5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Pregnancy Pillow
When I was pregnant, buying a pregnancy pillow felt like an exciting purchase. I pictured finally getting a full night’s sleep and waking up without back pain. But I quickly realized not all pregnancy pillows are created equal, and if you’re not careful, you can waste money on the wrong one.
In this post, I’ll share the 5 mistakes I made (and learned from) so you can avoid the same frustration. Finding the right pillow can make your pregnancy so much more comfortable, and I want to help you get it right the first time.
Table of Contents
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Shape
I didn’t realize how important the shape was until I tried a few different ones. Pregnancy pillows come in U-shape, C-shape, wedge, and straight body pillow styles, and each one serves a different purpose.
If you’re a side sleeper who tosses and turns, a U-shaped pillow might be best. If you want something less bulky, a C-shaped or wedge pillow could work better. Think about how you sleep before you buy.
➡️ See my top-rated pregnancy pillows by shape on Amazon here
Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Bed Size
I have a queen bed, and my first U-shaped pillow completely took over the entire mattress. My partner had barely any space left! If you share your bed, you need to think about how much room the pillow will take up.
Smaller beds work better with C-shaped pillows or wedges because they’re easier to manage. Large beds can accommodate the bigger U-shaped pillows without feeling cramped.
Mistake #3: Overlooking the Cover and Material
I learned the hard way that pregnancy pillows get dirty quickly. Night sweats, spills, and snack crumbs (yes, I had midnight snacks) can ruin a pillow without a removable cover.
Always choose a pillow with a machine-washable cover. Also, pay attention to the materials. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, an organic or hypoallergenic pregnancy pillow will be a better choice.
➡️ Shop my favorite hypoallergenic pregnancy pillows here
Mistake #4: Not Considering Firmness
When I was in my second trimester, I bought a pillow that was way too soft. It felt great at first but collapsed under my belly and hips by morning.
If you need more support for your back and hips, pick a firmer pregnancy pillow. Softer pillows are great for light support, but they don’t hold up as well for heavier bellies later in pregnancy.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Long-Term Use
Many pregnancy pillows can be used after pregnancy for nursing or just as a body pillow. My first pillow didn’t hold up beyond pregnancy, and I regretted not investing in one that would last.
If you plan to breastfeed, a pillow that works as a nursing pillow will save you money. Some of the best pregnancy pillows can even be used as support cushions for your baby.
➡️ See which pillows double as nursing support on Amazon here
My Final Thoughts
Buying a pregnancy pillow doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you avoid these 5 mistakes, you’ll end up with a pillow that truly supports you through pregnancy and beyond.
Personally, I recommend the PharMeDoc C-Shaped Pillow for small spaces and the bbhugme U-Shaped Pillow if you want full-body support. Both options are worth the investment and will help you finally get that much-needed rest.
➡️ Click here to shop my favorite pregnancy pillows on Amazon
When I was shopping for my first pregnancy pillow, I was so excited that I didn’t stop to really think about my sleeping habits. It’s easy to just pick the most popular one you see online, but the reality is that what works for one mom may not work for another.
I also learned that reading product descriptions carefully is crucial. Many brands advertise their pillows as “full-body support,” but not all of them actually deliver. Taking a few extra minutes to read reviews saved me from buying pillows that flattened too quickly or didn’t support my hips.
Another mistake I made was focusing only on price. I thought the cheapest pillow would be fine, but it ended up being uncomfortable and I had to replace it. Spending a little more upfront on a quality pillow would have saved me money in the long run.
I also didn’t realize how much the filling material impacts comfort. Pillows filled with microbeads feel more moldable, while memory foam tends to be firmer. Once I paid attention to the filling type, I finally found a pillow that didn’t collapse under my belly overnight.
Some pillows look amazing in pictures but can be difficult to clean. I learned to avoid pillows without removable covers because pregnancy can be messy. Between night sweats and late-night snacks, a washable cover is non-negotiable.
Another tip is to think about how much space you have in your bedroom. Large U-shaped pillows are amazing for support, but they take up a lot of room. If you have a smaller bed or share your space, a C-shaped pillow or wedge might make more sense.
I also realized that some pregnancy pillows are too heavy or bulky to move around easily. That made me dread switching sides at night. If you’re a combo sleeper, a lighter pillow that’s easy to reposition will make your life so much easier.
Many new moms, myself included, forget to think about how the pillow can be used after pregnancy. Some of the best pillows can double as nursing support or a body pillow for postpartum recovery. Choosing one with multiple uses makes it a smarter investment.
I also found that certain fabrics irritated my sensitive skin. Organic cotton or bamboo covers were much softer and breathable, especially during the warmer months. If you struggle with allergies or irritation, this small detail can make a huge difference.
Another mistake I made early on was not checking the size dimensions before ordering. Some pillows looked bigger online but ended up being much smaller in real life. Always double-check the measurements so you know exactly what you’re getting.
One thing I wish I had known sooner is that some pregnancy pillows actually help reduce heartburn and swelling. Choosing a pillow that elevates your upper body slightly can make you feel much better, especially in the third trimester.
Lastly, don’t wait too long to buy your pregnancy pillow. I waited until my belly was really big and I was already uncomfortable. Getting it early means you can enjoy better sleep throughout your entire pregnancy, not just the final weeks.