legs to help relieve pressure and keep the spine aligned. 

Pregnancy Pillow Shapes 

If you’re familiar with pregnancy pillows, you’re probably aware of the large number of different shapes and sizes that are available. Due to the number of options, it can be helpful to know how the different sizes can offer additional benefits and which shape is the best fit for you. Here are the most common shapes that can be found in the UK. 

• U-Shaped: This curved pillow is one of the most popular options for pregnancy as it is designed to support every part of the body. Due to its large size, it can also prevent you from tossing and turning in your sleep. The U-shaped pillow has also been known to relieve hip pain and keep the spine in alignment. However, the oversized design means it may not be suitable for those with limited bed space. 
• V-Shaped: Similar to the U-shaped pillow, this pregnancy pillow is designed to support the neck, shoulders and back. A V-shaped pillow can also be used for posture support and after the pregnancy for breastfeeding. 
• C-Shaped: This is a large-sized curved pillow that can help you support various body parts, such as the head and back. C-shaped pillows can also be particularly beneficial for relieving tension around the pelvis. Due to the open C-shape, these pillows can be versatile for women of different shapes and sizes. 
• Wedge: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, a wedge pillow tends to be less expensive due to its smaller size. Shaped like a wedge, it is designed to be placed under the stomach to help prop it up when side sleeping. You can also use it against your back to stop yourself from turning over during the night.

Did you know?
Back pain is commonly experienced throughout pregnancy. A survey✓ found that 65% - 72% of people who took the survey reported lower back pain during their pregnancy.

Sleep Quality During The Trimesters 

Each trimester of pregnancy can welcome new and positive experiences, but there can also be challenges, particularly when it comes to sleep. While not every pregnancy is the same, during the first trimester (1-12 weeks), it’s common to experience more tiredness due to changing hormones. This means you may be sleeping longer at night✓ and could desire more naps during the day. Morning sickness can also occur during this period, although it’s common to feel nausea throughout the day, not only in the morning. 

In the second trimester (13 - 28 weeks), sleep quality may improve with fewer awakenings during the night; however, these nighttime awakenings may increase towards the end of the trimester. As you enter the third trimester, you may experience increased awakenings during the night and may require more naps during the day. You may also experience increased fatigue due to frequent nighttime urination and carrying the extra baby weight. A study✓ found that 2 out of 3 women suffered from insomnia in the late stages of pregnancy. Further research✓ stated that within their findings, 98% of women recording nighttime awakenings. 

It’s important to note that not all women will have the same experiences during the stages of their pregnancy; therefore, not all information will be accurate to each individual. For medical advice tailored to you, it is advisable to speak with a doctor or medical professional. 

Pregnancy Pillow Features 

Due to the sleep challenges that can sometimes occur during pregnancy, pregnant women deserve to find a pillow that can offer plenty of benefits and help make pregnancy a more comfortable experience. To find the best pregnancy pillow for you, it’s worth being aware of the different features each pillow has to offer. 

• Size: Larger pillows, such as U-shaped and C-shaped, tend to offer more full-body support. If you have limited space, wedge pillows are often smaller and can be easily and conveniently manoeuvred. 
• Price: Good quality pregnancy pillows can range from £25 to £60. U-shaped pillows tend to be more expensive due to their large size, whereas wedge pillows are often cheaper. It’s worth noting that you will likely only use these pillows whilst pregnant, so bear that in mind before breaking the bank. 
• Materials: Pregnancy pillows can contain various materials, such as cotton, memory foam and polyester. Memory foam pillows can give firmer support due to its dense materials while providing good pressure relief. However, if you want a softer feel, polyester and cotton can be good options. A soft, cooling cover could also be beneficial if you experience overheating. 
• Loft: The loft of a pillow refers to the pillow’s height, with a high loft being thicker and a low loft thinner. Those who require more support without too much sinking may want to opt for a higher loft. A low loft is recommended for those who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel. 
• Function: Many pregnancy pillows are now designed with multiple purposes, rather than simply for sleeping. There are many pillows avilable which provide support in a variety of positions, and can also be used after pregnancy for breast feeding.

Pregnancy Sleeping Positions

Most healthcare professionals recommend sleeping on the side, particularly on the left side, to encourage better blood circulation. Sleeping on the left side can also help to avoid placing pressure on the liver, which is located on the right. Many full-body pregnancy pillows help facilitate side sleeping as they offer enough support to keep you from tossing and turning. 

Sleeping on the back is generally discouraged as it could cause compression of the organs. Back sleeping may also put pressure on the spine, which can lead to backache and difficulties breathing. For obvious reasons, stomach sleeping is also strongly discouraged as it can place pressure on the stomach and uterus. It is recommended to stop stomach sleeping once the pregnancy bump begins to show.

Important to note:
A recent study✓ found that different sleeping positions were unlikely to pose any significant risks during early pregnancy. The research was done to help reassure pregnant women in the early stages who struggled to adapt to sleeping on their left side. 

Tips For Improving Sleep Quality 

While some parts of pregnancy may be challenging, there are plenty of tricks and tips to help you enjoy the experience in a more relaxing and comfortable way. It’s worth noting that if you have any concerns and require professional advice, it’s best to consult a doctor or medical professional. 

1. Fluids: Extra weight on the organs may cause more frequent urination during the night. While it’s recommended to stay hydrated, you may want to keep away from any fluids before bed to avoid bathroom visits and having to re-position yourself in bed. 
2. Screen-time: For a night of better sleep, avoid screen time before bed, as the light can affect your natural circadian rhythm and keep you awake for longer. 
3. Cooling: Consider thinner bed sheets or cooling toppers to prevent overheating at night. Bamboo sheets and gel-infused toppers are known for their cooling properties.  
4. Relaxation: Insomnia and vivid dreams are often experienced during pregnancy and may lead to increased stress and anxiety. The NHS✓ recommends relaxation techniques such as light exercise, gentle walks and calming music to help relax the body and reduce cramping. 
5. Heartburn: This is can be a common occurrence during pregnancy and may keep you awake at night. Avoiding spicy or fatty foods can help keep heartburn at bay. It is also recommended✓ to frequently eat small meals rather than 3 big meals a day. 

Frequently Asked Questions