Shorter nights as your belly grows, the quest for a comfortable position turning into a nightly struggle, aches and pains in your back or hips… Pregnancy changes everything, and sleep is often the first casualty. This is where the pregnancy pillow, also known as a maternity pillow, comes in: an ally designed to provide targeted support and give moms-to-be the comfort they deserve.
But with a jungle of models, shapes, and materials to choose from, how do you make the right choice? To help you make sense of it all, our editors break down the essential criteria and present our selection of the best pregnancy pillows available today.
Before you start shopping, here are the key points to guide your decision.
The shape of the pillow is crucial, as it determines which areas of your body get relief. The most popular model is the U-shaped pregnancy pillow. It envelops the entire body, offering simultaneous support for your head, neck, back, belly, and knees. Say goodbye to the nightly pillow shuffle! While other shapes exist (like C-shaped, J-shaped, or modular designs), the U-shape remains the gold standard for a full-body pillow for pregnant women seeking comprehensive support.
Never overlook these two aspects: how it feels against your skin and how easy it is to clean.
A good pregnancy pillow is a smart purchase that will serve you long after delivery. It transforms into a nursing pillow to prop your baby up to the right height without tiring you out, or becomes your best friend for reading in bed and relieving back tension. Thinking about its future uses makes your investment even more worthwhile.
Here are the models that caught our editors' attention, each one meeting a specific need during and after pregnancy.
Why it stands out: This model is all about versatility. It's designed to support you during pregnancy, but especially to transform into an excellent nursing pillow after birth, with a clever safety barrier to keep the baby securely in place.
Pros:
Who is it for? For moms-to-be who are thinking long-term and looking for a 2-in-1 product that truly excels as a multi-functional nursing pillow after the baby arrives.
Why it stands out: This is the ultimate cocoon. With its enveloping U-shape and ultra-soft crystal velvet cover, it promises all-around support and, finally, restful nights. The ideal solution for sleeping while pregnant and saying goodbye to pregnancy back pain.
Pros:
Who is it for? For all pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters, who dream of total support to soothe aches (sciatica, back, hips) and get back to quality sleep.
Why it stands out: Its key feature? A cover made from a cooling technical fabric. The perfect solution for those who tend to get too hot at night—a common, hormone-related pregnancy symptom.
Pros:
Who is it for? For moms-to-be who dread nighttime hot flashes or are going through their pregnancy in the middle of summer. A targeted choice for anyone whose priority is to stay cool.
If these models don't check all your boxes or if you want to explore other solutions for you and your baby, take a look at our complete catalog.
Discover our full range of baby pillows on Joybuy.
1. When should I start using a pregnancy pillow? Trust your body! There's no absolute rule, but the need often arises during the second trimester. This is when the belly starts to grow and finding a good position becomes a real challenge. Let your comfort be your guide.
2. How do I sleep with a U-shaped pregnancy pillow? It's very intuitive. Place the base of the U under your head like a regular pillow. Then, tuck one of the long sides along your back and the other along your belly, placing your knees over it. This cocoon-like position stabilizes the body, aligns the spine, and relieves pressure on the hips and back.
3. Can I use a pregnancy pillow after giving birth? Absolutely! In fact, that's one of its biggest advantages. Once rolled up, it transforms into an excellent nursing pillow that supports the baby and gives your arms a rest. It can also be used as a small nest to prop the baby up in a sitting position (always with supervision) or simply as a comfortable backrest for your reading time.