4 Best Pregnancy Pillows

What is a pregnancy pillow?

A pregnancy pillow is designed with mommies in mind. With a pregnancy pillow, your tummy will be supported and your body pain will be eased. As your tummy grows, it gets more and more difficult to comfortably sleep. You obviously can no longer sleep on your stomach. As you lie on your side, your stomach rolls over, too causing back and hip pain. A pregnancy pillow supports your body and sort of ‘props’ you up while you lay on your side. It will comfortably hold you in place and prevent you from tossing and turning all night. Pregnancy pillows are also commonly known as maternity pillows.

What are the different types of pregnancy pillows?

There are so many different pregnancy pillows to choose from. Pregnancy pillows are made in different shapes, styles, sizes, and colors. Overwhelmed yet? Now, before you go out and buy any one of them, you want to make sure you choose one that’s best for you and your baby.

The pregnancy wedge pillow:

A wedge pillow is the shape of a wedge. Surprising, right? Pregnancy wedges are available in two different styles: the rounded wedge and the triangular wedge. They’re essentially the same thing, except one has rounded edges and one has straight ones. The wedge can slide under your tummy for back and hip relief or it can be placed behind your back to keep you sleeping on your side. It is one of the smallest (and cheapest) pregnancy pillow options out there. Since the wedge is so small, not only will it take up less space in bed, but also it can be taken with you wherever you go. Many mommies love to use them even after giving birth.

The full-length pregnancy pillow:

It is called a full-length pregnancy pillow because it runs along the length of your body from your head to your ankles. It gives you all the support you need without having to prop four to five pillows to get comfortable. In fact, you don’t need any additional pillows with this one –not even your head pillow. The full-length pillow is typically the length of 5-6 feet but if you are shorter in size, they make petite sizes available. Full-length pregnancy pillows are available in two different styles: straight and flexible. The straight full-length pillow looks like a standard pillow only longer. It’s a great affordable option, however, it doesn’t bend and twist as the flexible style does. The flexible full-length pillows actually bend and conform to whatever shape you want. While sleeping on your side, you place your legs and arms around it with the center of the pillow supporting your tummy. This pillow was designed to be hugged.

Total body pregnancy pillows:

This type of pregnancy pillow goes around your entire body. So basically, you get to curl up inside of them. The best news is, it conforms to your front and your back. This pregnancy pillow is perfect for any mommies-to-be who wake up with a sore back each morning. The total body pregnancy pillows are available in two different styles: C-shaped and U-shaped.

What are pregnancy pillows made of?

Pregnancy pillows are filled with different materials inside. The more expensive pillows will often have microbeads while the cheaper ones typically contain Styrofoam balls. Although affordable, pillows made with Styrofoam balls are noisy and not as supportive as microbeads. Pregnancy pillows can also be made with polyester fiber, memory foam, or natural and organic fillings such as wool.

What is the best body pillow?

The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow is the mother of all pregnancy pillows. This best selling pregnancy pillow was designed by a mom and follows the natural curves of the pregnant body. The Snoogle was uniquely designed to follow the natural contour and shape of your body from head to toe. It is a horseshoe-shaped pregnancy pillow that wraps around you like a snake. This 5ft long pillow hugs your front and back while you curl up inside. The extra-long midsection is the perfect width for back or tummy support. While the slightly curved end tucks snugly between the knees as it conforms to your body’s shape.

This pregnancy pillow is filled with high-quality hypoallergenic material. The filling consists of 100% polyester fiber making it super cozy. The Original and Basic Snoogle cover is made of 65% polyester/35% cotton blend. However, Snoogle also makes The Chic, which is 100% cotton; The Chic Organic, which is 100% organic cotton; and The Chic Jersey, which is 100% cotton jersey. The Snoogle also includes a removable cover that comes in six colors, making it convenient and easy to wash While it may be hard to justify spending more than $50 on a pillow and cover, think about how great it will be when you can finally sleep through the night again.

What is the best pregnancy wedge?

The Boppy Pregnancy Wedge is incredibly versatile and convenient. It can be wedged between the knees, belly, or back. The pregnancy wedge is, as the name suggests, shaped like a wedge. While there are triangular pregnancy wedges out there, the Boppy is a round pregnancy wedge. But, the best part about this pillow is the size. Wedges are the smallest type of pregnancy pillows made meaning it won’t take up much space in the bed. The compact size also makes it perfect for travel – either from city to city or home to office. Unlike most pillows that either have microbeads or Styrofoam beads, this pregnancy pillow is made with very firm polyurethane foam. If you’re wondering what poly foam is, just think of memory foam without the “slow-moving” properties. The outside of the pillow is made of a thick and soft cotton cover. Thanks to the convenient zipper, the cotton cover can be taken off for easy washing. At $15, this wedge is a very affordable option and one of the cheapest pregnancy pillows available. It’s so affordable that many moms get a second one -one for their knees or belly, and one for their back.

What is a Snoogle pillow?

The Snoogle is a pregnancy pillow designed and made by the brand Leachco. This brand is best known for their popular baby products, including the Snoogle. The horseshoe-shaped pregnancy pillow allows you to sleep comfortably through the night. The extra-long middle is the perfect width for complete back or tummy support. The slightly curved end tucks snugly between the knees, too. The Snoogle curves to your body’s shape keeping you cool and comfortable all night long. It comes in six styles, each made with different materials.

What is the V-shaped pillow for?

The V-shaped pillow was designed to give you extra support when sitting up in bed or while sitting in a chair. While sitting in bed, it goes behind your body with the v shape pointing down. For those of you who are breastfeeding, you can also benefit from this type of pillow. The V-shaped pillow goes on your lap with your baby on top. This position will help with your neck or shoulder pain since you won’t be bending down to the baby. Instead, the baby is elevated and comes to you.

How do you wash your pregnancy pillow?

You sleep with your pregnancy pillow daily; therefore it’s bound to accumulate dirt, oil, and sweat. Because of this, it should be washed frequently. Typically, you should wash your pillow on a gentle cycle using warm water and mild detergent. Your pregnancy pillow should be washed separately in the washing machine as it’s big and needs all the space it can get.

If your pillow is foam, it’s best to hand wash it. Foam can soak up a lot of water causing it to spoil (think of it like a sponge). Once washed, you can throw your pregnancy pillow directly in the dryer on low heat. Make sure to turn it and fluff it often so that it doesn’t lose its shape. You can also throw in a tennis ball, which helps the pillow maintain its structure. Of course, you should read the washing instructions stitched inside the pillow first since not all pillows are made the same.

How should I sleep during pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, it is best to sleep on your side. Even better, is to sleep on your left side. Sound silly? Let us explain. Sleeping on your left side increases the number of nutrients and blood that circulate to your baby. It is also best to keep your knees bent and put a pillow between them. While sleeping on your back may seem okay, it can cause unwanted problems. When you sleep on your back, your heavy abdomen rests on your intestines and major blood vessels. This can cause backaches, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, and decreases circulation from your heart to the baby.

Why does a pregnant woman need a pregnancy pillow?

Pregnant women don’t necessarily need a pregnancy pillow. However, pregnancy is oftentimes very uncomfortable, especially during the night. Many times while a woman who is pregnant tries to sleep, she either suffers back pain or pain in the neck. Keeping her spine in the correct position is essential. Pregnancy pillows are recommended to pregnant women, as they are designed to align the spine, keeping her in the most comfortable position throughout the night. Four or five smaller pillows don’t necessarily work as well because as she tosses and turns, the pillows can move out of position.