A Complete Guide To The Best Pregnancy and Body Pillows
Contents
If you’re pregnant, you’ll know first hand how difficult it can be to sleep comfortably with a growing bump. It’s a cruel trick of nature that just when you feel you should be optimising sleep while you still can, the many discomforts of pregnancy can make this seem impossible.
Sleep matters during pregnancy. A study has shown that women in their ninth month who slept less than 6 hours a night had longer labors and were more likely to have a cesarean delivery.
That study found a link, not proof that more sleep shortens labor.
Position matters too. The NHS says the safest way to fall asleep after 28 weeks is on your side, left or right, because going to sleep on your back has been linked to a higher risk of stillbirth. If you wake up on your back, just roll onto your side.
So you know you need more sleep in theory, but it's not always as simple as that. This is where finding the right pregnancy pillow can make all the difference in helping you get the rest you need.
To help you in your search for better sleep, the best body pillow for pregnancy is essential. We've compiled a list of the 5 best:
1. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, Ivory
If you’re looking for the best pregnancy pillow, you can’t go too far wrong with this very popular pillow from Leachco!
The Snoogle supports your back, which many women find eases lower back discomfort.
You can tuck part of it between your knees to keep your hips aligned while you sleep on your side.
It also cradles your bump and can raise your head a little, which some women find more comfortable if they have heartburn.
The brand says it was designed by a registered nurse and mom, and it's one of the best-selling pregnancy pillows.
2. PharMeDoc Total Body Pillow
This PharMeDoc Total Body pillow is undoubtedly one of the best body pillows for pregnancy.
The unique design from PharmeDoc will allow you to sleep comfortably in any position, aligning your hips for neutral joint and spinal positioning.
This pillow fully contours to your body and is ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers and pregnant women. The brand describes the cover as 100% cotton. Check the current listing for return terms.
3. Dream Genii Maternity Support Pillow
This dual-purpose pregnancy pillow supports your back, bump and knees all at the same time.
The quilted pad and back support cushion will provide you with maximum comfort during the night, while helping you stay on your side.
The Dream Genii maternity pillow is slimmer than other models but has specific padding for targeted support where you need it most.
It's a popular pick if you want a smaller pillow that takes up less of the bed.
4. U Shaped-Premium Contoured Body Pregnancy Maternity Pillow
The U Shaped- Premium Contoured Body Pregnancy Pillow surrounds you on both sides, so you don't have to rearrange pillows when you turn over.
The U Shaped Premium Contoured Body Pillow provides both back and stomach support at the same time.
It also has two contoured “legs” perfect for back and side sleepers alike.
The inner-shaped contours have been designed to follow the natural shape of your body and curves, relieving stress on the pregnant body.
That's not all. By tucking it between your knees, elevating your head, and aligning your hips it will help relieve strain on joints.
5. Queen Rose ZZZ's U-Shape Pregnancy Support Pillow
This U-shaped body pillow supports your back and bump at the same time.
The U-shaped pillow cradles your body from head to toe – whether you’re sleeping, relaxing, or feeding your newborn into the small hours – providing maximum comfort and support to both you and your baby.
It's soft and helps you stay comfortably on your side. A pillow can't change your baby's position, lower blood pressure or treat swelling, so tell your midwife or doctor about sudden swelling, bad headaches or vision changes.
For extra comfort, try tucking it between your knees to relieve strain on joints.
Conclusion
As a new or expectant mother, it's important to maximise on sleep when you have the opportunity. You’ll also want to sleep in the best position for both you and your baby. After 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side, and most women find stomach sleeping uncomfortable well before then.
Any one of our five pregnancy pillows can help you stay comfortable on your side. Ask your midwife or doctor if you have pain or trouble sleeping.
All that’s left to do is to decide which is the best pillow for you – and if you’re anything like me, you won’t want to let it go, long after you’re out of your maternity jeans!
Sources
- Stillbirth: Preventing stillbirth, NHS
- Sleep in late pregnancy predicts length of labor and type of delivery, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
