Best pregnancy pillow 2026 for better sleep, back and bump support

As a mum of three, I know first-hand how hard and uncomfortable pregnancy can be on your body during the day, let alone when trying to get comfortable in bed. For me, like so many others, finding the best pregnancy pillow to support my legs, hips, bump and back was a game-changer when it came to getting a good night's sleep during those last few months of pregnancy, particularly during my third when I suffered from bouts of sciatica and hip pain. The following pregnancy pillows have all been tested, critically reviewed and approved by real UK mums-to-be who've been pregnant in the last two years. We also consulted senior midwives Marie Louise (aka The Modern Midwife) and Pip Davies (aka Midwife Pip) to find out the latest NHS guidelines on safe sleeping during pregnancy, and how a pillow might best be used for support.

-Midwife Pip Davies, founder of Midwife Pip podcast

The best pregnancy pillow 2026 shortlist: at a glance

• Best pregnancy pillow overall: bbhugme Adjustable Pregnancy Pillow

• Best pregnancy pillow for cooling you down: The Simba Cooling Body Pillow

• Best pregnancy pillow for all seasons: Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow

• Best pregnancy pillow in a C-shape: BellaMoon Pregnancy Pillow C Shaped Body Pillow

• Best pregnancy and nursing pillow combination: Hippychick Nursing Pillow

• Best pregnancy pillow for sleep positioning: SnuzCurve Pregnancy Pillow

• Best pregnancy pillow for back support: Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow

How we tested the best pregnancy pillows

With so many different types of pregnancy pillow available in 2026 - from full body pillows to V-shaped, U-shaped and even wearable belt pillows - it can be hard to decide which is the best pregnancy pillow for you. That's where Mumsnet can help; as home to the UK's largest network of parents, we have the resources to narrow down which brands come up time and time again as the best rated maternity pillows, and which aren't worth the money.

We also consulted senior midwife Marie Louise, also known as The Modern Midwife as well as practicing midwife and founder of Midwife Pip podcast Pip Davies for medical expertise on what to look for in the best pregnancy pillow in terms of safety and support, as well as the benefits of using one - jump to our FAQ section to read their thoughts. Finally we conducted independent reviews with our panel of carefully-selected UK mums-to-be. Our testers Tina, Zoe, Amber, Laura, Bethan and Tara all put a selection of the best pregnancy pillows through their paces to see how supportive, comfortable and useful they really are during various stages of pregnancy, both single and multiple.

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 shortlist for the best pregnancy pillow 2026.

What is a pregnancy pillow?

Pregnancy pillows are shaped differently to normal pillows and are ergonomically designed to support the different pressure points which can contribute to aches and pains during the later stages of pregnancy. They can also promote the safest sleeping positions for mother and baby through firm but gentle support. 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.

Pregnancy pillows: what do the medical experts say?

We quizzed experienced midwives Marie Louise (The Modern Midwife) and Pip Davies (Midwife Pip) to find out how the best pregnancy pillow can help support you and your bump, alleviate pressure and pain and their recommendations for finding one which suits you. Here's the maternity medical expert lowdown on the best pregnancy pillows, including safe sleeping advice and optimal positioning to ease aches and pains.

"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."

-Midwife Marie Louise, The Modern Midwife

-Midwife Pip Davies, founder of Midwife Pip podcast

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

Midwife Pip Davies: "Pregnancy pillows can work wonders for alleviating aches and pains during pregnancy. As your body changes, it can be tough to find a comfortable position, especially with added pressure on your back, hips, and joints. Pregnancy pillows are designed to support your body in all the right places, helping to reduce strain and promote better alignment.

Here’s how they help:

• Back pain relief: By hugging a U-shaped or C-shaped pillow, you get support for your back and belly simultaneously, easing tension in your lower back.

• Hip and pelvic support: Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees helps keep your hips aligned, reducing discomfort.

• Better circulation: They make it easier to stay in the recommended side-sleeping position, which improves blood flow and reduces pressure on your major veins.

• Neck and shoulder support: Propping up your head can help with upper body aches and even reduce heartburn.

-Midwife Pip Davies, founder of Midwife Pip podcast

Midwife Marie Louise: "There’s never any guarantees and sometimes you can do everything possible to prevent/manage this but these pregnancy pains may still appear. 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?

Midwife Marie Louise: "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."

Midwife Pip Davies: "It’s important for pregnant women to avoid sleeping flat on their back after a certain point in pregnancy (usually after the second trimester) because of how it affects circulation and the pressure on key blood vessels. Here’s why:

• Pressure on the vena cava: When a woman sleeps on her back, the weight of the growing uterus can put pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is the large vein that carries blood from the lower body back to the heart. This can reduce blood flow and oxygen to both mum and baby, potentially causing dizziness, shortness of breath, and lower blood pressure.

• Reduced blood flow: Sleeping on your back can also restrict blood flow to the placenta, which means the baby may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. This can also lead to swelling, back pain, and discomfort for the mother.

• Increased risk of backaches: The growing weight of the uterus can strain the back muscles when lying flat, leading to more back pain and discomfort.

"Sleeping on the left side is often recommended because it helps improve blood flow and circulation, ensuring that both mum and baby get plenty of oxygen and nutrients. It also reduces pressure on the liver and kidneys, which are positioned on the right side of the body, making it a more comfortable and beneficial position."

-Midwife Pip Davies, founder of Midwife Pip podcast

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?

Midwife Pip Davies: "Pregnancy pillows can help with things like back pain, leg cramps, and even heartburn by keeping you propped up just right. There are a bunch of shapes like U-shaped, C-shaped, and wedge pillows, so you can pick what fits your needs. Some people even keep using them after pregnancy for nursing or just general comfort."

-Midwife Pip Davies, founder of Midwife Pip podcast

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 'C', 'J’, ‘O’, 'L' and ‘E’ – all designed to offer support in a way that is most comfortable for you.

What if my pregnancy pillow isn't working for me?

"While pregnancy pillows are great for comfort, it’s important not to use one in a way that restricts your movement or feels uncomfortable. Keep the pillow flexible so you can adjust it if necessary. Avoid positioning it in a way that could put pressure on your belly, especially in the later stages of pregnancy."

-Midwife Pip Davies, founder of Midwife Pip podcast

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? Polyester?

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 C 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 Momcozy 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 BellaMoon 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 most up to date recommendations for the best pregnancy pillows overall and those not worth the spend. We also spoke to senior midwives Marie Louise and Pip Davies to find out the latest NHS advice on safe sleeping during pregnancy and how a good maternity pillow can help with this as well as easing aches and pains, sciatica and PGP.

Partnering with a panel of carefully-selected mums-to-be, we extensively tested all of the pillows on our shortlist and ranked them scrupulously for a number of factors including level of support, versatility and value for money.

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best breast pump to the most reassuring baby monitor as well as top kids' toys, games and tech.

Jenny has more than 16 years of experience working as a professional writer and journalist including stints as a local newspaper reporter, radio news reader, TV researcher and editor of a trades magazine and website. Becoming a mum in 2013 ignited a passion for writing about parenting, a theme which started as a light-hearted blog and has made its way into three published novels and several guest articles for national publications.

About the experts

Pip Davies is a practicing midwifery sister, founder of the Midwife Pip podcast, pelvic health specialist, author and mum.

Marie Louise is a qualified senior midwife with more than 12 years of experience. She is a mum of two and author of The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond as well as The Modern Midwife's Guide to The First Year.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000, and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products. All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles or win a Mumsnet Best award.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.