Somewhere around the second trimester, sleep stops being something that just happens. You just can't get comfortable — not on your back, never on your stomach, and we won’t even get started about rolling over. You wake up at 2am not because of the baby, but simply because everything hurts.
It seems like absolutely nothing will help, but this is exactly what pregnancy pillows were created for (and why expectant mothers everywhere swear by them).
In this article, we'll walk you through the different types of pregnancy pillows, how to use them based on your sleeping position, what to look for before you buy, and the question everyone eventually Googles: is it really worth it?
Key Takeaways
Why Sleep Gets Harder During Pregnancy
Sleep disruptions affect up to 78% of pregnant people, and they tend to peak in the third trimester — exactly when you need rest most. There are a few things working against you:
Physical discomfort. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts. Lying flat can put pressure on major blood vessels, back pain becomes common, and hip pain is almost universal by the third trimester. Even getting in and out of bed can feel like a project.
Position restrictions. Sleeping on your stomach isn't possible past the first trimester, and sleeping on your back is generally not recommended after 20 weeks, as it can compress the vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart. Side sleeping becomes your only real option, but staying there all night without support takes effort.
Frequent wake-ups. Between bathroom trips, heartburn, leg cramps, and your baby moving in the middle of the night, sleep can feel perpetually interrupted.
A good pregnancy pillow doesn't fix all of this, but it does address the physical piece directly — making it meaningfully easier to stay comfortable and stay in the position that's best for you and your baby.
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
The shape of your pregnancy pillow often matters more than the brand. Here's what each type does well.
Wedge Pillow
Best for: targeted belly or back support, smaller beds, earlier pregnancy
A wedge pillow is your most compact option. It's a small, firm triangle or crescent you can slide under your belly, behind your back, or between your knees. It won't wrap around you — it just props up one area.
The upside: it's small, easy to move, and works well in a full or queen bed where a larger pillow would take over.
The downside: it doesn't provide full-body support, so if you need help at multiple points (belly and hips and back) you'll likely need more than one, or a different type.
Wedge pillows work well in early to mid-pregnancy when a smaller amount of targeted support is enough.
C-Shaped Pillow
Best for: side sleepers who want head-to-knee coverage without the bulk of a full wrap-around
A C-shaped pillow curves from your head down along your back or front, depending on how you orient it. The top arc supports your head, the middle curves behind your back (or in front of your belly), and the bottom end tucks between your knees.
The upside: it's more versatile than a wedge — you can flip it to support your front if you're a back-roller in the night, or orient it so the curve cradles your back. Most people find it easier to get in and out of bed with than a U-shaped one.
The downside: it doesn't wrap around both sides of your body, so if you switch sleeping positions frequently, you'll need to reposition it each time.
U-Shaped Pillow
Best for: full-body support, those who switch sides frequently, later pregnancy
A U-shaped pillow wraps around both sides of your body at once — head at the top of the U, belly supported on one side, back supported on the other, legs cradled in the bottom curve. You don't have to reposition it when you roll over; the support is already there on both sides.
The upside: it's the most comprehensive option and the most popular for the third trimester — and because support is on both sides, rolling over doesn't mean starting over.
The downside: it's also the largest. It can easily take up half the bed, so if you have a partner, it's worth measuring before you buy.
Full-Body Pillow
Best for: those who run warm, want flexibility, or prefer a simpler silhouette
A straight full-body pillow (sometimes shaped with a slight curve) runs the length of your body. You hug it in front, tuck the bottom between your knees, and prop your head on a regular pillow. It doesn't wrap around you, so it takes up less bed space than a U-shaped option — but it also provides less coverage.
The upside: it works well if you run warm — less pillow surrounding your body means less heat — and it's significantly easier to travel with than a U-shaped option.
The downside: without wrap-around support, it won't hold your back and belly simultaneously. If you need support at multiple points, a C- or U-shaped option will serve you better.
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow by Position
Left-Side Sleeping
Left-side sleeping is the most recommended position from around 20 weeks onward. It optimizes blood flow to the placenta, reduces pressure on the liver, and can help with kidney function and swelling reduction.
For a C-shaped pillow: curve it so the arc supports your belly and the bottom end tucks between your knees. Use the top of the C under your head or prop your head with a regular pillow.
For a U-shaped pillow: place your body in the center of the U. One arm of the pillow runs in front of your belly, the other behind your back. Your head rests at the top of the U.
Right-Side Sleeping
Right-side sleeping is generally considered fine during pregnancy, though left-side is slightly preferred for circulation reasons. If you find yourself switching sides throughout the night — which is normal — a U-shaped pillow means you don't have to rearrange anything.
Propped Semi-Reclined
If you're dealing with heartburn, which is very common in the second and third trimesters, lying fully flat can make it worse. Some people find it more comfortable to sleep in a semi-reclined position, propped up with pillows behind their back and shoulders.
A U-shaped or C-shaped pillow can be oriented behind your back to help you maintain a slight recline, though a wedge under your upper back may do this more predictably. A regular adjustable bed base can also help if that's an option.
Postpartum
A U-shaped or C-shaped pregnancy pillow becomes a nursing pillow when positioned correctly. Wrap it around your body, place the baby on top, and it can support your arms and the baby's weight during frequent newborn feeds. That said, you should always keep your baby awake and supervise while feeding, and never leave them resting on the pillow unattended (even briefly).
What to Look For When Buying
Fill Type
The fill of a pillow affects how the pillow feels, holds its shape, and handles heat.
Memory foam: Conforms to your body, provides firm and consistent support. Can run warm, and is usually heavier than other options.
Polyester fiberfill: Soft, lightweight, machine washable, and easy to find. Tends to flatten faster than memory foam, so you may need to fluff it more frequently.
Microbeads: Very conforming and moldable. Quiet and light. Can be less supportive than memory foam for larger bellies.
Natural fill (cotton, wool): Breathable and temperature-regulating. A good choice if you tend to sleep hot.
Cover
You're going to be using this pillow a lot, you're going to sweat on it, and at some point something will spill on it. You need a cover that:
- Comes off easily (zipper, not sewn on)
- Is machine washable
- Is soft against skin you're sleeping against directly
Look for covers made from breathable materials — jersey knit, bamboo-derived fabric, or organic cotton all work well. Avoid anything that traps heat if you already sleep warm.
Size
Measure your bed before you buy a U-shaped pillow. Queen beds can accommodate most options, but full beds may feel tight. Confirming the dimensions before purchase saves a lot of hassle.
Firmness
Firmness is personal — but as a general rule, more support is better for back and hip pain, and more give tends to feel better for belly support. Some pillows let you adjust fill level; others are fixed.
If you can, look for a return window long enough to actually use the pillow for a week before committing.
Washability
Removable, machine-washable covers are essential. Some pillows also have washable inner cores, which is worth seeking out if you're prone to spills or plan to use the pillow postpartum.
Our Pregnancy Pillow
Newton's Pregnancy Pillow is designed with expectant mothers in mind, featuring full-body support through the second and third trimester with a cover that's washable and breathable enough to use through it all. It's built as part of our Mom line, alongside our crib mattresses and kids' sleep products. Because the safety-first thinking we put into what your baby sleeps on should apply to you too.
You've Earned a Good Night's Sleep
Sleep during pregnancy is already working against you. A pregnancy pillow won't fix everything, but it removes the physical barrier of getting comfortable so you can actually stay in the position that's safest for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow? There's no rule — you can start whenever you feel like you need it. Many people begin around 20 weeks, when side sleeping becomes more strongly recommended and belly size starts making regular sleeping positions less comfortable. Some start earlier; there's no downside.
Can I sleep on my back with a pregnancy pillow? After 20 weeks, sleeping flat on your back isn't recommended because of the pressure it can put on blood vessels. A pregnancy pillow can help you maintain a side-sleeping position, but it isn't designed to make back sleeping safe in late pregnancy. If you're concerned about sleep position, check with your OB or midwife.
Will a pregnancy pillow help with back pain? It often can, yes. Pregnancy pillows that support your back and help keep your hips aligned take pressure off the lower back — which is one of the most common pain sites in pregnancy. A U-shaped or C-shaped pillow positioned behind your back while you sleep on your side offers the most direct support.
Can my partner use the bed too? U-shaped pillows in particular take up significant bed space — typically a full quarter to a third of a queen-sized bed. A C-shaped or full-body pillow is more partner-friendly. Worth the conversation before you order.
Can I use a pregnancy pillow after giving birth? Absolutely. C-shaped and U-shaped pregnancy pillows work well as nursing support pillows. Many people continue using them through the postpartum recovery period for general comfort, especially after a C-section. Just make sure baby stays awake and supervised the whole time, and is never left resting on the pillow alone.
How do I wash a pregnancy pillow? Most pregnancy pillows have removable covers that are machine washable — check the care instructions on yours. For pillows with a washable inner, follow the manufacturer's instructions; most go in a front-load machine on a gentle cycle. Newton's Pregnancy Pillow cover is machine washable.
