Best Pillow for Pregnant Women: 6 Picks by Trimester and Postpartum

The best pillow for pregnant women depends on the trimester you are in: a small side-sleeper pillow such as the Boppy Side Sleeper suits early pregnancy, the Momcozy Original F-Shaped with its adjustable wedge suits the second trimester, and a full-body pillow such as the Boppy Total Body or the Momcozy U-Shaped 57-inch suits the third trimester and the weeks after birth. This guide matches six pregnancy pillows to the stage you are in, then explains how to size, wash and use them. It is written for parents who want practical support, including those who plan to carry a baby in a sling or wrap after delivery.

We did not personally use these products. This guide is research-based, built from manufacturer details, listing information and public pregnancy sleep guidance named at the end. Pillows are comfort aids, not medical devices. Nothing here replaces advice from your doctor or midwife, and we do not promise that any pillow will relieve pain or improve any condition.

ALLOPERA U Shape Pregnancy Pillow - Full Body Maternity Pillow for Sleeping | Side Sleeper Support for Back, Belly, Hip & Leg, Pregnant Women, Removable & Washable Cover, Adjustable Fill, 57 Inch, Velvet

Chosen because it specifies Full Body Maternity Pillow for Sleeping and Side Sleeper Support for Back.

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MOON PARK Pregnancy Pillows for Sleeping - 57 Inch U Shaped Full Body Maternity Pillow with Removable Cover - Support for Back, Legs, Belly, Hips - Pregnancy Pillow for Women - Grey

Chosen because it specifies Support for Back and Legs.

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Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow for Sleeping - U Shaped Full Body Maternity Pillow | Removable Cover, Support for Back, Legs, Belly, Hips for Pregnant Women, Side Sleeper, Pregnancy Gifts & Essentials, 57 Inch

Chosen because it specifies U Shaped Full Body Maternity Pillow and Removable Cover.

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AMCATON 60 Inch Pregnancy Pillow for Sleeping, Extra Large U Shaped Body Pillow, Maternity Pillow for Pregnant Women with Velvet Cover (Dark Grey)

Chosen because it specifies Extra Large U Shaped Body Pillow.

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall for the Whole Pregnancy: Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow, a contoured pillow made for prenatal and postpartum use.
• Best for the First Trimester: Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow, a light, stay-put design with a stretchy centre panel.
• Best for the Second Trimester: Momcozy Original F-Shaped Pillow, a J-shaped body pillow combined with an adjustable wedge.
• Best Full-Body U-Shape: Momcozy U-Shaped 57-inch pillow with a removable cover.
• Best C-Shape with a Cotton Cover: Pharmedoc C-Shape pillow with a jersey cover and a lifetime warranty.
• Best Value U-Shape: MOON PARK 57-inch U-shaped pillow with a removable cover.

Quick Comparison Table

Why Your Pregnancy Pillow Needs Change by Trimester

In the first trimester your body looks the same, and you mostly need a pillow that makes side-lying comfortable. In the second trimester your belly begins to grow, and a wedge under the bump and a pillow between the knees can feel more supportive. In the third trimester, a full-length pillow that supports the back, belly and legs at the same time becomes appealing, and it can be used again after birth for feeding and rest.

Guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says sleeping on your side during the second and third trimesters may be best, with one or both knees bent, and that a pillow between the knees and another under the belly can help. It also notes that lying on your back later in pregnancy may press on a large blood vessel. If you wake on your back, roll to your side. Ask your doctor or midwife what is right for you, especially if you have a health condition.

Trimester decision table

1. Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow: Best Overall

• Contoured full-body shape for prenatal and postpartum support
• About 48 to 53 inches long and 25 to 26 inches wide, according to retailer figures
• Polyester fibre fill with no foam; the maker lists the pillow and the cover as machine washable
• Removable cover included

Best for: people who want one pillow for pregnancy and the weeks after birth. Skip if: you have a small bed or dislike bulky pillows.

The Boppy Total Body is a contoured, C-style pillow that supports the head, belly and legs from one side. Because it is shaped to follow your body and made for prenatal and postpartum positioning, it can serve as a lounging pillow during the day and a sleeping pillow at night. The polyester fibre fill is soft and can be fluffed, and the listing says the pillow itself is machine washable, which is rare in this category. Retailer instructions suggest washing in a commercial-size machine on a delicate cycle.

Dimensions vary by retailer listing, so measure your bed before buying. At 25 to 26 inches wide, it takes up the width of one pillow plus some more. If you share a double bed, plan for a bit less space.

Pros: machine-washable pillow and cover; contoured shape; made for postpartum use; no foam. Cons: bulky; larger to dry; dimensions vary by listing.

2. Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow: Best for the First Trimester

• Stay-put design aimed at side sleepers
• Stretchy centre panel that grows with your bump
• Portable for travel and moving between rooms
• Fill type and dimensions: not listed in the title

Best for: early pregnancy and travel. Skip if: you want a full-length pillow.

If you are in the first trimester and want something lighter than a full-body pillow, this smaller, portable design is a gentle step. The stretchy panel is meant to adapt as your belly grows, so it may last into the second trimester. It cannot support the back and legs at the same time as a larger pillow, so expect to move up in size later.

Pros: portable; flexible panel; lower footprint. Cons: less coverage; details are thin; may be outgrown.

3. Momcozy Original F-Shaped Pillow: Best for the Second Trimester

• J-shaped body pillow combined with a detachable, adjustable wedge
• Listed at 53 inches; filling is polyester fibre; OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified per the maker
• Wedge fastens with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap
• No built-in headrest, so you use your own head pillow
• Velvet, cooling and air-layer cover versions exist; the listing says it fits all trimesters

Best for: side sleepers who want belly support and a lighter footprint than a full U-shape. Skip if: you want a pillow that also supports your head.

The F-shape is a smart middle step. The long part runs along your back or between your knees, and the wedge supports the bump so the belly does not drag on the mattress. Because the wedge is detachable, you can use it alone on the sofa, and you can adjust the strap as your belly grows. It uses less bed space than a U-shaped pillow, which helps if you share a bed.

Cover options matter. A velvet cover feels warm; cooling and air-layer covers are meant for hot sleepers. Check the product page to confirm which cover you are choosing.

Pros: adjustable wedge; takes less space than a U-shape; machine-washable velvet cover. Cons: no head support; wedge can slide if the strap is loose; cover versions differ.

4. Momcozy U-Shaped 57-Inch Pillow: Best Full-Body Support

• U-shaped, 57 inches, with a removable cover
• Marketed for back, legs, belly and hip support for side sleepers
• Cooling cover version also sold
• Fill details: not listed in the title

Best for: the third trimester, when you want support on both sides. Skip if: your bed is a twin or a narrow double.

A U-shaped pillow wraps around you, so you can turn without relocating pillows. That is helpful in the third trimester when you may turn several times a night. The cost is bed space: at 57 inches, the pillow takes up much of the width of a standard bed. On a queen bed of 60 inches wide, a partner has little room.

The removable cover helps with cleaning. Check whether the inner pillow is washable, because many U-shaped pillows are spot clean only.

Pros: wraps around the body; supports back and belly; removable cover. Cons: large; warm for some; limited fill details.

5. Pharmedoc C-Shape Pillow: Best C-Shape with a Cotton Cover

• C-shape full-body pillow with a jersey knit cotton cover
• About 57 by 30 by 7 inches for the standard jersey version (other versions differ)
• Polyester fibre fill; the pillow is spot clean only, the cover is washable
• Lifetime manufacturer warranty per the maker

Best for: people who want a firmer C-shape and a soft cotton cover. Skip if: you prefer a machine-washable inner pillow.

The Pharmedoc C-shape is a classic design: one curve runs along your back and the other cradles the belly or the legs. Reviewers differ on firmness, describing it as medium to firm. The jersey cover is zippered and machine-washable, though one retailer reviewer reported pilling after several washes. The listing cost is higher than many others, so the lifetime warranty is part of what you pay for.

The listing price tier is premium, and exact dimensions vary between models, so confirm the size on the product page.

Pros: soft cotton cover; durable reputation; warranty. Cons: pillow cannot be machine washed; premium cost; sizes vary.

6. MOON PARK U-Shaped 57-Inch Pillow: Best Value U-Shape

• 57-inch U-shaped full-body pillow
• Removable cover
• Marketed for back, legs, belly and hip support
• Fill and care details: not listed in the title

Best for: shoppers who want the U-shape at a lower tier. Skip if: you want detailed specs before buying.

This is a straightforward U-shape that covers the same ground as pricier options. The listing is light on details, so check the care instructions and fill description on the product page. For a pregnancy pillow, the decisive factors are how the shape fits you and how easily you can wash the cover.

Pros: lower tier; full-body shape; removable cover. Cons: limited specs; no brand history in this guide; large.

Also Consider

• ALLOPERA U-shaped pillow, 57 inches: a velvet-cover U-shape with adjustable fill and a removable, washable cover.
• QUEEN ROSE cooling U-shaped pillow: a rayon-from-bamboo cover aimed at warm sleepers.
• Momcozy Portable W-Shaped wedge pillow: a small, adjustable option for back, belly and hip support that is easy to pack for trips.

How to Position Your Pillow

• Side-lying with a C-shape: place the pillow along your front, rest the belly on the upper curve and tuck the lower curve between your knees.
• With a U-shape: lie in the middle so the pillow supports your back and front; hug the front arm and slide your knees along the lower arm.
• With a wedge: place the wedge under your belly and a second pillow between your knees.
• For resting upright: use the pillow behind your back, lifting the head slightly if you feel breathless.

After the Baby Arrives

Some pillows are made for postpartum use, such as the Boppy Total Body. They can support your arm while you hold or feed your baby, or give you a comfortable lounging position during recovery. If you plan to use a baby carrier, a pillow that supports your back and shoulders can help you rest between carrier sessions. Never place a pregnancy pillow in a baby’s sleep space, because adult pillows are not safe for infant sleep.

Will It Fit Your Bed? A Worked Example

Bed width is the most common reason a pregnancy pillow ends up in a closet. Here is the arithmetic. A standard queen mattress is about 60 inches wide, a full is about 54 inches and a twin is about 38 inches. A U-shaped pillow runs 55 to 60 inches along its length, but what matters is the width it occupies once it wraps around you, which is commonly 25 to 30 inches according to the dimensions published for C-shaped models such as the Pharmedoc (about 30 inches) and the Boppy Total Body (about 25 to 26 inches).

A partner needs roughly 20 to 24 inches to sleep comfortably, so on a full bed a 30-inch pillow is workable, and on a twin it is not. If you share a full or queen bed, a C-shape, F-shape or wedge usually leaves more room than a full U-shape because the second arm of the U sits on your partner’s side. Measure the mattress, subtract the pillow width, and compare to the 20 to 24 inch rule before you buy.

Sizing by Height and Body Shape

Pillow length is printed in the listing, but fit depends on your height. As a rough guide, shorter users may find a 48-inch pillow adequate, while taller users may prefer a 57 to 60 inch pillow so that it reaches the knees. The Momcozy Dreamlign U Pro, listed at 50 to 72 inches with an adjustable leg section, is one example of a design intended for a wider range of heights, and we mention it for readers who find standard sizes too short or too long. If you are not sure, measure from your shoulder to your knee while lying on your side. That distance is roughly the length that the pillow needs to support.

Pillow thickness matters too. A thin pillow of about 7 inches that is soft may flatten by morning, while a firmer fill holds its shape. If you find that you sink through the pillow, add a small towel roll or a second pillow between the knees rather than buying a new pillow immediately.

A Short Checklist for Each Stage

• Early pregnancy: try a regular pillow between the knees before buying anything; if it helps, a small side-sleeper pillow is a gentle upgrade.
• Mid pregnancy: if the belly pulls when you lie on your side, add a wedge or switch to an F-shape.
• Late pregnancy: if you turn several times a night, test a U-shape or C-shape and check bed space first.
• Postpartum: keep the pillow if the maker lists postpartum use, and wash the cover before you change its role.

Caring for Your Pillow

Pregnancy brings extra sweating for many people, so plan to wash the cover every one to two weeks. Follow the care label: most covers are machine-washable on a gentle cycle, and some pillows, such as the Boppy Total Body, list the pillow itself as machine washable too. Others, such as the Pharmedoc, say to spot clean the pillow. Dry thoroughly before putting the cover back on, because a damp pillow can develop odours. Fluff the pillow each morning to keep the fill even, and rotate it from time to time.

How We Chose

We shortlisted pregnancy pillows by shape and trimester fit, then compared size, fill, cover and care information from manufacturer pages and retailer listings, along with public guidance on sleeping in pregnancy. We did not personally use these products. We kept to two picks per brand, and flagged unclear details as “not listed”. We did not include any pillow that lacked a clear shape or size.

Buying Guide

Shape: wedge, C, J, F or U

Wedges are small and good for travel. C-shapes cradle the front and back. J-shapes support the head and neck plus the body. F-shapes add a wedge. U-shapes wrap both sides. Choose the smallest shape that supports you, because bigger pillows use more bed space.

Size and bed fit

Measure your bed width and subtract the pillow’s width and your partner’s space. A 57-inch U-shaped pillow is almost as wide as a 60-inch queen bed. A 48-inch C-shape fits more easily. Taller people may want pillows listed for taller users, for example adjustable lengths.

Fill and firmness

Polyester fibre fill is soft and common. Memory foam is firmer and holds shape. Firmness is a matter of preference; many parents like a medium firmness that holds the belly without pushing it away.

Cover and care

A removable, machine-washable cover is the minimum. Cooling covers can help hot sleepers. Check whether the inner pillow can be washed or is spot clean only, and if you have allergies, look for certifications like OEKO-TEX that the maker states.

Budget

Pregnancy pillows last only a few months, so decide how long you will use it. A budget U-shape may be enough, while a premium pillow with a warranty may make sense if you plan to use it again later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying the largest pillow before checking bed space.
• Ignoring cover care instructions.
• Using a pregnancy pillow as a substitute for medical advice about pain or sleep.
• Putting a pregnancy pillow in a baby’s sleep space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pillow for pregnant women?

It depends on your stage. The Boppy Total Body suits the third trimester and postpartum, the Momcozy F-Shaped suits the second trimester, and the Boppy Side Sleeper suits early pregnancy.

When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?

Whenever it helps you feel comfortable. Many people start in the second trimester when the belly grows, but some begin earlier.

Is a U-shaped or C-shaped pillow better?

A U-shape supports both sides and is easier if you turn often, while a C-shape uses less space and is easier for partners who share a bed.

Can I use a pregnancy pillow after birth?

Some are made for it, including the Boppy Total Body. Check the maker’s guidance, and never use an adult pillow in a baby’s sleep area.

How do I wash a pregnancy pillow?

Remove the cover and follow the care label. Some pillows, like the Boppy Total Body, are listed as machine washable, while others, like the Pharmedoc, are spot clean only.

Can a pregnancy pillow help with back pain?

It may help comfort, but it is not a treatment. Talk to your doctor or midwife about persistent pain.

Which side should I sleep on?

Guidance from health organisations generally supports side sleeping in later pregnancy, with some sources favouring the left side. Ask your doctor what is best for you.

Is a pregnancy pillow safe to use all night?

Pregnancy pillows are designed for adult sleep and are widely used, but follow the maker’s instructions and stop using one if it makes you overheat, restricts movement or feels unstable. Ask your doctor or midwife if you have concerns about sleep position, breathing or swelling.

How long will I use a pregnancy pillow?

Most people use one from the second trimester until a few weeks after birth, which is roughly four to six months. That is why many parents choose a mid-range pillow rather than a premium one, unless a warranty or postpartum use matters to them.

Do I need a pillow with a cooling cover?

Only if you tend to sleep warm. A cooling or bamboo-derived cover can feel cooler to the touch, but it will not change the room temperature, so adjust bedding layers and airflow too.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Boppy Total Body if you want one pillow for pregnancy and recovery. Choose the Boppy Side Sleeper for early pregnancy and travel, and the Momcozy F-Shaped for the second trimester. Choose the Momcozy U-Shaped or MOON PARK U-Shaped for full-body support, and the Pharmedoc C-Shape if you want a cotton cover and a warranty.

Sources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidance on sleep positions in pregnancy
• Boppy product information
• Momcozy product information (F-Shaped, U-Shaped)
• Pharmedoc product information
• Retailer listing details for each model

Last updated: October 2026