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The best pregnancy pillows 2024: tried and tested

Getting a good night's sleep when you're pregnant can be a real challenge, which is where one of the best pregnancy pillows will come in handy, supporting your growing bump and easing back, hip and joint pain.

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Mar 13, 2024

pregnancy pillows hero image

Let's face it, pregnancy is hard enough on your body during the day time - and as your body changes during those nine long months, getting a good night's sleep can become tricky. Whether it's your back, bump, hips or legs causing you discomfort, the best pregnancy pillow should help support, soothe and comfort all night long

But with so many different types of pregnancy pillow available in 2024 - from full body pillows to V-shaped, those which double as a feeding pillow to others which are more like a cushion - how do you choose the best pregnancy pillow for you? That's where Mumsnet are here to help.

We've thoroughly researched recommendations from the Mumsnet forums - home to the largest online network of UK parents - and cross-referenced with maternity experts and consumer reviews across the internet. We consulted senior midwife Marie Louise, also known as The Modern Midwife, for medical expertise on the most supportive pillow for pregnancy and put several of the shortlisted pillows to the test with unbiased independent product reviews conducted by real women at various stages of pregnancy.

The best pregnancy pillow should support your bump first and foremost, with some also providing additional support for your legs, back and hips in a variety of positions. Many can also be adapted for use postpartum as a nursing pillow or infant support cushion too. As with our guides to the best pregnancy test and top stretch mark cream, we've made every effort to ensure that all our recommendations for the best pregnancy pillow come tried, tested and recommended by real women as well as maternity experts.

Here's our pick of the best pregnancy pillows 2024.

1
Overall best pregnancy pillow
What we like
  • Really soft

  • Filling helps to relieve pressure in key areas

  • Its design ensures positioning/use versatility

What we don't like
  • Pricey

  • Tricky to keep clean

Key specs

Price on writing: £153 | Pillow type: Full-length body pillow | Suitable for infant support: Not specified (but Mumsnetters say yes) | Size: 150 x 20cm

What Mumsnet users say
CatHatSat · Tried & Tested
Bbhugme. It’s a bit pricey, but worth the extra if you can. Things I particularly like are that you can adjust the firmness and fold it in different shapes and angles depending on aches of the day.
See Post
Our verdict

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow review

Mumsnet users have raved about the bbhugme for years ("I would marry mine if possible!" - Mumsnet user alpinia) and we're not surprised.

Moulding to the shape of your body while keeping you cool and comfy throughout the night, the bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow offers support to your pelvis, abdomen, lower back, knees and ankles, which is why we've named it the best pregnancy pillow for versatility.. Developed by Norwegian Health Professionals, it offers a five-point support for side sleeping and comes with easily-removable covers you can pop in the washing machine right alongside your favourite maternity clothes.

Yes, it's a little on the pricey side (although currently on offer down from £153) but with so many glowing reviews, many Mumsnetters clearly view their bbhugme as essential as the best prenatal vitamins when it comes to pregnancy must-haves. Bbhugme also have a range of nursing pillows which can be used for feeding as well as a baby nest for infant support.

Read next: Discover which maternity bras Mumsnet users ranked as the best - from the comfiest to those you can't tell are designed for pregnancy at all.

2
Best pregnancy pillow for back support

Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow

What we like
  • Integrated back support

  • Can be used after pregnancy for feeding

What we don't like
  • Shape may not be suitable if you're a little on the tall side

  • Some Mumsnet users say it feels too firm and flat

Key specs

Price on writing: £52 | Pillow type: Full body pillow with integrated back | Suitable for infant support: Yes | Size: 55 x 50 x 19cm

What Mumsnet users say
Ripasso · Tried & Tested
I love mine, stops me rolling over onto my stomach and is very comfortable. I wish I had bought it sooner.
See Post
Our verdict

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Dreamgenii Pregnancy Pillow review

One of the best pregnancy pillows for back support, it's the unique shape of the Dreamgenii pillow which makes it stand out. Ideal for back sleepers, it fits around you to discourage rolling onto your back during the night, which can be dangerous after the first trimester.

The pillow consists of a full-length section that's attached to a padded back support. It looks pretty sizeable, but it's surprisingly unobtrusive.

Much like the best pelvic floor trainer, it can take some getting used to, but many Mumsnet users swear by it as a pregnancy must-have right up there with their favourite maternity jeans.

3
Best pregnancy pillow on a budget

Comfort Collections Virgin Fibre V Shaped Pillow

What we like
  • Shapes to your body

  • Suitable for allergies

  • Small enough for your hospital bag

What we don't like
  • Doesn't come with a cover

Key specs

Price on writing: £12 | Pillow type: V-shaped pillow | Suitable for infant support: Yes | Size: ‎75 x 35cm

What Mumsnet users say
Oakeyy · Tried & Tested
I used a V shaped pillow to support my behind my back and a regular pillow between my knees to support. Much cheaper than a pregnancy pillow and really helped. Also been very useful whilst feeding.
See Post
Our verdict

This basic V Pillow may not be quite as luxurious as the likes of the bbhugme or the Snuzcurve, but for a mere £12 it offers back support suitable for pregnancy and claims that unlike other cheap pillows, it won't lose its shape.

While it may not offer the same range of support as a full-body pregnancy pillow, it can be used alongside a regular pillow - as recommended by many a Mumsnetter - to support your back, hips or bump in bed without taking up as much space.

Thanks to its compact size you can use it on the sofa and the car as well as in bed, and while it doesn't appear to come with a cover, it can be washed at 40 degrees and tumble dried on low.

Read next: Discover the best maternity leggings and the top-rated maternity underwear according to Mumsnet users in the know.

4
Best pregnancy pillow you can wear
What we like
  • Makes it easy to find the comfiest position

  • Stretches to accommodate each stage of pregnancy

  • Made with memory foam

What we don't like
  • Some reviewers reported issues with sizing

Key specs

Price on writing: £30 | Pillow type: Belt | Suitable for infant support: No | Size: M - XL (adjusts to fit UK size 12 - 20)

What Mumsnet users say
mais · Tried & Tested
I got something completely different a Babymoov Dream belt. I felt I needed support under my bump when side lying and found it a pain to readjust pillows every time I turned over. The belt was great - I got the Bamboo/Fresh one as it’s supposed to be cooler.
See Post
Our verdict

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Babymoov Dream Belt review

If you'd like a bit of extra support for your growing bump but just can't get comfortable with a conventional pregnancy pillow (if there is such a thing!) then the Babymoov Dream Belt might be the best pregnancy pillow option for you. Like with the best pregnancy support belt, it works by wrapping around your body to support your bump and features memory foam padding so you essentially bring your pillow with you as you move around in bed (and out of it for those middle of the night toilet trips!).

One downside is that it doesn't provide the extra support a whole-body pillow like the bbhugme or Dreamgenii might, but it also won't take up extra space in bed and the fact it stays in one place means you won't have to spend time re-adjusting it after every trip to the toilet!

5
Best pregnancy pillow for sleep positioning
What we like
  • Guides you into the correct sleep position

  • Creates a neutral spine posture to reduce back pain

  • In-built KneeBlade design

What we don't like
  • Our parent-tester found it not as comfy as other maternity pillows

  • Can take some getting used to

Key specs

Price on writing: £85 | Pillow type: Full body pillow| Suitable for infant support: No | Size: 135 x 30 x 25cm

What Mumsnet users say
Weathergirl1 · Tried & Tested
SnuzCurve here! It's relatively new out and I already had a different one, but was desperate as I had awful sciatica and SI joint pain. It really helped.
See Post
Our verdict

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth SnuzCurve Support Pillow review

A new entry for the buyers' guide, the SnuzCurve pregnancy pillow has been designed by a 'panel of experts' including physiotherapists, chiropractors and midwives to deliver a pillow which has been structurally designed to keep you in the safest and most comfortable position. The KneeBlade section helps guide your legs into the optimum sleeping position to support your growing bump while taking pressure off your back and joints.

It's a little pricier than the likes of the Mamas & Papas pillow, but each SnuzCurve also comes with a free sleep support video series which updates you on your changing body each month, so you do get a bit more for your buck with this pillow. Pop on your favourite maternity pyjamas and snuggle in.

6
Best cooling pregnancy pillow

THE SIMBA Cooling Body Pillow

What we like
  • Cotton cover features Stratos® cool-touch tech

  • Filling made from recycled PET bottle fibres

  • Provides hip and spinal alignment support

  • Can be used as a nursing pillow too

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • May not be long enough for taller women

Key specs

Price on writing: £109 | Pillow Type: Full body, gentle C-shape | Suitable for infant support: Yes | Size: 120 x 35cm

What Mumsnet users say
SimplySteveRedux · Recommended
They are not cheap, but Simba pillows are incredible, they even do a temperature controlled one - one side of the pillow is "normal" and holds heat, the reverse is cooling. Highly recommend them, from the basic ones to the top-end ones.
See Post
Our verdict

Many women say that they feel hotter during pregnancy, and when you're already struggling to get comfy in bed, sweating is the last thing you want to worry about. Thanks to its Stratos® head control tech, the Simba Cooling Body Pillow is designed to stay cool to the touch all night long. It also claims to sense and dissipate any excess body heat to keep the user as comfortable as possible.

The Simba also features a filling made from recycled PET bottle fibres which have been combed into clusters to mould to your body and provide breathable cushioning.

Read next: For more top parenting products as rated by Mumsnet users, don't miss our guides to the best parenting books, the best baby changing bags and the best baby gifts.

7
Best pregnancy pillow in U-shape

Kally Sleep U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

What we like
  • Anti-allergy materials

  • U-shape means less tossing and turning

What we don't like
  • Pricey

  • Takes up a lot of space in bed

Key specs

Price on writing: From £50 | Pillow type: Whole body U-shape pillow | Suitable for infant support: Not specified | Size: 150 x 33cm

What Mumsnet users say
HotToddyColdSauvignon · Tried & Tested
I went for the Kally Sleep big U-Shaped one and love it! Two months in it hasn’t lost its shape, supports my back/legs/anywhere and I feel like I’m tucked up in a lovely nest.
See Post
Our verdict

If you find yourself tossing and turning a lot at night trying to get comfy, this U-shaped pillow from Kally Sleep could be the best pregnancy pillow for you. Its versatile design means you can cuddle up to one side while the other wedges in to support your back, and there's no need to re-shape it if you want to switch sides - bonus!

The pillow is firm enough to suit most comfort levels and features a breathable, cotton outer layer to help keep you nice and cool. The only issue we can find is its size - as one of the biggest pillows on our list, it may make you feel a little crowded, particularly if you share a bed with your other half.

Read next: If back ache isn't the only unpleasant side effect of pregnancy you're dealing with, don't miss our guide to the best haemorrhoid cream as recommended by Mumsnet users.

Best pregnancy pillows: our pick of the best of the rest

As well as the best pregnancy pillows listed above, we've been on the lookout for more of the top-ranking pregnancy support pillows available in 2024. The following maternity pillows rank consistently highly among Mumsnet users and consumers across the internet as well as industry experts.

Affordable but not easy to store

Mamas & Papas Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow

I got the Mamas & Papas one. It’s been useful to ensure I stay on my side as much as possible when I’m asleep. If you have a look on their website at the shape you’ll see it’s essentially just an expensive V shaped pillow so you could just get one of those if you don’t went to go to the expense.

Murph90

Mamas & Papas Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow

£45

Buy now from Amazon

Offers firm support, design doesn't appeal to all

Summer Infant Ultimate Body Comfort Pillow

I've got one I bought a couple of years ago. Think it's called the Summer Infant Pillow. It's like a "C" shape and the shape seems to work but it's the only one I've tried.

ElderMillennial

Summer Infant Ultimate Body Comfort Pillow

£30

Buy now from Amazon

Pricey but good for multi-use

BellaMoon Pregnancy Pillow C-Shaped

I have a Bella Moon, quite comfy, I use the long bit to keep me on my side because back sleeping not recommended in third trimester, and one of the curvy bits between knees. Head on normal pillow. Worth it for the reassurance that I mostly don't end up on my back.

HiCandles

BellaMoon Pregnancy Pillow C-Shaped

£99

Buy now from Amazon

Breathable design, some say it's too firm

Purflo pregnancy pillow

I got a Purflo and I love it! Lovely and firm. Nice for between legs at night or as a back support on the couch or as neck and leg support if I’m watching TV in bed!

WaltzedIntoIt

Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow

£59

Buy now from Amazon

Pregnancy pillows: what do the medical experts say?

I absolutely recommend a pregnancy pillow, mainly to aid comfort for mums and their growing bumps. Getting into a position that supports your back and pelvis can be hard. You often need to separate the knees with a pillow of some sort to achieve this. Ensuring your pelvis is in alignment can reduce PGP and hip pain. A pregnancy pillow may help when positioned correctly.

Marie Louise, aka The Modern Midwife

bbhugme

£153

Buy now from Amazon

How can the best pregnancy pillow help ease back ache, sciatica and pelvic pain during pregnancy?

"There’s never any guarantees and sometimes you can do everything possible to prevent/manage this but these pregnancy pains may still appear,' explains experienced midwife Marie Louise. "That said, looking after your posture is key. It’s recommended mums fall asleep on their side by 28 weeks of pregnancy - the third trimester. This optimises blood flow to you and your baby.

"When laying on your side it can be hard to keep your pelvis aligned. Mums tend to have one leg raised up over the other, which can increase statin on the pelvis/ligaments. Ensuring your pelvis is in alignment can reduce PGP. A pregnancy pillow may help when positioned correctly. Or if you use one that’s been especially designed for this."

Why is it important pregnant women don't sleep on their back? Can a pregnancy pillow help with this?

"As your baby grows alongside the fluid around your baby and amazing placenta - the weight of your uterus increases. This can put pressure on major blood vessels and can reduce blood flow to the baby.

"Some pillows you can buy support you to remain in side laying position. Or encourage you to fall asleep in that position and research shows the position you fall asleep in is often the one in which you remain in for longest."

Which type of pregnancy pillow is best?

The best pregnancy pillow will provide support for you and your bump and - ideally - ease the pressure that pregnancy can place on your back, hips and joints at the same time. Particularly if you suffer from PGP (pelvic girdle pain), using a specially-designed pillow to support your body at rest can be a pregnancy game-changer.

Why use a pregnancy pillow?

While maternity pillows aren't for everyone, they can be useful in a number of ways. They can:

  • Help you to sleep in the correct position – it's recommended that pregnant women in their third trimester sleep on their side to promote good blood flow and make sure all those vital nutrients reach the baby (it also decreases the risk of stillbirth)

  • Provide support and reduce discomfort when trying to sleep in the correct position

  • Relieve heartburn – sleeping on your side with your knees bent can help with this, and a well-placed pillow can prevent you from rolling onto your back

  • Alleviate aches and pains, including back ache, leg cramps and ligament pain in your lower belly or groin – sleeping in the right position can work wonders

How do I choose the best pregnancy pillow?

There are a number of things to consider when it comes to choosing the best pregnancy pillow for you. Small or large? U-shaped or C-shaped pregnancy pillow? V-shaped or wedge pillow? Below we've rounded up the main points of each type and an explanation of how best to use them:

1. Pregnancy wedge pillow or multi-purpose pillow

  • One of the cheapest options

  • Versatile and handy for travelling

  • Can be used for nursing

  • Doesn't take up too much space

  • Not restrictive – particularly useful if you're suffering from night sweats

How to use

Place this pillow under your tummy when sleeping on your side to reduce hip and back strain, use it behind your back or neck, or put it under your regular pillow to elevate your head.

2. Bolster pillow

  • Runs along the entire length of your body

  • Moulds to your body (if flexible) – straight bolster pillows won't do this

  • Really useful around the 20th week of pregnancy when you're more likely to have aches and pains

How to use

A bolster pillow is designed to be hugged – place your arms and legs around the pillow with the centre of the pillow supporting your middle.

3. Full body pregnancy pillow

  • Comes in a variety of shapes, the most common being C-shaped, V-shaped and U-shaped

  • Supports neck, back, lower back, bump and legs all at once

  • Can be used beyond pregnancy as a feeding or tummy-time pillow

  • Can be used as support after a c-section to take the weight off your stomach and thighs

How to use

If you have a C-shaped or V-shaped pillow, the 'C' or 'V' goes between your legs, you rest your head at the top of the 'C' or 'V' and your back or bump is supported by the curve.

A U-shaped pregnancy pillow wraps around your entire body, providing support on both sides and preventing you from rolling onto your back during the night.

There are a variety of other shapes available too, including ‘J’, ‘O’, 'L' and ‘E’ – all designed to offer support in a way that is most comfortable for you.

Other things to consider

1. How much does a pregnancy pillow cost?

Prices range from £10 to over £100, so think about how much use you'll get from the pillow – and how much a decent night's sleep is worth.

2. How big is it?

Size matters, so you don't want to invest in a pillow that's either too big or too small for your needs.

Is there enough room in your bed? How heavy is it? Can it be store easily when not in use? Does it make you feel restricted or claustrophobic?

3. Versatility

Think about what you want from a maternity pillow – how, and where, can it be used and would it function as a nursing pillow after pregnancy?

Asking questions like this will help you determine which kind of pillow is right for you.

4. Material and filling

This can make a real difference to the amount of support a pillow provides, and also how well it keeps its shape.

Is the fabric hypoallergenic or breathable? And what kind of filling does it have – hollowfibre? Micropearls?#

When should I start buying a pregnancy pillow?

Pregnancy pillows can be used at any time during pregnancy, though most mums-to-be begin to appreciate the extra support during the second and third trimesters when the bump begins to put more strain on the rest of their body. This is also the time when medical experts recommend you sleep on your side, and a good pregnancy pillow will support this sleeping position, with some helping you to avoid rolling onto your back.

Which is better, U shaped or J shaped pregnancy pillow?

It really depends on personal preference, and what you're looking for in terms of support. A U-shaped pillow such as the Kally Sleep is designed to provide full body support for your back, hips and bump and fits around your body so there's less need to re-adjust. However this type of pillow is generally the largest and will take up the most amount of space. Alternatively, a C-shaped pillow like the Purflo Breathe Pillow takes up far less space, but doesn't provide the same level of full-body support.

Are pregnancy pillows worth the money?

Pregnancy pillows can be quite divisive - some pregnant women say that a normal pillow propped under the bump and/or between their legs works just as well, whereas others swear by their favourite pregnancy pillow. It's really down to individual choice and comfort.

Some pregnancy pillows are certainly a lot pricier than others, but if it means the difference between a good night's sleep and a night of tossing, turning and discomfort, we think  a good pregnancy pillow is worth every penny. After all, a good night's sleep is hard enough to come by during pregnancy (and don't even get us started about the newborn nights to come!)

How we tested

We extensively combed the Mumsnet forums and other review sites, making note of the popular products still receiving good feedback, and speaking to pregnancy and childbirth experts. This included Val Willcox, Practice Manager for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), and Kate Pinney, Midwife Manager at Tommy's.

Equipped with this information, we created a longlist of 30 Mumsnet user and expert product recommendations to consider. After digging deeper, this list was then narrowed down further to a shortlist of 17 pillows to test.

Partnering with parent tester, Laura, a first-time mum-to-be in her third trimester, many of the pillows were tested in-house over the course of three months.

pregnant woman touching belly

About the author

Mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content.

Before joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger.

As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in buyers' guides such as these, as well as product reviews and expert advice on all things pregnancy and child play related.

Why you should trust us

While it would, of course, be quicker and cheaper to send each product out to a different tester, we believe that consistent scoring and like-for-like comparisons are crucial.

After extensive research, we selected the 17 most highly recommended pillows to put through our testing process. Each pillow was scored on these key areas: comfort and safety, ease of use day-to-day, aesthetics, cleanliness and value for money. Those with the highest score were then awarded a Mumsnet Best badge and five others given honourable mentions.

Comfort and safety

We looked at factors including:

  • Quality of sleep – Laura used each pillow for several days and nights in a row to see if it made any difference to her quality of sleep or the amount of sleep she got

  • Aches and pains – did the pillow ease or provoke any aches or pains?

  • How quickly and easily was it to get comfy with the pillow and how many times did she wake or need to shift position during the night?

  • Filling and material – what kind of filling did each pillow have? Could the pillow be moulded to your body? Was it soft enough?

Day-to-day use

  • Each pillow was used in bed, on the sofa while watching TV or reading, in the car, and at a desk at work (if feasible)

  • Laura paid close attention to how much support the pillow gave in each scenario and how it stood up to daily use

  • She also considered each pillow's longevity despite only being in her third trimester – could she envision it being used for nursing or as a support option after pregnancy?

Aesthetics and cleanliness

We assessed:

  • Whether the pillow was easy to clean – each product was washed and dried using the supplied washing instructions

  • If stains came out in the first wash and if there was any shrinkage, fading of pattern or reduction in softness

  • Whether the product came with a spare cover

  • The overall design – which pillow would you be proud to have in your home? Was there a good colour and fabric selection?

Value for money

We considered:

  • Whether the pillows represented good value for money and whether they offered anything more than a normal pillow

All prices on this page correct at time of writing