We narrowed down the best pregnancy pillow options for you to relax with ahead of Baby's arrival.
You might think that your most trusted companion while pregnant will be your spouse, but veteran parents can tell you that it's actually your pregnancy pillow. Well before that baby arrives and newborn checklist items are secured, you'll be bonded with your pillow night after night—some might even have a hard time giving it up once the baby comes.
The good news is that many double as a breastfeeding pillow! If you're on the hunt for the best pregnancy pillow, we've narrowed down the options.
The most common shapes are U-shaped, J-shaped, C-shaped and wedges, according to Carrie Murphy, an Austin-based full-spectrum doula, with the U-shaped being the most popular. All the shapes support side-sleeping, the preferred position for pregnancy sleeping. There are a few considerations you need to think about before deciding on which pillow might be right for you.
Murphy says that comfort should come first. "Look for one that fits your needs," she says. "Some people are struggling with back pain, others need more support for their belly and still others need something between their knees when they sleep."
Other considerations should be the size of your bed, how hot or cold you sleep, and the firmness you like, and Murphy suggests checking with a physical therapist or doctor about the kind of pillow you need if you have physical concerns or injuries that might need to be discussed further.
For a mom-to-be who needs options, the Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool pillow is a winner. This pillow can be adjusted into many popular pregnancy pillow shapes, including C-shape and U-shape thanks to its jointed nature with a short and longer pillow in one. It's made from micro-bead filling that keeps you cool and the cover is machine washable.
There are even two fabrics for your preferences: stretchy on one side and non-stretchy on the other for belly support, depending on your needs. The pillow is compact and adaptable so it doesn't take your entire bed and fits neatly back into its case for travel.
Moms on a budget will love the function this wedge pillow brings at a fraction of the price of other pillows. It's adaptable to be soft or firm depending on what your belly needs and has two support sections, one that's squishy and soft and one that's more firm.
Its washable cover is cozy, too. For those who sleep hot, it has a foam layer designed to help with cooling you down while asleep and it has a carrying case to make travel easy. We love how easy it makes sleeping on your side.
Our review found it easy to tuck it below the left side for added cushioning and comfort, keeping uncomfortable hips aligned and your spine neatly supported. It makes sleeping with a pregnancy pillow less cumbersome than some larger-format options. This brand also makes our favorite Pack 'n Play mattress.
If an organic pillow is at the top of your list, then Newton Baby's pregnancy pillow is one of the best options. It offers an organic cotton surface that's breathable and comfortable thanks to its memory foam core. The shape is supportive and can be manipulated into a U, J or C-shape for pregnancy and can be used as a breastfeeding pillow after delivery.
Sometimes you might need more pillows, and extra-long styles can provide you with more support instead of having to invest in multiple styles to support different parts of your body. Comfortable and cozy, this pillow clocks in at 57 inches long and is akin to having a hug wrapped around you while offering maximum belly support.
It is filled with a blend that's supportive and comfortable and it's durable enough to hold its shape throughout your pregnancy.
You don't have to forgo your pregnancy pillow if you're traveling. This pillow from the popular brand Boppy is an excellent travel companion, weighing less than half a pound. Its machine-washable cover comes in a cute, soft jersey fabric and will get the job done on the road without taking over your entire suitcase.
Over 88,000 people have tested and rated the Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow, raving about everything from its shape to its cooling effect. Measuring 53 inches long and 31 inches wide, it encompasses a whole (tired) pregnant person for the most support. Its popular U-shape is good for side sleeping and can be used to prop yourself up or for breastfeeding.
There's a detachable extension to use it as a full-body sleeping pillow, and the thin cover has a cooling effect to keep you comfortable at night. It makes just about any sleeping position easy and comfortable thanks to loads of extra support.
You'll be with your pregnancy pillow most nights, so it could make sense to invest in a pillow that has all the bells and whistles. bbhugme's pregnancy pillow is made from a cotton and jersey spandex blend and comes in aesthetically pleasing colors like dusty pink and eucalyptus.
Its award-winning adjustable shape is ergonomic, and the extra-long shape offers a five-point body support for your belly, pelvis, lower back, knees and ankles. Its firmness can be adjusted by on either side to help get you through your body's changes and the inner pillow has pressure-relieving microbeads for comfort.
The machine washable cover is removable, too.
Experts:
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