Pregnancy is one of the most magical, demanding, and physically intense seasons of life. As a nurse midwife, I’ve spent years caring for pregnant bodies—bodies that are stretching, shifting, swelling, and carrying the sacred work of growing a new life. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned both professionally and personally (three pregnancies deep myself), it’s this: Comfort is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Especially when it comes to sleep. So let’s talk about one of the most important tools to support your sleep, reduce pain, and keep you feeling functional as your body changes: the pregnancy pillow. And more specifically, let’s explore the different options Momcozy offers—and how to choose the right one for your pregnancy journey.
Why the Right Pillow Matters
Let’s start with the basics. Your body undergoes some massive physical changes during pregnancy, your joints loosen, your belly grows, your back picks up extra pressure, and your sleep gets… complicated. Many providers recommend sleeping on your left side during the second and third trimesters. Why? Because this position supports blood flow to the placenta, reduces swelling, and takes pressure off of your internal organs. But here’s the kicker: it’s really hard to stay on your side all night unless your body is well-supported. Cue the pregnancy pillow. Not just a nice-to-have accessory, this is a sleep game-changer.
My Pregnancy Pillow Evolution (aka What I Wish I’d Known Sooner)
With my first baby, I thought I could get by with a regular body pillow. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. I spent nights tossing and turning, trying to wedge a regular pillow between my knees, under my bump, behind my back… it was like a never-ending game of pillow Tetris. By baby #2, I started investing in “real” pregnancy pillows, but I’ll admit, some of the ones I bought were bulky, hard to clean, or flattened in a matter of weeks. I was frustrated, and still waking up stiff. During my third pregnancy, I tried Momcozy’s U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow, and let me tell you: I felt like I was being cradled by a cloud. Now, I recommend their lineup to clients regularly because they’ve figured out how to combine function, quality, and comfort without overwhelming you with a thousand unnecessary options.
Let’s take a look at their bestsellers, and which one might be right for you.
Momcozy’s Pregnancy Pillow Lineup: What’s the Difference?
This is the holy grail of pregnancy pillows for many of my patients, and it’s my personal favorite too. The U-shape supports your head, neck, back, belly, hips, and legs all at once. You can wrap your legs around one side, hug the middle, and use the other side to keep your spine aligned and prevent rolling onto your back during the night.
Highlights:
- Perfect for side sleeping
- Prevents rolling onto your back
- Great for back pain and sciatica
- Can be folded for postpartum nursing support
- Comes in multiple colors and washable fabrics
If you’re waking up with hip pain or you feel like your body needs “held together” during sleep (that’s how I used to describe it!), the U-shaped pillow can help stabilize everything so you actually rest.
Think of the J-shape as the U-shape’s slightly more compact little sibling. It’s shaped like a candy cane and gives you support for your head, neck, belly, and knees—without taking over the entire bed. It’s also great for elevating your upper body, which is a win if you’re struggling with heartburn or nasal congestion (very common in pregnancy due to hormonal swelling in the nasal passages!).
Highlights:
- Easier to move and reposition
- Great for co-sleepers or smaller beds
- Ideal for people who shift positions during the night
- Offers belly, knee, and upper body support
I usually recommend this one to clients who don’t love the “surrounded on both sides” feeling or who share a smaller bed with a partner.
This little hero might not look like much, but don’t underestimate it! The wedge is compact, portable, and amazing for those who need just a bit of lift under the belly, between the knees, or behind the lower back. It’s also perfect for daytime use—slide it behind your back when sitting, under your bump while lounging, or keep it in your car for long drives. I keep one in my clinic for clients to try out on the exam table and they’re shocked at how much relief they feel instantly.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly and travel-friendly
- Ideal for targeted pain relief
- Great for using on the go or at work
- Helps reduce pressure on the belly when side-lying
It’s also a great postpartum tool—pop it behind your back while nursing, or under baby for supervised tummy time!
Final Thoughts and Some Tips for Ideal Sleep:
Even with the perfect pillow, pregnancy sleep takes a little finesse. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies I share with my patients:
- Create a wind-down routine: Screens off, lights low, maybe some lavender oil or a warm bath.
- Elevate your upper body: Especially if you’re dealing with reflux. A J-pillow or adjustable U-shape can help.
- Stretch before bed: Gentle yoga or cat/cow stretches can relieve tight hips and back muscles.
- Sleep snacks: A light protein snack (like Greek yogurt or peanut butter toast) can help regulate blood sugar overnight and reduce 2 a.m. wakeups.
- Hydrate early, taper late: Drink throughout the day, but ease up a couple of hours before bed to minimize nighttime bathroom runs.
Sleep is the foundation of your health—especially when you’re growing another human. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pregnancy, I genuinely believe that finding the right pillow is one of the simplest ways to make this season more manageable, more restful, and a little more joyful. Momcozy’s lineup offers something for everyone, whether you need full-body support, belly cushioning, or a travel-friendly wedge to keep in your bag. It’s not about buying the most expensive or biggest pillow—it’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs. You don’t need to be a superhero, mama. You just need a little support—literally.
Sweet dreams and solid rest,
Caitlyn Schollmeier, CNM, MSN
Certified Nurse Midwife, Mama of Three, Pregnancy Educator