Struggling to sleep while you’re pregnant? The good news is that finding the right pillow can really help
Even before their baby arrives to disrupt their slumber, many expectant mums find that it can be near impossible to find a comfortable sleeping position. Thankfully, there are pregnancy pillows. Designed to offer comfort, support and pain relief, these miraculous (and simple) bedfellows can help you to enjoy some proper rest throughout your third trimester.
Why do I need a pregnancy pillow?
The NHS recommends side sleeping from week 28 of pregnancy, particularly on the left side to optimise blood flow. A pregnancy pillow is an ergonomic tool designed to align your spine and keep you comfortably anchored on your side while also taking pressure off any aching joints. From full-body styles to wedges, V-shaped or U-shaped, here’s everything you need to know.
Best overall and adjustable: Momcozy U Pro Cool Feeling Pregnancy Pillow
An upgrade of traditional U-shaped pillows, Momcozy’s slide leg pillow allows you to customise the angle for effortless nighttime movement. The 5-point contouring cradles your head, back, hips and legs in optimal spinal alignment, plus cooling technology makes it especially helpful during summer.
Best for full-body cushioning: bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow
Pronounced ‘bee bee hug me’, bbhugme’s versatile full-length, sausage-like pillow (with microbead filling) was designed by female Norwegian health professionals. The silicone clamps at each end mean the shape and firmness can be easily adjusted to suit your needs, and the super-soft cover is machine washable.
Best modular/multi-stage: BellaMoon 3-in-1 Pregnancy And Nursing Pillow
This C-shaped, multi-functional pillow from BellaMoon promotes a neutral sleeping position by elevating legs and separating your hips. At full size it’s 1.4 metres long, but it transforms instantly into different configurations; simply unzip sections you don’t want to get support exactly where you need it.
Best for back pain: Tutti Bambini Bliss Pregnancy Pillow
A long, flexible support pillow that effortlessly adapts as your body changes, Tutti Bambini’s design cushions your back and hips with soft, bead-filled support. Super-malleable, it can be curled around you to alleviate specific aches and pains, or stretched out for full-body support.
Best for side sleepers: Momcozy F-Shaped Maternity Body Pillow
An F-shaped design can help maintain a side-sleeping position by providing support to your back, belly, legs and neck all in one. Momcozy’s design features a premium silk-cotton cover for luxe comfort, as well as an adjustable belly wedge, attached with velcro, that you can shift to fit your bump.
Best budget pick: John Lewis J Shape Baby Nursing and Maternity Pillow
This no-frills J-shape pillow offers soft, versatile support for your changing body and, as it’s smaller and lighter than other styles, it’s a great option to travel with. Both the inner pillow and outer cover are washable at 40 degrees, which is great as it transforms into a nursing pillow once your little one arrives.
Pregnancy pillow FAQs:
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?
Whenever you like; typically they come in handy during the second trimester (week 20) when your bump gets bigger and you may begin experiencing aches and pains.
Can I use a pregnancy pillow for nursing after my baby is born?
Many parents continue to use theirs as a nursing pillow or to support their baby during bottle feeding – and some people never stop sleeping with theirs! If you do plan to continue to use yours for nursing, a removable, washable cover is vital.
How do I stop my pregnancy pillow from taking over the whole bed?
As well as choosing a firmness that you feel comfortable with, it’s a good idea to check the measurements of your chosen design before purchase to ensure that it will align with your bed space, as well as your needs.
Is a C, J or U shaped pillow better for pregnancy?
If you have a medical condition, speak to your midwife or a professional about the best pregnancy pillow shape for you. Otherwise, all styles are supportive, and it comes down to sleep style and filling preference; microbeads, hollowfibre or foam.
