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Which Pillow Shape is Best During Pregnancy?

  • September 26, 2022

So, you've discovered the wonderful world of pregnancy pillows, but it's a little overwhelming. 

A Google search quickly reveals that there are thousands of different pillows to choose from. U-Shape pillows, full-body pillows, circle pillows – the list goes on and on. With so many options on the market, it can be a little overwhelming, and it's tricky to know where to start or when you even need to think about buying one.

While that's a great problem to have, you don't want to make an impulsive and un-researched purchase. Ultimately, it might not be what's best for your comfort and support during your pregnancy. Keep reading to find the best pregnancy pillow for you and your needs. This guide will delve into why there are so many different types of pillows, what options you have to choose from, the pros and cons of each, and which option will be best for you.

Woman on her bed with the Sleepybelly pregnancy pillow

Why Are There Different Pillow Types?

Pregnancy pillows are made in many different shapes and sizes to properly contour and support different bodies and needs - read more about the best pregnancy pillows for back sleepers here.

Some designs are for people who feel a lot of pressure on their tummy, and others are made for people who usually sleep on their back. Side sleeping is the doctor-recommended way to sleep to protect your health and your baby's, with studies suggesting it can help minimize all types of serious risks, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Different pregnancy pillows support different areas of the body. For example, some shaped pillows will support your entire back, with others made to ease the pressure on your legs, tummy, hips, and lower back. 

What To Consider When Buying A Pregnancy or Maternity Pillow

Online shopping can become a bit of a maze when you're looking for the ideal for you. We'll break it down, so you know what you're looking for.

Functionality

Do you want a pillow just for sleeping, or do you want one to use in an armchair, too? Is it just for pregnancy, or do you want one you'll still use once your little one arrives? These are all things to consider when picking your pillow. There's something for everything, so there's no need to settle for anything less than perfect.

Shape

The shape is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Some pillows are made for you to spoon, while others are designed to go behind your back or between your legs. The shape will determine your sleeping position and how secure and cosy you are while sleeping.

Sleeping Position

When you're in your second and third trimesters, sleeping on your stomach becomes an obvious no-go, and sleeping on your back can decrease your circulation.

So, sleeping on your side will put the least amount of stress on your body. That's why most pregnancy pillows, such as the popular C-Shaped and U-Shaped pillows, are made to keep you secure and comfortable on your side.

Firmness

A firm pillow will often be better at keeping you in place throughout the night. But you also want something that adjusts to your body as you grow and change.

If you want extra cushioning, go for a polyester fibre fill. But if you need something firm and secure, a foam-based option will be the best maternity pillow for you.

Quality of materials

Different materials can impact the durability, breathability, hygiene, support, and firmness of a pillow. For example, polyester and latex fillings tend to be the more durable material.

Adjustability

Your body will change throughout your pregnancy, and you need a pillow that can change with you. This means you need a material that adjusts with the contours of your body, such as polyester and latex. While foam can mould well, it traps heat and isn't as breathable, which can be uncomfortable during hotter months.

It's also helpful to have a pillow you can manually adjust throughout your pregnancy as your needs change. So, if you start getting back troubles or the pressure in your hips increases, it's handy if you can change your pillow's size or shape to suit you.

For a fantastic adjustable option that focuses on back support, comfortable sleeping, and keeping you on your back - check out the Sleepybelly three-piece pillow set.

Ease of washing

Like all pillows, you need something hygienic and easy to wash regularly. Make sure the pillow you choose has a breathable, removable, and washable cover, so you're always sleeping on something squeaky clean.

Which Shaped Pregnancy Pillow Should I Purchase?

Now into the nitty-gritty. Here are the best pregnancy pillows to use during pregnancy and why they're such a hit with mums-to-be.

Women sleeping on C shape and U shape pregnancy pillows

Choosing the Best Shape for Your Needs

Pillow Shape Primary Clinical Use Pro (Midwife/Physio Perspective) Con (User Feedback)
I-Shape Spinal Alignment Ideal for hip and knee support without bed-hogging. Does not prevent rolling onto your back.
O-Shape Targeted Support Versatile for belly support and later for breastfeeding. Low support for back/spine during deep sleep.
U-Shape Total Security Best for back sleepers; physically prevents rolling. Very bulky; can lead to overheating (cocoon effect).
C-Shape Compact All-in-One Wraps under head and between knees for hip relief. Doesn't offer the "locked-in" back support of a U-shape.
3-Piece (Adjustable) Modular Support Grows with your bump; prevents rolling with dual wedges.

Can be more expensive than single-shape options.

Adjustable/flexible sets

An increasingly popular pillow style is adjustable pillow sets that act as a hybrid of the different shapes

Traditionally, a pregnancy pillow will work for a while but might lose its charm and convenience as your pregnancy progresses. With these, you have a pillow that changes with you as needed.

We suggest: Our best-selling Sleepybelly is a set of three high-quality pillows (a long straight pillow for back support with two wedges). Find out more about the Sleepybelly here.

So, Which Pregnancy Pillow is Best During Pregnancy?

We think these options are the best, but what you choose depends you, what you need for your body, and what you want to use your pillow for. There are a few non-negotiables, such as great materials and ease of washing, but things like the shape, size, and firmness are all about you and your needs.

Use this guide as a checklist and make sure you find a pillow that makes you sleep like a baby (hopefully better).

Sleepybelly makes top-quality pregnancy pillows (Australia-based) to ease your body and mind. For more about sleeping while pregnant and choosing the best pregnancy pillow or best maternity pillow for you, check out our blogs.

Read More

How Firm Should a Pregnancy Pillow Be? Soft vs. Medium vs. Firm Explained

How Firm Should a Pregnancy Pillow Be? Soft vs. Medium vs. Firm Explained

When choosing a pregnancy pillow, the ideal support level is medium-firm. Soft pillows filled with standard polyester or down alternatives feel plush initially, but quickly flatten under weight, allowing your top leg to drop forward and twist your pelvis within hours. Conversely, rigid firm pillows made from solid memory foam hold their shape but lack a forgiving contour, creating hard pressure points against sore hip bones while trapping excess body heat.

Medium-firm cushioning made from adaptive materials like shredded natural latex offers the optimal balance. It provides enough gentle resistance to keep your hips parallel and lift the heavy pull of your bump, while remaining soft enough to cradle sore joints without flattening or overheating. Utilizing adaptive, medium-firm materials—particularly in a modular setup that lets you adjust the distance between bump, back, and leg supports—ensures your changing proportions stay comfortably aligned from the second trimester through to birth.

Pregnancy Pillow vs. Mattress Topper: Which Is Better for Hip and Back Pain?

Pregnancy Pillow vs. Mattress Topper: Which Is Better for Hip and Back Pain?

Choosing between a mattress topper and a pregnancy pillow comes down to distinguishing surface pressure from joint alignment. A mattress topper softens a hard bed surface to relieve localized pressure points on your outer hip and shoulder, but it cannot stop your top leg from falling forward, your pelvis from twisting, or your growing bump from dragging on your lower back.

In contrast, a targeted pregnancy pillow addresses the root cause of pregnancy aches by actively aligning your skeletal system. Placing support between your knees and ankles keeps your pelvis square, cradling your bump offloads lower back strain, and a back wedge prevents you from rolling onto your spine. While a topper alters the bed beneath you, a modular pregnancy pillow aligns your body on top of it, providing the structural support necessary to eliminate pregnancy-related joint and back pain.

Best Pregnancy Pillow for Tall and Plus-Size Mums: What Size and Shape Should You Choose?

Best Pregnancy Pillow for Tall and Plus-Size Mums: What Size and Shape Should You Choose?

Standard, fixed-size pregnancy pillows often fail tall and plus-size mothers by squeezing broader frames, flattening under heavier weight, or leaving long legs dangling unsupported past the knees. Traditional C-shaped and U-shaped pillows rely on rigid, pre-moulded dimensions that cannot adapt to non-standard proportions, pulling the spine out of alignment or trapping excess body heat.

Opting for an adjustable, three-piece modular pregnancy pillow solves these fit challenges by removing rigid boundaries. Broad-strapped, modular systems allow you to customize the width between the bump and back wedges to comfortably accommodate a fuller belly without squeezing, while separate leg cushions can be positioned further down to fully support taller legs from thigh to ankle. Resilient materials like natural shredded latex maintain their loft under pressure, ensuring long-lasting joint alignment and cool, restorative sleep throughout every trimester.

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