Are you pregnant and struggling to get a comfortable sleep? We have found the best pregnancy pillows to help you ease any pain and pressures on your body so you can have a better sleep.
Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful, happiest and essential periods in a woman's life. It is indeed a blessing; however, the majority of women experience considerable changes in their body especially the size of their belly.
The most common body complaint is the emergence of back pain, and as the baby continues to grow, it can become even harder to sleep comfortably.
Using multiple pillows to comfort your belly, back and neck can be difficult especially if you move throughout your sleep. To help expectant mothers we have created a guide to show you the best pregnancy maternity pillows on the market designed to help you sleep in ultimate comfort.
Get Comfy With These Top Rated Pregnancy Pillows
1. Pharmedoc Full Body C Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Pharmedoc is one of the leaders in the pregnancy pillow market, and this is their C-shaped pillows that have a great design, so you don’t need to have multiple bed pillows while also supporting your head, back, knees and neck throughout the night.
The Pillow has a polyfill material which adjusts its shape to match your belly to give you a more comfortable sleeping experience, so you have fewer interruptions, so you spend longer in a deep sleep. This isn’t just suitable for pregnant women, but anyone who requires more sleep while they sleep.
Sleep is all about being comfortable, so with this pregnancy pillow, because you’ll get comfy quicker, this means you’ll fall asleep faster.
The Pillow is durable and has double stitch seams to stop it from ripping open, making it built to last. It also comes with a removable cover which is washing machine friendly so you can keep it fresh and soft even after hundreds of washes.
Also provided is a lifetime manufacturer warranty to give you added peace of mind so you can be assured of its quality.
Benefits
2. Pharmedoc Full Body U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Pharmedoc has also created a U shaped pillow if that suits your needs better which provides support to the vulnerable parts of your body, including your hips, back, neck and head. It isn’t just suitable for pregnancy but other issues such as sciatica and gastric reflux.
The pregnancy pillow has an inbuilt detachable extension so you can choose whether to use it as a full body pillow or attach it to the main Pillow for additional cushioning and support.
It’s large in size and measures 135cm long, 79cm wide, and 18cm high so it can provide support for the full length of your body. Also included is a 100% money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty in the rare event that you’re not happy with the product.
Instead of having to use 4-5 different pillows, you can replace them all with this one pregnancy pillow and can be used all over the home, including the bed or sofa. The Pillow is filled with a Polyfill blend that works to contour and supports your body parts.
The Pillow is designed to be extremely durable with its double stitch seams to avoid ripping while also having a machine washable cover so you can easily clean it.
Benefits
3. Queen Rose Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
The Queen Rose pregnancy pillow is an effective sleeping aid to provide you with a good nights sleep through your pregnancy. It has a unique design that supports the shape of a pregnancy women including an oversized U shape that supports you hips, legs, head and back but also has the length to support both sides of your body.
This pregnancy pillow isn’t only suitable for maternity but also for people who suffer from other body issues such as with fibromyalgia, sciatica and gastric reflux.
It’s designed for side sleepers, and it’s comfy enough for you to do other activities while using it such as watch TV or reading so you can use it to wind down before finally going to sleep.
The Pillow adapts to your body shape with its Polyfill material that adjusts and give support, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking too much into the Pillow. This makes it easier to fall asleep, and you’ll wake up in the morning with fewer aches and pains.
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4. Niimo Pregnancy Pillows
The Niimo pregnancy pillow provides you with a sleeping solution that has 4 in 1 capability. The Pillow is designed with unique dimensions that make it suitable to be used as a maternity pillow, pregnancy pillow, nursing pillow, body pillow and more.
The Pillow is constructed using silicon-coated hollow fibre flakes which gives it a range of qualities. Firstly it makes it light so you can effortlessly move it into position and it means that it doesn’t make noise when you move throughout the night, so other people aren’t disturbed as easily. It’s also anti-allergy so won’t trigger any allergic reactions.
This material gives it the right balance between firmness and softness, so you’re well supported and comfy while you sleep. The Pillow has a 100% cotton cover which is removable and machine washable.
When you’re not using it for sleep, you can also use the end of the Pillow as a support cushion for your baby to sit or to help you breastfeed.
Benefits
5. Chilling Home Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
This full-body pregnancy pillow not only provides great support for the full length of your body but can also alleviate pain and problems such as fibromyalgia, reflux and congestion. This has multipurpose use and comes in a U shape, so it’s not only great as a maternity pillow but is also ideal for breastfeeding or people suffering from joint pains.
The Pillow has a unique polyethylene filling which is super soft, so you feel comfortable but is also durable, so it provides longer use. The high density means that you’re provided with great support throughout the night which helps to relieve any tension or pain.
The filling material is clump resistant, so even after regular washing, it will maintain its shape. The Pillow has a removable and washable cover.
The Pillow has dimensions of 55 x 28 x 11.8 inches and the inner part of the Pillow works to contour and align your hips which maintains neutral joint positioning which is more restful, so you wake up in the morning feeling more rested.
Benefits
What is a Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow is an enlarged pillow designed for expectant mothers. They are usually larger than traditionally-sized pillows which allow for them to provide a healthy level of support to your whole body including your neck, back and belly.
It can help alleviate and prevent lower lumbar pain, posterior pelvic pain while allowing you to get a higher quality of sleep which will only benefit you and your baby.
Types of Pregnancy Pillow
The pregnancy pillow market has developed massively in recent years, and there are now many different types and shapes of a pregnancy pillow. While they all have the main aim of providing comfort and reducing aches and pains, the final choice you make will depend on your individual preferences and requirements.
Full Body Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
Full body pregnancy pillow was created so that they wrap around the entire body of a pregnant woman including the bump. This provides a significant level of support and comfort. Full body shaped pillows are usually around 5-6 feet long so that they are big enough the majority of women.
A full body pregnancy pillow provides support for the vulnerable areas such as the neck, back and belly to ensure that you don't wake up in the morning with a sore back.
There are two main types of full body pregnancy pillows:
U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
A U shaped pregnancy pillow is the most comfortable type of pregnancy pillow and proved additional support to the belly and back and is ideal if you're moving into the final stages of your pregnancy and your stomach is at its largest.
Pros
- Provides full body support
- Can be used deep into pregnancy
- Can be used to sleep with toddler post pregnancy
- In one piece unlike trying to position several individual smaller pillows.
Cons
- Affordable, but still the most expensive type of pregnancy pillow.
- Take up a large area when in use
C Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
The C shaped pregnancy pillow allows the user to lie in a riding position, with the base of the C between her legs while placing her head on the top part of the pillow.
The back is then rested on the curve of the C shape which eases the pressure and allows her to sleep comfortably. Just like the U shaped pregnancy pillow, it also provides support to the neck and belly.
Pros
- Can be used by women of all sizes and shapes
- The curve of the C offers extra back support
- Can be used to sleep with toddler post pregnancy
Cons
- They are large shaped which can be a problem if you don't have much space.
Wedge Pregnancy Pillow
A wedge pregnancy pillow is often referred to as a maternity cushion and functions exactly as its name suggests. You wedge the cushion either to support your back or belly to bring additional comfort to improve your quality of sleep.
The pregnancy wedge is a versatile pillow, and it is available in a range of fillings including Polyester, Fibre or Memory Foam and is also available in an extensive variety of shapes and sizes. The leading positions that the pillow is used for are:
- Under the belly to reduce pressure and weight on the hips and back
- Behind the back to allow you to comfortably sleep on your back
- underneath a regular pillow to raise the level of your head, which helps to reduce heartburn and reflux.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Cheap compared to full size pillows
- Portable
- Doesn't take up much space in the bed
- Can be used to sleep with toddler post pregnancy
Cons
- Only supports small areas of the body
- May need other pillows for other body areas
Full-length Pregnancy Pillow
Full-length pregnancy pillows are designed to be as long as the users body and are rectangular and straight. This shape helps them to support the whole body which means that you will not need any additional pillows to support you.
Some full-length pillows are fixed into that position, whereas some are flexible and can manoeuvre into your desired shape.
Pros
- Provides full body support
- Also provides support to the head
Cons
- Uses up a large amount of bed space
- Not suitable if you prefer to sleep on your back
Why Buy the Best Maternity Pillow
While we now know that pregnancy pillows help expectant mothers get a better nights sleep by preventing and soothing aches and pains, let's dig a little deeper into more reasons why you should purchase a pregnancy pillow
Studies have conducted which have proven that around 75% of pregnant women experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy which negatively affects their ability to sleep. This is why even doctors recommend that pregnant women should purchase the best pregnancy pillow on the market to help them sleep at night.
It has been reported that in 15% of pregnant women, back pain becomes so severe that it begins to interfere with their normal daily routine which then stops them from carrying out their regular tasks.
It's why a pregnancy pillow is so vital as it allows a pregnant woman to sleep in complete comfort and peace.
Medical research has also led to professionals recommending that when women enter their final phase of pregnancy, they should sleep on their left side to benefit the baby. Side sleeping is tough to do for the entire night, but with a pregnancy pillow, it's easy.
A particular portion of pregnant women finds every sleeping position uncomfortable and painful This lead to many sleepless nights which affects your mood throughout the day leading to grogginess and irritability.
If you force yourself into sleeping into an unfamiliar position, during pregnancy, this can lead to a whole host of problems including carpal tunnel, sciatica, gastric reflux and heartburn.
Benefits of a Pregnancy Pillow
Prevents and relieves body pain
This is the main benefit of using a pregnancy maternity pillow. Throughout your pregnancy, as you get bigger and heavier when the baby is growing, the pressure will increase on specific body parts and buying the best maternity pillow will help to reduce this pressure and pain especially through the prone areas of the back, neck, shoulders, belly and hips.
Aids Sleep
All pregnant women will agree when I say that sleeping can be a tough task, but a pregnancy pillow with the right shape and firmness can promote relaxation and comfort. This will allow you to sleep for longer and get to sleep quicker.
Improves Circulation
It is recommended that pregnant women adjust their sleeping position and sleep on their side. This improves the blood circulation; however, this position can be difficult to sleep in when pregnant but a pregnancy pillow allows you to stay comfortable sleeping in the side position.
Reduces Allergies
When you're pregnant, you need to take more precautions and be more careful with your health to keep your unborn baby safe. Unlike traditional pillows, the majority of pregnancy pillows are hypoallergenic to ensure that you avoid allergy flare-ups.
The Best Pregnancy Pillows Versatile
No matter the position that you prefer to sleep in, a pregnancy pillow will aid and allow you to sleep in that position while improving your comfort levels ensuring that you wake to feel refreshed and ready to complete your daily tasks.
Pregnancy pillows are often used post-pregnancy throughout the breastfeeding phase, and many use it for the odd night they sleep with their toddler.
Best Pregnancy Pillow Buying Guide
Removable & Washable cover
Be sure to purchase a maternity pillow with a removable cover because they're machine washable so you can regularly wash them as they get dirty and dusty.
It will prevent the build-up of dangerous dirt that could cause allergies or infections. A removable cover also allows you to replace it with a new one when the existing cover becomes old.
Hypoallergenic
It's highly essential that you check that your desired pregnancy pillow is hypoallergenic. The last thing you want to do during pregnancy is to trigger an allergy. Purchasing a hypoallergenic pregnancy pillow will lower the risk of your baby contracting diseases due to the mothers' allergic reaction.
The Filling
Several common pillow filings are used, and these filings will affect several factors such as longevity, price, firmness, shape etc.
The first common choice of filing is polyester fibre that is soft and will remain quiet throughout the night no matter how much you change position. Memory foam is a strong choice as it will conform to any changes in the position of your body and mould around you. Natural and organic filings are eco-friendly and will contain hypoallergenic qualities.
Size
You should consider the size dimensions of the pregnancy pillow that you're interested in buying. First of all to ensure that it will fit on your existing bed, and also if you share a bed with a partner that you can both still fit. This also comes down personal preference whether you want a large pillow or a slimline pillow.
Support
We recommend that you purchase the pillow that provides full body support from top to bottom including your head, neck, belly, back and leg area. Take into consideration which parts of your body already hurt and ensure you buy a pillow that cushions these areas.
Weight
The most effective pregnancy pillows are lightweight especially if you plan to move it from room to room ideal for mothers who throughout the day nap in the living room, but move to the bed during the night.
During your pregnancy, energy is precious, and you don't want to waste it moving a heavy object to get comfortable. A rule of thumb, most pregnancy pillows are lightweight so you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
Your sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position should play a part in the pregnancy pillow that you purchase. Do you sleep on your back or your side? If you prefer to sleep on your side, you should choose a U shape or C shape pillow that will provide support to your belly.
Price
All maternity pillows are affordable, so this shouldn't play a massive part in your buying decision. Your main aim should be to find a pillow that provides the best level of comfort to support you and your developing baby. Don't risk your comfort to save a couple of pounds.
Verdict - Best Pregnancy Pillow For Maternity
Finding the best maternity pillow can be difficult especially if you decide to buy one when you're already experiencing some form of pain.
For this reason, we recommend that you purchase one earlier into your pregnancy so you can prevent the pain from starting. With this guide, we've made it easy for you to buy a pillow that meets your needs
It's important to remember that a regular full nights sleep is a necessity for a healthy pregnancy and you must put yours and the baby's needs first. When you wake up after a full 8-hour sleep, and you feel refreshed, that's precisely how the baby feels inside you because the lack of movement makes the baby relax.
A happy mum makes a happy baby and finding the best pregnancy pillow will put you on the road to happiness.