How to Choose the Best Pregnancy Pillow: Practical Tips from a Midwife Who Gets It

As a midwife, I’m always talking to women about sleep or, more accurately, how hard it can be to get comfortable enough to actually sleep during pregnancy! Between the sore hips, back pain, belly strain, and those weird middle-of-the-night hot flashes, it can feel impossible to rest well.

That’s where a good pregnancy pillow really makes a difference. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one’s right for you. So, I’m breaking it down in simple, practical terms. The same way I help my clients choose what works for their bodies and lifestyles. I hope you enjoy my input. I want to emphasize that every person is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Here’s what to think about when picking your pillow:

1. Where are you feeling discomfort?
   Is it your back, hips, belly, or maybe you just feel overheated and restless at night? Different pillows target different areas. For example, if you’ve got back pain or hip strain, you’ll want something that supports your whole body like a U-shaped pillow.
   

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   If it’s more about keeping your belly propped up, something smaller like a wedge might do the trick.
2. Your body type and how much space you’ve got
   Are you petite, tall, or somewhere in the middle? Sharing your bed with a partner or taking up the whole thing? Big, full-body pillows (like the Huggable U-shaped or Cooling U-shaped) give amazing support but take up more room. If space is tight, a J-shaped or F-shaped might feel more manageable.
3. How do you sleep?
   If you’re a side-sleeper who shifts a lot, a pillow that wraps around and keeps you supported on either side can make a world of difference. But if you like switching positions or curling up in a smaller space, something more flexible like the G-shaped (which is detachable!) or a wedge could work better.
4. What stage of pregnancy are you in?
   In early pregnancy, you might just want a little extra support under your belly or behind your back. Later on, when everything feels bigger and heavier, full-body support becomes more essential. The Dreamlign or U-shaped pillows are great for those third-trimester aches and pains.

Here a quick guide to help you find which pillow might be best for you:

* Hot at night?

Go for the Cooling U-shaped or Cooling Body Pillow; these help regulate temperature so you don’t wake up in a sweat.

*Need full-body support?

The Huggable U-shaped or Dreamlign will give you that head-to-toe comfort, perfect for easing back pain, aligning your hips, and keeping you cozy all night.

* Want something smaller?

The J-shaped is compact but still supportive. The F-shaped has an adjustable wedge if you need specific belly or back help without all the bulk.

* Like flexibility?

The G-shaped Pro is detachable so you can move it around depending on what’s bugging you that day super helpful as your body changes.

* Need something portable?

The Pregnancy Wedge is awesome for targeted belly or back support, and it’s easy to move around the house or take when traveling.

* Thinking ahead to postpartum?

Some of these pillows are amazing after birth too! The MaxSupport Nursing Pillow is a must for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding comfortably. But honestly, even the U-shaped or G-shaped pillows can keep supporting your body during postpartum healing, especially if you’re recovering from a cesarean or just needing help getting comfy while feeding or resting.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about just buying a pillow, it’s about giving yourself permission to rest, to be supported, and to make your body’s comfort a priority.

Sleep is not a luxury when you’re pregnant. It’s essential for your well-being, for reducing swelling, improving circulation, and even for helping your baby get into the best position for birth.

As a midwife I appreciate how Momcozy has really thought through their designs, offering something for every need and body type. I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about choosing the pillow that’s right for you.

And if you’re still not sure? My general advice: start with where you’re feeling the most discomfort right now and choose a pillow that meets you there. Your needs might change as pregnancy goes on and that’s okay. Many of my clients have multiple pillows and because Momcozy’s pillows are so reasonably priced, it wont kill you if you need to buy another one.

You deserve comfort, rest, and support through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

Your friend the midwife,

Allison Tartari LM,CPM