Pregnancy can be a very challenging time in a woman’s life. Your body is changing rapidly, and the influx of hormones seem to amplify every ache and pain. As you progress through the stages of pregnancy, it becomes more and more important every day to make sure that you take advantage of the limited chances you have for a good night’s sleep. Because every mother’s body is different, it’s impossible to make a cut and dry recommendation as to which is the “best”.
As my wife and I have been blessed with three beautiful children, we are intimately aware of all the hardships expecting mothers experience. With her help, I’ve assembled a list of the best pregnancy pillows on the market and identified the specific benefits to mothers of all body-types.
Top Pregnancy Pillows on the Market
#1 Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity/Pregnancy Total Body Pillow, Ivory
This is one of the best-selling body pillows on Amazon. Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your neck, back, hips and legs. While many mothers utilize an arsenal of pillows to build their own creative support solutions, Snoogle owners only need one.
The unique design provides unparalleled support to all of your hot-spots. For the first 6 months of pregnancy, use it with the spine of the pillow inwards. This will provide additional support and comfort for your growing tummy, while gently providing a relaxing little nook to hold your head.
As you move towards the 6-month mark, the spine should face the back to compensate for the additional strain placed on your back. Although this product is very large, the included cover is easily removable and can be machine washed! This makes pillow care much easier, leaving you more time to prepare for motherhood.
Ideal for. Mothers experiencing back and neck pain, mothers who have a hard time finding a comfortable sleeping position.
Not ideal for. Sleeping with a partner.
#2 PharMeDoc C Shaped Full Body Pregnancy Pillow with Jersey Cover
Similar to our previous pillow, this model has a few important modifications. It features a tighter design ideal for smaller-bodied mothers. When used with the spine behind you, the leg curl almost reaches the upper portion of the pillow.
This is vital for providing lower back support to slimmer mothers as your body goes through major changes. The material is a little firmer, helping to keep you in a positive postural position throughout the night.
The material is more movable with this model, and can be shaped to your specific body type. For moms who have a moment to relax and read a book in bed, the pillow will curl up into a unit ideal for easing back pressure while sitting up in bed.
Ideal for. Petite mothers.
Not ideal for. Users who require a firmer pillow.
#3 Web Linens Inc Oversized 19″ x 130″ Total Body Pregnancy/Maternity Pillow
This is a unique design created for individuals who like to sleep on their back. The U shape is designed to provide support to your back, arms, neck, and tummy all while keeping your spine in a relaxed position. The included “Sherpa cover” is known for being extremely soft and easy to clean.
Sleeping on your back with your head elevated is ideal for anyone who experiences pregnancy related heartburn. When sleeping like this it is important not to put too much undue strain on your neck – this can only compound aches and pains.
That’s why this pillow is made of extremely fluffy and soft material. While this would normally provide a very flat uneven pillow, the shape and size of this one help keep the stuffing where it belongs.
Ideal for. Back sleepers, those who suffer from heartburn.
Not ideal for. Those who like to move around in their sleep.
#4 Veratex Schmoozi Pillow
This pillow is definitely one of my wife’s favorites! She has always been a side-sleeper, but also suffers from heartburn. It’s really hard to find a pillow that supports your back, neck, legs and shoulders while also allowing the user’s head to lay in a gently elevated position. As your body grows, some users may want to roll slightly onto their back.
In this case back support is no longer idea as the mattress provides this. There are two polyester covers that hold the back pillow in place, and these are both zippered so it can be removed if you desire. If you’ve read other pages on my blog, you know that there are many pillows that were custom designed to alleviate neck problems.
One of the drawbacks with pregnancy pillows is that you lose the unique support you need. With the Schmoozi, the built in neck pillow is also removable. This allows you to replace it with the pillow type that best meets your needs.
Ideal for. Mothers who suffer from heartburn, snoring and like to sleep on their site. Individuals who already have a specialized neck pillow.
Not ideal for. Those who want a firmer pillow.
#5 QUEEN ROSE U Shaped Double Sided Pregnancy Pillow with Cotton Cover
The ergonomic U shaped design of this pregnancy pillow makes it feel like you are sleeping in heaven. It contours to every curve and can accommodate your growing belly. It is also super soft and is long enough to support your entire body. Adding on to the ergonomic design, this pillow also works miracles for pain sufferers.
With this pillow, you can get a pain free, drug free, night worth of sleep. It has been proven to help relieve pain associated with pregnancy, nursing, fibromyalgia, sciatica, gastric reflux, congestion, and carpal tunnel. This is one of the most versatile pillows I have ever come across. You can use it in almost any position and any situation.
It is great for reading, relaxing, sleeping, watching the television, and after the baby comes, it works great for nursing. The 100% cotton cover is super soft and extra durable. You know that big t-shirt you have that you put on when you just want to lounge around? That’s exactly what this pillow is like, a giant t-shirt that just envelopes and perfectly cradles you.
Ideal for. Mothers who suffer from pains caused by pregnancy, nursing, or congestion.
Not ideal for. Those who are not comfortable with an ergonomic design.
#6 Bonus Accessory: ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow for Sciatica Relief, Back Pain, Leg Pain, Pregnancy, Hip & Joint Pain
A very common problem for pregnant women is sciatica. This is more than just simple back pain. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body, starting at your lower back and running down to your ankles. If you are experiencing a shooting pain starting at your back and moving down the back of your legs, you are suffering from sciatica.
Fortunately, this is a very easy problem to solve. Sciatica is caused by the extra pressure being put on your lower back, and can be alleviated by ensuring your legs remain slightly separated throughout the night. This Pain Relief Knee pillow can be used with the ComfiLife to provide full relief from the pains of Sciatica.
Wrap Up. With all of the pains and strains expectant mothers experience during pregnancy, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember that there are many mothers, like you, going through the same experiences. There are also many products on the market that specifically address the changes you are going through.
Remember to communicate with other mothers. Sharing your experiences can help you feel understood. Many of these mothers may even have their own creative solutions to your most troubling issues.