TRUSTED BY OVER 82,000 GROWING BUMPS

Add your deal, information or promotional text

Shopicons_Regular_Delivery2

Free Delivery Australia Wide

Shopicons_Regular_Calendar

30 Night Risk Free Trial

Shopicons_Regular_Shield

Sleeping Mum’s Guarantee

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 to Wash a Pregnancy Pillow Without Ruining Its Shape or Support

How to Wash a Pregnancy Pillow Without Ruining Its Shape or Support

Properly maintaining a pregnancy pillow relies on one golden rule: wash the outer cover regularly while keeping the inner cushion out of the washing machine. Soaking or machine-washing inner inserts, especially latex or memory foam, causes severe clumping, structural breakdown, and permanent shape loss, depriving you of necessary body support.

Cleaning methods vary depending on the component's material. Unzip the outer cover and wash it in cool water on a gentle cycle with a mild, fragrance-free liquid detergent. Skip hot water, high dryer heat, and fabric softeners, as these shrink technical fabrics and ruin moisture-wicking properties. While poly-fill cushions can usually be washed on a delicate front-load cycle and tumble-dried on low with dryer balls, latex or memory foam inserts must never be submerged. Instead, spot-clean foam or latex using a damp cloth with mild detergent, blot out excess moisture with a dry towel, and lay flat to air dry.

Modular pillow designs streamline laundry day by letting you unzip individual bump, back, and knee support covers for standard washing without wrestling bulky full-body inserts. Between laundry days, maintain freshness by fluffing the cushions daily, airing them out during bedsheet changes, and placing them briefly in indirect sunlight to preserve the fill's integrity.

Where Does the Dog Sleep Now? Navigating Bed-Sharing Changes Before Baby Arrives

Where Does the Dog Sleep Now? Navigating Bed-Sharing Changes Before Baby Arrives

Shifting your dog’s sleeping spot weeks before your due date is essential for protecting infant sleep safety, reducing midnight disruptions, and keeping your bedding clean for late-night feeds. Transitioning your pet early prevents them from associating the baby with losing their favorite mattress spot. Start between weeks 28 and 32 by setting up a comfortable dog bed in your room with a piece of your worn clothing. Over the following weeks, establish a clear "on your bed" command rewarded with treats, gently guiding them off the mattress without frustration. By weeks 34 to 36, practice your future nighttime movements with dim lights so your dog grows accustomed to 2 am activity while remaining on their own bed.

Clearing your mattress allows you to reclaim the physical space needed for deep, supportive side-sleeping with a dedicated bump-and-back pregnancy pillow. Once the dog has settled into their new routine, ease the baby's arrival by bringing home a worn baby wrap for your dog to sniff ahead of time, maintaining consistent feeding schedules, and offering special treats during feeds so your pet views the new arrival positively.

Graduated vs. Uniform Compression: What's the Benefit for Pregnancy?

Graduated vs. Uniform Compression: What's the Benefit for Pregnancy?

Choosing between graduated and uniform compression socks during pregnancy comes down to how each handles fluid retention. Uniform compression applies equal pressure across the entire leg to stabilize active muscles during sport, making it ill-suited for daily pregnancy swelling. In contrast, graduated compression applies its firmest pressure at the ankle and gradually eases off up the calf, actively encouraging returning blood flow and preventing fluid from pooling during long periods of sitting or standing.

For expectant mothers, knee-high graduated compression socks made from breathable bamboo offer the most practical support for heavy, aching legs. Putting them on first thing in the morning reduces daily swelling, while taking them off at night paired with proper side-sleeping support allows the body to fully restore itself for the next day.

Search