WHEN you're pregnant, it can be hard to get comfortable with your expanding bump and the best maternity pillows can be a big help in getting you a good night's rest.
The best pregnancy pillows UK are designed to support your bump and back - adapting to a range of sleeping positions to alleviate aches and pains.
Not only that, but many pregnancy pillows are suitable for use after you've given birth, allowing you to support your baby during breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Pregnancy pillows come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and patterns, so you're bound to find one you love – whether you prefer a neutral U-shape or a wedge pillow with a funky print.
They're not just for sleeping either: you can use them while relaxing on the sofa, and many are specifically made to target problems from pelvic girdle pain to back issues like sciatica.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime
Interested in trying one? Read on for our definitive list of the best pregnancy and nursing pillows – whatever your budget and needs.
Best pregnancy pillows at a glance:
- Best extra-large size pregnancy pillow: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Pregnancy and Baby Nursing Pillow
- Best budget: Dorma Full Forever V-Shaped Firm-Support Pillow
- Best U-shaped pillow: Grandma Shark Pregnancy Pillow for Sleeping
- Best pregnancy and nursing pillow: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Pregnancy and Baby Nursing Pillow
- Best compact pregnancy pillow: Little Chick London 4-in-1 Pregnancy Support Wedge
Niimo Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow
- Niimo Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow, £27.99 at Amazon - buy here
This versatile pillow pushes the design of the classic C-shaped pregnancy pillow forward and adds an insert in the centre, making it even more comfy and useful.
It can be used as a side-sleeper aid during pregnancy, or wrapped around your back for lumbar support – the handy button enclosure at either end of the pillow mean you can fasten it together securely, which is a nifty feature.
We also like that its use extends well beyond pregnancy, as it transforms into a handy feeding pillow, as well as a cosy baby nest.
The 100% cotton cover is hypoallergenic and can be easily removed for washing, plus it comes in two cute, neutral patterns.
Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow
- Queen Rose full body pregnancy pillow, £131.35 at Amazon - buy here
Queen Rose is another favourite pregnancy pillow brand, earning thousands of reviews on Amazon for the incredible, all-encompassing comfort it provides expectant bodies, although as one fan writes, "You don't need to be pregnant to get this pillow".
It comes in a selection of colours, and you can even choose from a washable cotton or velvet cover.
The U-shaped pillow can help ease discomfort when sleeping during pregnancy, as well as aiding a number of issues, including gastric reflux, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Fans insist it's a sleep game changer.
READ MORE:
- Best sunscreens for kids and babies
- Best maternity coats
- Best pregnancy exercise balls
- Best maternity work trousers
- Best baby changing mats
Koala Babycare Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow
Koala Babycare Nursing V Pillow, £27 at Amazon - buy here
I’m a savvy shopper – best time to shop for Xmas 2023 is sooner than you think
It's easy to see how the Koala Hugs pillow is such a popular option for mums-to-be, racking up over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
The pregnancy pillow comes in a selection of polka dot prints, with a removable zippered cover for easy washing. It's filled with silicone fibre flakes to optimise your comfort as you rest, and has laces at either end, so it can be tied together for a variety of baby support needs.
Fans like that it combines comfort with attention to detail and rate it for its quality and multitasking abilities.
"I love love love this pillow. It's so comfortable, a fantastic support and I finally got a good night's sleep once I had it. I don't use any other pillows now" says one shopper.
"Don't be alarmed when you first open it. It comes vacuum packed so just shake it out and leave it for a few hours. It plumps right up!" notes a fan.
Tommee Tippee Pregnancy and Baby Pillow
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Pregnancy and Baby Nursing Pillow, £50 at Argos - buy here
This support pillow for pregnancy and beyond can be wrapped around the spine, curved around the legs and arranged in whatever way supports your growing baby bump best.
It has a washable, removable cover made from 100 per cent cotton, so it's super soft and it can also be used as a breastfeeding support after your baby is born.
With an extra-large design, it's big enough to curl across your whole body to offer major support where you need it most. It also includes a manufacturer's one-year guarantee for extra peace of mind.
Dreamgenii Maternity and Nursing Pillow
- Dreamgenii Maternity and Nursing Pillow, £53.99 at John Lewis - buy here
Dreamgenii's comfy pregnancy pillow supports the back, knees and bump and will stop you from rolling onto your back.
Fans say it helps to relieve backache and pelvic girdle pain, is the ideal length and shape to cuddle to sleep and, when wrapped around a baby, works well as a nursing pillow.
Unlike many other giant pillows on the market, this design won't take up too much room in your bed, so if you share your bed with a partner, they won't be impacted.
Grandma Shark Pregnancy Pillow
- Grandma Shark Pregnancy Pillow for Sleeping, £23.99 at Amazon - buy here
This U-shaped pregnancy pillow is described as "massive" (it comes in 155cm or 170cm sizes) and is a favourite for those looking for full-body support.
Not only is it recommended by those who are pregnant, but arthritis and sciatica sufferers swear by it, too. Note: It will replace your partner in bed (a joke made by a few reviewers).
Silentnight Body Support Pregnancy Pillow
Silentnight Body Support Pillow, £27 at Silentnight - buy here
This Silent Night pregnancy pillow has received excellent ratings and reviews from shoppers.
Not only is it an award-winning design according to mums, but it's also made from soft and squishy microfibre and hollow fibre so is lovely to cuddle and easy to wash.
Fans rave about its thick, hotel-quality feel and great value price.
BBhugme Pregnancy Pillow
- bbhugme pregnancy pillow, £153 at JoJo Maman Bébé - buy here
Right off the bat, this pregnancy pillow gets points for style: it comes in various colours and patterns (we've even spotted a chic spotty version) and it looks a lot more appealing than many others on the market.
It also feels good, to provide support that can be adjusted to your needs and stage of pregnancy. You can loosen or tighten the pillow using the rubber ends to make it more firm or soft, depending on what your body requires.
It has decent eco credentials too as the inner pillow is made from Biofoam, which is made from plant and vegetable waste – that's also antibacterial and antifungal.
It has a rather hefty price tag, but fans stress that it's worth every penny, especially as it can also be used for nursing post-pregnancy.
Dorma Full Forever V-Shaped Firm-Support Pregnancy Pillow
Dorma Full Forever V-Shaped Firm-Support Pillow, £20 at Dunelm - buy here
Ideal for side sleepers, this firm v-shaped pillow will stay fuller for longer due to the spiral fibre polyester filling.
It also has a 100% cotton cover, to keep you cool and comfortable. With plenty of glowing reviews claiming the pillow is 'brilliant' and 'the perfect pregnancy pillow' and with a price under £20, you can't really go wrong.
Mamas & Papas Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow - Soft Grey
- Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow, £45 at Mamas & Papas - buy here
Presented in a removable and washable cover, this pillow by Mamas & Papas is suitable for both pregnancy and nursing and moulds to your shape whether you're relaxing, sleeping or feeding.
Not only that but it promises to provide '5-point support in the pelvis, lower back, abdomen, knees and ankles' – so it's as comfy as it is supportive.
It also comes in a handy zip-up bag, perfect for travelling or when you need to store it away.
Snuz SnuzCurve Pregnancy Pillow
- Snuz SnuzCurve Pregnancy Pillow, £84.95 at Mamas & Papas - buy here
Baby sleep expert, Snuz, is known for its award-winning bedside crib, the SnuzPod – and happily for us, it's since expanded its sleep offering, with a whole range of products to level up your bedtime parenting routine.
The SnuzCurve Pregnancy Pillow is one such product: it claims to be the first pregnancy pillow 'that actually guides you into the correct sleep position', thanks to its KneeBlade innovation.
With a machine washable cotton-blend cover, the unique shape was developed by a specialist team which included midwives, chiropractors and physios, so you can be sure that every requirement has been thought of.
Kally Sleep U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
- U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow, now £63.99 at Kally Sleep - buy here
This U-shaped pillow by Kally Sleep is currently on offer, so it's the perfect time to snap one up. It comes with a 14-night sleep trial and has a medium firmness that delivers full body support and comfort.
It even won 'Best Product for Pregnancy' at the 2022 Bizziebaby Gold Awards. Customers are really impressed, with one five-star reviewer commenting: "I felt instant relief from pregnancy-related back pain and slept better from the go! Couldn’t recommend enough. Not too firm & lets me sink in nicely."
Symple Stuff Anavilhanas Pregnancy Pillow
Symple Stuff Anavilhanas Pregnancy Pillow, £24.26 at Wayfair - buy here
If you're looking for a decent pregnancy pillow on a budget, then this one by Symple Stuff is ideal: it comes in at under £20!
With a soft hollow fibre filling, it's got glowing reviews for pregnancy and back pain alike – just bear in mind that it doesn't come with a cover so you'll have to buy one separately.
"Had some great sleeps with this at 28 + weeks pregnant, it’s perfect for sleeping on your side,' raves one shopper.
Widgey Plus Multi-Use Pregnancy & Sleep Pillow
- Widgey Plus Multi-Use Pregnancy & Sleep Pillow, £49.99 at Boots - buy here
Widgey Pillows specialises in pregnancy pillows – and we love that the midwife-approved products are reasonably priced.
Featuring a fun silver star print, this multi-use pillow can be used between your legs, knees, ankles as well as under your bump to soothe any discomfort.
The ergonomic design has a firm but moldable feel, while the pure cotton cover is removable and washable.
"Very comfy", writes one reviewer, adding, "recommended this to a friend due to have a baby and they bought one too".
Bella Moon The Pregnancy and Nursing (4-in-1) Pillow
Bella Moon The Pregnancy and Nursing (4-in-1) Pillow, from £99 at Bella Moon - buy here
Bella Moon is a specialist pregnancy and nursing pillow brand and when it comes to innovative design, this comforting product takes the crown.
The design offers four different pillow options in one – the award-winning modular design shapeshifts, so it lasts from pregnancy until your little one is well past one.
It can be a classic C-shape to cocoon you during pregnancy, then you can simply unzip it to transform it into an infant feeding pillow, tummy time pillow and baby lounger.
As a pregnancy pillow, mothers-to-be insist it works wonders in terms of easing back aches and pelvic pain. You can also choose from a selection of stylish prints.
Little Chick Pregnancy Support Wedge Pillow
- Little Chick London 4-in-1 Pregnancy Support Wedge, £23.39 at Little Chick London - buy here
This go-anywhere design from Little Chick wins points for its super soft bamboo cover, its compact size – making it great for travel – and its versatility.
Expectant mums use it as a back support at work, in the car and to sleep on their sides in bed. It can also help to prop baby up while breastfeeding and it works as a baby nest too.
Kinder Valley 12ft Nursing Maternity Pillow
- Kinder Valley Nursing Pillow, £26 at Asda - buy here
Relaxation and feeling comfortable are key in pregnancy and why not optimise that time with a 12ft nursing pillow?
Designed to be used throughout pregnancy and beyond, it can help take away the discomfort and wrap around your body in any which way you choose.
As well as supporting bourgeoning baby bumps, it can also help provide comfort for the back, knees and hips, plus it can be rolled up and used as a feeding aid once your bundle of joy has arrived.
Fans of the pillow say it's excellent at getting them in a comfortable position and can even help to reduce swelling in ankles and feet by keeping their legs raised.
Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow
- Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow, £59 at Purflo - buy here
If you want a pregnancy pillow that's as breathable as it is comfy, the Purflo pregnancy pillow is a fantastic option.
Constructed with specially developed 3D spacer mesh and super soft interlock jersey cotton, this is a pregnancy pillow designed for serious comfort.
Made by Purflo, one of the UK's leading brands for safe baby sleeping, they launched their first product in 1997.
Rather than the original 'sausage' shaped design that most pregnancy pillows stick to, Purflo's Breathe Pillow is made to move with the mother's natural shape and its contoured design makes it a winner for sore backs and heavy bumps.
Fans of the pillow say its innovative design also makes it a great nursing pillow for after the baby arrives too.
How to use a pregnancy pillow?
A pregnancy pillow can be a great addition to sleeping and daytime naps, but how do you actually use it? Well, for maximum comfort it's recommended to sleep on your left side, (think like the recovery position!) which promotes optimal comfort and blood flow to your baby.
There are a couple of shapes: the C shape pillow that can curve around your body resting between your knees, or you may prefer to go for a longer U shape.
This is known as more of a full-body pillow that can flow around your body while tucking under feet, legs, knees and even the head.
You can even find a small wedge pillow that can be propped under your head, belly or back for support, or simply in between the knees.
How to choose a pregnancy pillow
Before purchasing pillows it is best to research the best types that you feel may work for you. As above, you have wedge pillows, C-shapes and U-shapes, which range from small to large.
There are ones with breathable material, thicker ones, one's that curl up to travel with and a variety of colours, textures and styles. Sometimes reading the reviews can also help you on your way to pick the best pregnancy pillow for you.
Where to buy pregnancy pillows in the UK
Not only can you buy from a specialist baby shop, but you can find a plethora of products in stores and online, making purchasing a pregnancy pillow as easy as ordering your weekly shop! Here are some retailers where you can buy pregnancy pillows online:
- Argos
- Amazon
- Jojo Maman Bebe
- Mamas & Papas
- Baby Central
Are maternity pillows worth it?
Pregnancy. Some women sail through it breezily and others not so much! It can affect our ability to sleep well and feel comfortable, while the aches and pains can be felt in our backs, knees, ankles and hips.
So for some, a plain old pillow between the knees may suffice for a minor bit of discomfort but for others, they need full support.
This is where pregnancy pillows can be a worthwhile investment, that can also help with a sound night's sleep! They can make us feel good and support our backs and other areas at the time when we need them most.
We can elevate our legs (which helps swollen ankles) and some larger types of pregnancy pillows can wrap around the body from head to toe. So, for those that are having any kind of discomfort, a pregnancy pillow can help alleviate aches and pains.
How to use a pregnancy pillow for breastfeeding?
There are many great benefits of using a pregnancy pillow for nursing your little one and can make feeding comfortable for you both.
To start you must find the most comfortable position, whether that's sitting in an armchair, cross-legged on the floor or resting on the sofa. You then place your pregnancy pillow in your lap, helping the baby lie down on the pillow.
The pillow should be aligned so that the baby can feed with the head slightly tilted up, rather than lying completely flat.
Let the baby nurse at their own pace and voila! You have found the perfect feeding spot.
What's the purpose of a pregnancy pillow?
Pregnancy pillows are sleep or resting aids, that can help a woman find some comfort when lying down even as her bump continues to grow.
While it's by no means essential that you buy one, experts and fans swear they help with pregnancy niggles like back and pelvic pain, and that the right pregnancy pillow can ease you into a comfortable position when sleeping at night - or if you've gone away and are in a different bed.
Pregnancy pillows can also help cool you down at night. Pregnancy pillows have benefits beyond the pregnant phase: they can help support your baby in a comfortable position during those many early hours, days and weeks spent breastfeeding.
Pregnant women are advised to sleep on their sides from 28 weeks, and the NHS recommends the use of pillows to support your bump or placed between the knees to help make your resting position more comfortable.
When should you start using a pregnancy pillow?
There's no set time in your pregnancy when you should be using a pregnancy pillow - start cuddling one as soon as you like.
Many women find that around five months they want a bit of extra support as their body changes and they start to feel some aches and pains.
By the third trimester, a pregnancy pillow is viewed as a bedtime essential by many women.
How much do pregnancy pillows cost?
The majority of the pregnancy pillows we've recommended are around £25 -£50 and you should be able to find a good quality pillow at this price point.
If you want to splash out, you can find more luxurious pregnancy pillows between £100-£150 - and a quality pregnancy pillow can be used for nursing your baby too so you may decide it's worth the bigger investment.