The best pregnancy pillows for supported and comfortable sleep

I'm now about halfway through my first pregnancy and can confirm the importance of getting a good night's sleep, which is why finding the best pregnancy pillow was high on my list! I'm normally a back sleeper myself so changing my sleeping habits was a learning curve, but as the NHS advice is that the safest sleeping position during pregnancy is on your side, I decided a pregnancy pillow was the sleeping aid I needed.

Pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to help with common pregnancy side sleeping issues such as back pain, supporting your bump, and actually helping you to stay on your side comfortably! The time to start using a pregnancy pillow may differ from person to person, depending on the size of your bump, how you slept pre-pregnancy and other factors. For me, something that supported my whole body was important, as I had a bump at 14-15 weeks, already had back pain and was finding it difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, especially after my 90th nighttime trip to the bathroom!

My pregnancy pillow was a saviour with both issues, helping me to feel cosy and cocooned and fall asleep again quicker. Personally I found a U-shaped pillow was the best prenatal pillow for me - mine supports the full length of my back and I can tuck my knee over it and cushion bump with it - you can also get C-shaped, V-shaped and wedge pillows, which I’ll breakdown later.

If you're wondering if you even need a pregnancy pillow, parent sleep expert Heidi Skudder from Positively Parenthood says, “If you want to prioritise good sleep and comfort during your pregnancy (which you deserve), then they are always a good idea." You can also get pregnancy pillows that cleverly double up as nursing pillows, giving you more use and better value for money.

How we tested and chose the best pregnancy pillows

I couldn’t test them all on my own of course, so every product on our list was tested by one of 12 pregnant mama testers, who have tried and tested products in our Mother & Baby Awards. We have listed the pregnancy pillows they used and approved below and found out why they loved them so much.

We have also included recommendations and reviews from the Mother & Baby team, who have used pregnancy pillows while pregnant and beyond. We've made sure to include a large variety of products, combatting issues such as hip pain, back pain, hot sweats, and more. We have also considered different budgets, space requirements, customer reviews, and brand reputations.

We asked our pool of pregnant mum testers to test each pregnancy pillow for its weight and size, adjustability, breathability, suitability for different body shapes and sizes, support throughout pregnancy, comfort, ease of cleaning, durability, design and value for money.

Find out more about how we test products for Mother&Baby.

The best pregnancy pillows for 2024

Which type of pregnancy pillow should I choose?

It's important that you choose a pregnancy pillow that's right for you. Pillows can come in different shapes and sizes, and while they are all designed to support you and your bump, they have slightly different ways to support you more effectively.

Full-body pregnancy pillow or I-shaped pillow - Usually running the whole length of your body and either straight or slightly curved, full-body pregnancy pillows support your shoulders, hips and knees.

U-shaped pregnancy pillow - A U-shaped pillow surrounds your whole body. This means that both your belly and back are supported. It is usually the largest type that you can get, so it's worth bearing in mind the space you have available before buying.

C-shaped pregnancy pillow - A C-shaped pregnancy pillow offers different levels of support depending on where you place it. They can be used to discourage you from rolling over onto your back and help support your neck and head, and are great for using as a nursing pillow once the baby arrives.

J-shaped pregnancy pillow - J-shaped pillows tend to be longer and provide extra support between your legs, which is perfect for mums who are suffering from pelvic girdle pain.

Wedge pregnancy pillow - This is the smallest option. As the name implies, it can be used to raise different areas of your body to provide comfort. It does not, however, offer support to the body as a whole.

Choosing the right pregnancy pillow for you:

There are so many options on the market. Try to assess your individual needs when choosing a pregnancy pillow.

Type of pillow: If you are suffering from aches and pains all over, you may want to opt for a U-shaped pillow that offers full support. However, if you are looking to add comfort when you are chilling on the sofa, you could opt for a C-shaped pillow. You may need a V-shaped pillowcase, too, to go with your new pregnancy pillow.

The support: Like regular cushions that you rest your head on, pregnancy pillows come in different support options. Whether you want firm support or something softer to mould to your body, you'll be able to find the right one for you.

The size: It can take up a lot of room, pretty much kicking your other half out of bed. This also means that they can be difficult to store. If this could be a problem for you, consider a more compact pillow.

Price: The larger the pillow, generally the more expensive it will be. Wedges tend to be the cheapest option and the easiest to store. Remember to make a purchase that is suitable for your budget. Multi-use pillows are a fantastic way to save money in the future.

Whether it's multi-functional: Here at Mother & Baby, we love a product that can be used in multiple ways, taking you throughout pregnancy and right through to your baby's arrival. Many pillows are great for this and can be used as a breastfeeding pillow, bottle-feeding, and even tummy time with your tot. This is a great way to get your money's worth.

Material: If you have been suffering from night sweats or hot flushes, the best prenatal pillow will be one with a breathable material, like cotton.

How easy it is to clean: You'll be using it a lot, so you'll want to ensure you can wash it. Most pillows have removable covers that you can wash, while other pillows can be popped in the washing machine, too. Be sure to check to save yourself from experiencing a smelly pillow!

Do I need a pregnancy pillow?

Sleeping when pregnant is notoriously difficult. Rest is one of the most important things you can do whilst growing your baby. The NHS guidelines state that the safest option is for pregnant women to sleep on their left or right-hand side, as sleeping on their back after 28 weeks of pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.

However, if you're not a side sleeper pre-pregnancy, that may feel unnatural. Paired with all the emotions that come with pregnancy, sleep can suffer. And whilst a pregnancy pillow won't ward off the 3am thoughts, it is a practical tool that will help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable. You could use a traditional cushion; however, pregnancy pillows have been specifically designed to support you as your body grows.

Heidi Skudder told us, "During pregnancy, you will have more energy and feel better if you sleep well and are well rested. Whilst no one "has to" have a pregnancy pillow, women who do invest in them will often rave about them, even taking them around to different places that they stay at, as well as ending up using them for feeding when baby arrives, too."

Is it ok to sleep without a pregnancy pillow?

You might be tempted to think that a pregnancy pillow is a luxury item that you can go without. However, sleep is an essential part of prenatal care. Global research has shown that lack of sleep can lead to serious complications like longer labour, higher cesarean births and emotional stress.

Heidi notes, "It is recommended to sleep on your side from 28 weeks, and pregnancy pillows can help with these, but you certainly don't need one. If sleep is comfortable and you are happy, then it is not a necessity. However, many women find that it improves their quality of sleep and, therefore, their ability to juggle pregnancy and life itself, and will go on to use them or sell them after pregnancy."

Can I buy a second-hand pregnancy pillow?

Heidi says, "There is nothing wrong with investing in a second-hand pregnancy pillow. Assuming the filling is still doing its job and it has kept its shape, investing in a second-hand pillow is a great way of saving money whilst also making yourself more comfortable."

How to use a pregnancy pillow:

Although many can be used to support your neck like a traditional pillow, they are much larger and longer to help align your whole body. This is to help make it more comfortable for you to sleep with a bump, as most experts agree that once the abdomen starts to expand, it is best to sleep on the left side with your knees bent.

How you use your specific pillow depends on the shape of the pillow you choose. You can refer to our guide on how to use a pregnancy pillow, which outlines each shape and how to use it.

Full-length pregnancy pillows are one of the most popular styles of pillows. You can get comfortable by hugging the pillow, resting your bump against it so that it supports the weight and propping the pillow between your legs.

According to The Sleep Foundation, sleeping on your side with bent knees when pregnant promotes healthy circulation, protecting the liver and increasing blood flow to the heart, fetus, uterus, and kidneys.

When should you start using a pregnancy pillow?

Each woman is different, and you can start using a pregnancy pillow as early as you'd like. As soon as you start to feel your sleep is suffering, though, purchasing one is a good idea. For a lot of women, this happens when their bump begins to grow at around 20 weeks.

Heidi says, "You can use a pregnancy pillow from as early on as you like. Often, in second and third pregnancies, you can feel bigger sooner and therefore need one earlier. Otherwise, there is no set timing, so base this on your comfort levels. As soon as you start to feel different at night when sleeping and need to lay on your side more, this is a good time to invest in a pregnancy pillow."

What position should you sleep with a pregnancy pillow?

When expecting, the safest way to sleep is on your left side. Use the pillow to get as comfortable as possible. If you roll in your sleep, it is a good idea to get a U-shaped pillow which will keep you in the correct position. After your third trimester, going to sleep on your back increases your risk of stillbirth. And whilst we don't want this to become yet another worry, sleeping safely will lower your risk.

About the expert

Heidi Skudder is the founder of Positively Parenthood and one of the UK's leading early-years parent coaches. Having read psychology and started her career as a nanny, Heidi quickly identified the demand for high-quality, experienced-based support for new parents. Leveraging her hands-on experience, Heidi launched a sleep coaching business in 2011, helping new parents create positive sleep habits for their babies. This quickly became a successful consulting service, with parents worldwide turning to Heidi for support with their babies and toddlers.

Stephanie Spencer is the Hub Editor at Mother&Baby and currently pregnant with her first baby. She is also a proud auntie to four nieces and nephews. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.