Best Pregnancy Pillows That Help Prevent Hip Pain
When I was pregnant, one of the most frustrating issues I dealt with was hip pain at night. As my body changed, sleeping comfortably became harder, and my hips would ache by morning. That’s when I discovered how the right pregnancy pillow could prevent hip pain and help me finally get better sleep.
If you’re dealing with the same discomfort, here are the best pregnancy pillows that help prevent hip pain and how to use them.
Table of Contents
Why Hip Pain Happens During Pregnancy
Hormones like relaxin loosen your ligaments, and your growing bump shifts your center of gravity. This can put extra strain on your hips, especially at night when you’re lying on your side.
➡️ My top pick for hip support: PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon – it supports your hips, knees, and belly all at once.
Top Pregnancy Pillows for Hip Pain Relief
1. PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (Best Overall)
This full-body pillow keeps your hips and knees aligned, which prevents pressure and pain overnight.
2. Leachco Snoogle C-Shaped Pillow (Great for Smaller Beds)
The C-shape hugs your body and provides targeted support for your hips and lower back without taking up as much space as a U-shaped pillow.
3. Meiz U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (Extra Plush Comfort)
If you prefer a softer pillow with extra cushioning, this U-shaped pillow cradles your body and prevents your hips from sagging while you sleep.
4. Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow + Knee Pillow Combo (Best Compact Option)
Pairing a wedge under your bump with a knee pillow between your legs is a space-saving way to reduce hip strain.
➡️ See the wedge pillow here and knee pillow here
5. INSEN Full Body Pillow (Budget-Friendly)
This straight body pillow is a simple way to support your hips and keep your knees aligned if you’re on a budget.
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow to Prevent Hip Pain
- Place the pillow between your knees to keep your hips parallel.
- Hug a body pillow to align your shoulders and hips together.
- Use a wedge pillow under your belly for extra hip and lower back relief.
- Adjust the pillow close to your body so you stay supported all night.
➡️ Shop my favorite pregnancy pillows for hip pain on Amazon here
My Final Thoughts
Hip pain during pregnancy can be incredibly frustrating, but the right pregnancy pillow can make all the difference.
Personally, I loved the U-shaped pregnancy pillow because it kept my hips, knees, and back fully supported all night.
➡️ Click here to shop the best pregnancy pillows for hip pain on Amazon
Trust me, once your hips are properly aligned, you’ll wake up feeling so much better.
When I first started dealing with hip pain during pregnancy, I didn’t realize how much my sleep position was making things worse. My hips weren’t aligned, and the strain built up each night until I was waking up sore every morning.
One of the most effective fixes was to place a firm pillow between my knees. This simple change kept my hips parallel instead of tilting forward or backward.
I also discovered that hugging a body pillow at the same time helped keep my shoulders and hips aligned together, which made my whole spine feel better in the morning.
If you’re using a U-shaped pillow, make sure the pillow is snug against your body. The closer it is, the less likely your hips are to shift during the night.
I made the mistake early on of using pillows that were too soft. They would flatten out by morning and stop providing any real support. Switching to a firmer pregnancy pillow that held its shape made a huge difference.
Another tip is to combine a wedge pillow under your bump with a knee pillow between your legs. This double support relieves pulling on your hips and lower back while keeping your belly stable.
If your bed is small or you share it with a partner, a C-shaped or straight body pillow can be a better choice. These shapes are less bulky but still keep your hips properly supported.
I also learned that using a pregnancy pillow for short naps during the day helped reduce hip pain at night. The more consistent you are with support, the less pressure builds up in your joints.
Another great hack is to elevate your top leg slightly if you’re a side sleeper. Placing a folded blanket or small cushion under your knee keeps your hips level and takes pressure off your joints.
I noticed that switching sides during the night was when my hip pain flared up the most. Now I move slowly and adjust my pillow first so I don’t twist my hips awkwardly when turning over.
If your hips still ache even with a pillow, try stretching before bed. Gentle hip-opening stretches and a modified child’s pose can loosen up your joints and muscles so you’re more comfortable at night.
Finally, remember that every body is different. Don’t be afraid to try different pillow shapes and arrangements until you find the one that works best for your hips. Once I found the right setup, I could finally wake up pain-free again.
I also found that supporting my lower back with a small wedge pillow helped take pressure off my hips. When your back is better supported, your hips don’t have to compensate as much, which reduces pain.
Another trick was to slightly tilt my pelvis forward when lying on my side. I used a pregnancy pillow to hold this position comfortably, and it made a huge difference in how my hips felt.
If you wake up with numbness or tingling in your hips, try rotating the pillow arrangement every few nights. I would sometimes switch from a U-shaped pillow to a wedge-and-knee pillow combo to give my body variety.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of pairing your pillow setup with good daytime posture. I made sure to sit with a cushion behind my back and take breaks from sitting too long, which helped keep my hips aligned at night as well.