Mom-Approved Best Pregnancy Pillows to Help You Sleep Better While Pregnant

What we like about it: Of all the pregnancy pillows I tested, I found myself reaching for the Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow the most. This lightweight cylinder-shaped pillow is filled with microbeads to allow for proper airflow and keep you cool. It's also fully adjustable and can be molded into a U, C, L or I-shape. Because it's moldable, it also gets less in the way if you share a bed compared to a traditional full-body pregnancy pillow.

This pillow was the best fit for me and my needs throughout the majority of my pregnancy, but it may be more suitable during the second trimester, as your belly grows and you need some support when you sleep on your side.

Who it’s best for: If you want a pillow that isn’t too big and cooling, the Frida Mom is a good option. You can wrap your legs around it if you need extra hip support, which is common during pregnancy. I also appreciated how the pillow didn't overheat and remained comfortably cool throughout the night. This is key during the summer since most people sweat more when pregnant. I even caught my husband napping with it one time, so if you're generally a side-sleeper, you will enjoy this pillow. Another plus is that the cover is machine washable, so if you tend to sweat at night, you can wash it easily.

Who shouldn’t buy it: This isn't the firmest pillow on the list, so if you're not into a softer option, this may not be the right fit for you. If you're heavily pregnant and want ultimate support all around, you'll also find this pillow lacking. In that case, you may be better off with a full-body pillow. 

This pillow is part of our Editors’ Choice 2024 roundup.

What we like about it: If you're looking for a side-sleeper pillow that offers some back and belly support that you can adjust throughout your pregnancy, you'll love the Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Pillow. It consists of a round, flat pillow wedge to support the belly and a triangle wedge for the lower back. There's a Velcro belt across the middle of the two pillows, which you can adjust according to the space your body needs. This was one of my favorite features on this pillow since you can use it throughout all the trimesters as your belly grows. It's also travel-friendly thanks to its compact size. 

I'd recommend the Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Pillow for most people during the second trimester as your belly grows, but some might not find it supportive enough during the third trimester when most people experience extra discomfort that comes with the final weeks of pregnancy. 

Who it’s best for: The side-sleeper pillow is ideal for those looking for a pillow that specifically supports their belly and back when they sleep on their side. It’s also ideal if you want a pregnancy pillow that is adjustable as your belly grows. Due to its smaller size, it’s a good choice if you’re traveling while pregnant or if you share a bed with a partner. 

Who shouldn’t buy it: One aspect I found a little uncomfortable was having to adjust the pillow throughout the night every time I shifted sleeping positions. If I started off sleeping on my right side and changed to the left, I'd have to make sure I grabbed both pillows right side up, otherwise the Velcro strap would flip one side upside down. If you’re someone who moves around a lot in their sleep, this aspect might be a nuisance for you as well. This is a smaller pillow compared to some of the others, so if you're looking for something that offers more head or hip support, you're better off with a full-body pillow. 

What we like about it: The Momcozy Maternity Body Pillow was one of the better pregnancy pillows I tested because it has a cooling pillowcase cover and it's breathable, so you don't overheat. This was important to me, since being heavily pregnant in the middle of summer meant I was constantly trying to stay cool. It especially helped during the third trimester when I needed more support and cushioning around me. I already sleep with the air conditioner on full blast, but between the AC and this cooling body pillow, I didn't feel overheated throughout the night. 

The cover is also machine-washable, so you can remove it easily during laundry day. This pillow is plush enough that you don't need a regular pillow for your head -- unless you like your head more elevated while you sleep. The other good thing about this pillow is that the memory foam holds its shape no matter your sleeping position. I slept on both of my sides and laid on my back, and it never felt like it was sinking or losing plushness. 

Who it’s best for: This pillow is best if you like feeling like you’re being hugged all around while you’re sleeping. Since it’s a full-body pillow, it wraps around so you can easily change positions and feel supported from all angles. The cooling aspect is also beneficial, so you don’t overheat while you sleep. 

Who shouldn’t buy it: If you have limited space in your bed, a full-size pregnancy body pillow such as this one will probably be a nuisance. I have a queen-sized bed and it fit comfortably, but if you have a smaller bed, it will take over the majority of the bed. If you favor sleeping with your own pillow, then that might not work with this body pillow since it’s cushioned all around. This isn’t ideal for side sleepers who don’t need additional support around their body. In this case, I’d recommend other side-sleeper-friendly pillows like the Frida Mom Adjustable Pillow or the Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow wedge.

What we like about it: The Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge was my go-to pillow during the second trimester when my belly was starting to grow and I needed a little support as I slept. It takes up minimal space, so if you share a bed, your partner won't feel cramped. It's small enough that it can be used for traveling and comes with its own travel bag, which is always a plus. 

It has a soft CertiPur-US memory foam on one side, and is breathable and remains cool thanks to its airflow technology. The pillow cover is also machine washable. And if you ever ruin your pillow, Hiccapop has a generous lifetime guarantee policy where it will send you a replacement free of charge. 

Who it’s best for: This pillow is best for someone who wants a portable and easy-to-carry pillow from room to room or when traveling. It’s ideal if you’re lounging on the couch or need a pillow that offers mainly belly support. It's also versatile enough that you can use it for back or knee support if you need it while sitting or lying down. 

Who should avoid it: If you're looking for more of a traditional pregnancy pillow that offers support all at once for your hips, back and belly, I'd recommend one of the full-body pregnancy pillows on this list.

Cons:

• Doesn't offer all around support the way a full-body pillow does

Rating

• Firmness: Medium soft (3 to 4)
• Support: Medium soft (3 to 4)