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What is the best maternity pillow?

Most moms look forward to having a big pregnant bump. In reality your new big round tummy can cause a lot of discomfort during the night. Comfortable sleep can be a big problem as your baby grows. If you are fed up of tossing and turning, a maternity pillow will help you get a good night’s sleep.

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What is the best maternity pillow? Your growing bump can make your really uncomfortable during pregnancy. A maternity pillow offers support for your back, legs, hips and bump. No more painful and restless night sleep. Plus find out how they are useful when baby arrives too. Stork Mama

But hold on, there is a lot of choice. Which one is right for you? Stork Mama have developed this buying guide for you to identify your pillow needs. Once you know this you can choose the best maternity pillow for you.

Contents

This guide will cover everything you need to know about maternity pillows. There is a lot of reading but you don’t need to do it all at one. Remember to bookmark this page or pin this page for later reading.  Need information now? Then skip down to the section you want.

Let’s start buy checking out our reviews of the most popular maternity pillows available.

Best Maternity Pillow Reviews

1. Leachco Snoogle

Shape: C Shape Total Body

Filling: 100% polyester fiberfill

  • Best Seller
  • Removable Cover
  • Contoured

Our Verdict

The Leachco Snoogle is the bestselling maternity pillow on Amazon. It was designed by a mom and nurse who know exactly how difficult pregnancy sleep can be. The pillow supports the whole body with two curved ends. The fabric is lightweight polyester which is fairly flexible and not overly firm.  The open C shape is perfect for moms recovering from C-section without applying pressure to your wound.

The long length is comfortable for women of all sizes are it can curve into your preferred position. The cover can be removed and washed, however a zipped cover will cost extra. It’s also a great option for breastfeeding moms to position baby on your lap. It’s a little pricey but will last a long time, plus it’s made in the USA so you are buying local.

2. Boppy Pregnancy Wedge

Shape: Wedge

Filling: Foam

  • Inexpensive
  • 100% Cotton Cover
  • Compact
  • Portable

Our Verdict

The Boppy pregnancy wedge is our most affordable maternity pillow option. You’ll get a lot of use out of this pillow for a great price. The wedge shape provides you with sleep support for your tummy or knees. It can also be used as a chair cushion to tilt your hips into a natural seated position. IT can also support your back in pregnancy or for good nursing positions.

The foam insert is firm and holds up well over time. You’ll feel supported but comfortable at the same time. It’s really lightweight and portable for traveling or storage. The compact size means it won’t impact on your partner’s side of the bed. The cover is removable for easy cleaning.

3. Comfort U Total Body Support Pillow

Shape: U Shape Total Body

Filling:  Fusion Fiberfill

  • Supports body sides
  • Prevent overheating
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Maintains Shape

Our Verdict

The Comfort U maternity pillow is like sleeping on a big fluffy cloud. The secret is the soft filling designed to hold its shape and allow easy air flow.  This pillow is available is a full size and a petite size depending on your height. The U shape will prevent you tossing and turning all night, and help keep your body properly aligned.

The pillow doesn’t come with a cover but you can was the pillow itself. The best thing is that filling is designed to prevent clumping together. You can also by separate pillow covers if you prefer to avoid washing the whole pillow. Let’s face it, this thing is huge and does take up a lot of room. But if you want an amazing night’s sleep the price tag is totally worth it.

4. Leachco Back ‘N Belly Contoured

Shape: U Shape Total Body

Filling: 100% polyester fiber fill

  • Large size
  • Suitable for twin pregnancies
  • Contoured support
  • Removable Pillow Cover with zip

Out Verdict

The Leachco Back ‘N Belly Contoured is the largest maternity pillow on our list. If you need a big pillow then this is the one for you. The shape of the pillow offed aligned support as well as head, arm and knee support. Honestly it’s so big we wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with a bed smaller than a king size. Otherwise your partner will have not room to sleep!

The cover is removable for convenient washing. There are reports of an uncomfortable seam at the shoulder curve, however you can buy replacement covers for the pillow. This pillow is highly recommended for those with hip or back pain because of the great support it provides. It really help align your body without having to move numerous pillows about during the night.

5. Body Pillow by Snuggle-Pedic

Shape: Straight Body Pillow

Filling: Bamboo Memory Foam

  • Molds to your shape
  • Made in the USA
  • Keeps you cool

Our Verdict

If you are a cool sleeper then the Snuggle-Pedic is the body pillow for you. The bamboo filling really helps to cut down on the heat of the extra fabric. The shredded memory foam filling makes it so soft. This also helps to hold its shape over time. Even if it get lumpy you can tumble dry and return it to the original shape.

This is a great options for side and stomach sleepers. Perfect for cuddling or even wrapping your legs around for extra support. This pillow is wide enough to support twin bumps with ease. It’s quite expensive but we think it’s a great investment to make as it can be used long after your baby arrives.

Maternity Pillow Buying Guide Reviews

Knowing what features to look out for will help you narrow down your choices. When comparing maternity pillows keep these categories in mind. The pillow which performs best in the areas you need is the best choice for you.

Shape

Maternity pillows come in a few various shapes which offer different benefits.

Wedge – This pillow is designed for supporting one area of the body. Common places to use a wedge are under your bump, back or knees. These pillows are known to provide firm support. They are inexpensive and space saving. You will still need to use a head pillow.

Straight – Similar to a head pillow but fits the length of your body. These pillows are straight and filled with regular polyester stuffing.  They are designed to offer a ‘cuddling’ support for your body and legs. This is a great option is you regularly place a regular pillow between your knees or under your bump. The full length pillow will stay in place rather than migrate all over the bed as you move.

C Shape – This shape will provide support for your whole body. The emphasis is support for the back with contoured areas for the arms and legs.  This style is perfect for those who need back support. They are also great if you can’t get comfortable in your preferred sleep position.

U Shape – This style provides contoured support for both the front and back of the body. Most sleep positions are aided with this pillow shape. These pillows are very large and provide a lot of support. They also take up a lot of room and can be quite expensive.

Support

Length – Consider your height and how long the pillow is. If you are tall you’ll want a pillow that accommodates your length comfortably. If you are small you may want to consider a petite length so the pillow is not oversized. Your torso length will affect how the pillow will fit around your waist.

Flexibility – Do you want your pillow to fold you in place or allow for easy re-positioning? C shape pillow offer most flexibility. Wedges and U shape pillows are designed to keep you aligned during your sleep.

Contour – This can help to provide a more snug fit in desired areas.  Women often prefer extra support at their head, tummy, and knees.

Ease of use

Consider how easy your pregnancy pillow will be to use when you are in bed at night. Is it practical for everyday use and with your partner in the bed?

Portability – Lightweight and compact maternity pillows are best using throughout the day. Put in your car, take to work or for traveling. Large, total body pillows are only really suitable for home use as they are not very portable.

Size – Consider how much room your pillow will take up in the bed. Wedges won’t take up much room. Total body pillows take up a lot of room. Take into consideration how large you bed is and if it can fir the pillow. If you have a small bed but want body support, a straight pillow is probably the best option. You may need a larger pillow if you are:

  • Plus sized
  • Tall
  • Carrying multiples

Storage – Where will your pillow be stored when not in use? Wedges can store away easily in a cupboard or on a chair. Straight body pillows can be used as a decorative pillow throughout the day. Due to their large size you may need to keep a total body pillow on your bed all the time.

Cleaning

Machine washable – A maternity pillow which can be machine washed is convenient are hygienic. Some pillows are only recommended for spot cleaning.

Removable Covers – Protect your pillow form any nasty stains or spills with a removable cover. These can be taken off and machine washed. You can also replace the covers to match your bedroom décor.

Materials

Eco Friendly – There are some maternity pillows filled with natural fibers such as wool, kapok or buckwheat. These options are natural and don’t use man made fibers.  These pillows can often be harder to clean or heavier in weight.

Protectant – Some maternity pillows will have a ‘new’ smell to them. This is often a fire protectant coating to the fabric. It’s nest to let the pillow air for a few day before using. This will help the chemical smell fade.

Hypoallergenic – Pregnancy can kick off some weird allergies and sensitivities. Your nose become particularly sensitive in pregnancy. Look out for pillows made with hypoallergenic fibres to prevent irritation whilst you sleep.

Quality – A high quality filling will withstand a lot of use before misshaping. Following instruction to get the best from your pillow. Poor quality pillows will flatten and become lumpy after a few months of use.

Comfort

Padding – The pad should provide the right amount of support you prefer. A firm stuffed or foam filled pillow will provide sturdy support, but can be bulky. A soft filled pillow is quite flexible but may not offer enough support for some moms.

Support – Your body should feel almost weightless with your body pillow. All those areas which need aligned or supported should be taking all that extra weight off your frame.

Flexibility – Shaped pillows can often be use to form into different shapes. This will help you sleep in various positions or provide additional support at certain parts of the body.

Cost

You’ll find a maternity pillow to suit most price ranges. You usually pay for the ore pillow you want. So wedges are the cheapest and total body pillows the most expensive. A pregnancy pillow will cost you $15 – $100.

Maternity Pillow Benefits

If you are unsure if a maternity pillow is for you then read the benefits they will offer you.

Better Sleep

The number one reasons most moms will buy a pregnancy pillow. You can wave a good sleep goodbye when you’re pregnant. You have extra weight, aches, pains and squashed bladder to thank for that. A pregnancy pillow can help to relieve those pains and get even a few more hours of rest. You will also help your parent get a better sleep if you minimize your tossing and turning at night.

Correct positioning

You bulging belly will cause extra strains on your body. Your back will curve a little more to compensate.  Any time you lie on your back or your side your organs squash all the other as they compete for space. A maternity pillow can fill the gaps between your body and the bed or chair. The extra support will help align your body into a more normal position.

Preventing Pain

All that extra strain on your back and hips has to give. Back, pelvic, knee and neck pain are very common in pregnancy. It’s worse if you can’t get comfortable in your normal sleep position. Support for you tummy or back will leave you waking up feeling refresh rather than crippled.

Nursing pillow

A maternity pillow can also be used as a nursing pillow when baby arrives. The best type for this is the flexible C shape pillows. You can wrap the pillow around your back to offer extra support and help you sit up strain. The ends can position baby on your lap to aid breastfeeding positions.

Relieve Ailments

Pregnancy bring such wonderful side effects with it including snoring and acid reflux.  The extra weight and change to sleep positions makes these worse. A pregnancy pillow can help position your body and fix your position to prevent these happening. That means less glugging of antacids for you and a peaceful night for your partner.

Improve Mood

When you get a better sleep you won’t feel as run down or fatigued. You will be able to handle tasks with a clearer mind and a little less grumpy.  A maternity pillow will give you a better quality of sleep even if it is broken. You’ll be rested and ready to take on the day.

Best Maternity Pillow Recommendations

If you have a specific body shape or sleep position it can affect the type of pillow you should choose. Here are our recommendations.

Sleep Positions

Side Sleepers

This is the recommended position for pregnancy sleep. It allows better blood flow to baby and prevents you from feeling lightheaded. All types of pregnancy pillows are suitable for you if you prefer side sleeping.

Stomach Sleepers

It’s a tricky position when once your bump starts to grow. Most often front sleepers will become semi-side sleepers. A U shaped body pillow can help to elevate your side and let your bump hang as you get bigger. Some moms have even used pregnancy massage cushions if they just can’t get comfortable in any other position.

Back Sleepers

Lying flat on your back can be problematic as your bump grows. The extra weight on your nerves can cause you to feel lightheaded when lying flat. The best billow for a back sleeper is one which can provide full length back support. This helps give you the desired back support when on your side.

Body Shapes

Plus Size

A flexible body pillow is the best option to allow you to adjust around your body. The open end give you more room to ‘work with’ when you’re on the larger side. You should also look for a pillow that holds its shape well to prevent it become lumpy over time.

Petite

You want to avoid having too much pillow to contend with. Some brands will offer petite sizes of the full body pillows. A straight shaped pillow may also be enough for you to get comfortable.

Multiples

If you are carrying a bit of extra weight out front with twins or more, you’ll need extra support. We recommend a wide bull body pillow. This will provide support for your back and bigger tummy. The Back ‘N Belly Contoured is highly recommended by moms with multiples.

Maternity Pillow FAQ

What is a Maternity Pillow?

A maternity pillow is designed to provide cushioning and support for your body when you are pregnant. It is most commonly used to help pregnant women sleep. It can also be used for more comfortable sitting and nursing once baby arrives.

Do I need a maternity pillow?

We’ve discussed about the benefits of using a maternity pillow. Do you often:

  • Find yourself unable to sleep comfortable?
  • Have pregnancy induced or ongoing conditions (SPD, sciatica, nerve pain etc.)
  • Like to sleep on your back or stomach?
  • Steal your partner’s pillows to prop up your body when sleeping?

If you answered yes to any of these then you would benefit from using a pregnancy pillow.

Where Can I Buy a Pregnancy Pillow?

You can buy a maternity pillow for regular stores such as Babies R Us, Target or Bed ,Bath and Beyond. You will probably find the biggest selection online. Amazon usually have the best range, prices and accessories. If you have an online registry search to see if they have a body pillow available and add it to your wish list.