The best pregnancy pillows for supported and comfortable sleep

Growing a baby can be a gruelling business on your body, but having one of the best pregnancy pillows in your arsenal will help alleviate your aches and pains. Tiredness and insomnia are common when you are expecting, but a pregnancy pillow can have you sleeping like a baby.

Whether you're looking for a pregnancy pillow to alleviate back and hip pain, to keep you cool and comfortable in the night, a longer pillow that is better for taller mums, or one to help with those tired night feeds when the baby arrives, we've compiled the very best pregnancy pillows on the market to make the choice as easy as can be. We also spoke to parent sleep expert Heidi Skudder from Positively Parenthood to ensure you are getting the best advice.

Designed to support your bump, hips, legs, neck and back, particularly during the second and third trimesters, they're also known as maternity pillows or body pillows and tend to be much larger than regular pillows.

There are many different types, and some can even be used for a nursing pillow or for tummy time when your baby arrives. They can be made from a range of different materials, are available in various levels of firmness and may have a cover to make cleaning simple and easy - all factors that should be taken into account when deciding on which one to buy.

Finding how to sleep when you're pregnant can often be a case of trial and error. Whether you're struggling with hormones, finding a comfortable position, or being woken in the night by leg cramps or restless legs, utilising one of the best-rated pregnancy pillows will (hopefully) help you rest easier during the night.

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 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.

How we tested and chose the best pregnancy pillows

We spoke with 12 mums who have tried and tested products in our Mother & Baby Awards to find out what pregnancy pillows they used and 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, plus have considered different budgets, space requirements, customer reviews and brand reputations.

We asked our pool of pregnant mum testers to test each pregnancy pillow for their 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

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. Whereas 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, you will need to pick a pillow 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 your 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 3 am 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. If you want to prioritise good sleep and comfort during your pregnancy (which you deserve), then they are always a good idea."

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 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-time 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.

A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.