Do You Really Need a Pregnancy Pillow? Pros and Cons Explained
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I kept seeing ads for pregnancy pillows everywhere. I wondered: Do I really need one, or is it just another product I’ll use for a few months and then forget about?
After trying one myself, I quickly realized that these pillows can be life-changing for some moms—but they’re not for everyone. In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of pregnancy pillows so you can decide if one is right for you.
Table of Contents
What Is a Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow is a specially designed pillow that supports your growing belly, hips, and back as you sleep. They come in different shapes, including:
- U-shaped: Wraps around your entire body
- C-shaped: Hugs your front and back
- J-shaped: Slimmer design with a hook for your head
- Wedge: Small pillow for targeted support
➡️ My favorite all-around option: PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon
Pros of Using a Pregnancy Pillow
1. Better Sleep Quality
When I started using a pregnancy pillow, I immediately noticed I slept deeper and woke up less. The pillow supported my bump and kept my hips aligned, which reduced discomfort.
2. Eases Back, Hip, and Shoulder Pain
Pregnancy pillows relieve pressure on your back and joints, especially when you’re side sleeping. I used to wake up with sore hips, but the pillow between my knees changed everything.
3. Helps You Stay on Your Side
Doctors recommend sleeping on your left side during pregnancy. A pregnancy pillow makes it much easier to stay in that position without rolling onto your back.
➡️ Try the Leachco Snoogle C-Shaped Pillow if you want belly and back support.
4. Can Be Used Beyond Pregnancy
Many pregnancy pillows double as nursing pillows or general body pillows postpartum. I still use mine for extra support while lounging on the couch.
Cons of Using a Pregnancy Pillow
1. They Take Up Space
Some of the larger pillows (especially U-shaped ones) can dominate your bed. This was tricky for me because I share a queen bed with my partner.
2. Can Be Expensive
Good quality pregnancy pillows aren’t cheap, and not everyone wants to spend the money for just a few months of use.
3. Not Always Necessary
If you already have supportive regular pillows, you might be able to create a similar setup without buying a special pillow.
➡️ For smaller beds or tighter budgets, the Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge is a great alternative.
Do You Really Need One?
It depends. If you’re sleeping fine with your regular pillows, you probably don’t need a pregnancy pillow. But if you’re struggling with back pain, hip discomfort, or restless nights, it can be worth every penny.
Personally, I didn’t buy mine until my second trimester, and I wish I had started using it sooner. It made a huge difference in my comfort and helped me wake up feeling more rested.
My Final Thoughts
A pregnancy pillow isn’t a must-have for every mom, but it’s a great investment if you’re not sleeping well.
If you’re going to try one, I recommend starting with a C- or U-shaped pillow so you get full-body support.
➡️ Click here to shop my favorite pregnancy pillows on Amazon
Trust me—better sleep is worth it during pregnancy.
When I was deciding whether or not to buy a pregnancy pillow, I kept asking myself if it was worth the investment. I had plenty of regular pillows at home, and I thought I could just stack them for support. But the truth is, regular pillows constantly slipped out of place during the night, which left me feeling frustrated and tired.
One of the biggest benefits I noticed after getting a pregnancy pillow was how it helped me transition to side sleeping. I wasn’t a natural side sleeper, and I’d often wake up flat on my back. The pregnancy pillow made me feel secure and kept me from rolling over.
Another thing I loved was the targeted hip and knee support. I used to wake up with throbbing hip pain because my knees weren’t aligned. Once I started using a pillow between my knees, the pain went away almost completely.
If you’re worried about space, know that there are options for every bed size. I first bought a U-shaped pillow and quickly realized it was too bulky for my queen bed. Switching to a C-shaped pillow gave me just as much support without crowding my partner out of the bed.
I also found that the wedge pillow is a lifesaver for travel. It’s small enough to take with you and can be tucked under your belly or behind your back for a quick comfort boost.
One mistake I made was waiting too long to buy one. I assumed I could power through my first trimester with regular pillows, but by the time I hit the second trimester, I was already struggling with discomfort. Having a pregnancy pillow earlier would have helped me avoid a lot of sleepless nights.
Another tip is to choose a pillow with a washable cover. Pregnancy can be messy, and being able to toss the cover in the wash will keep your pillow fresh.
If you’re on the fence, you can start small with a wedge pillow or a slimmer J-shaped pillow. These take up less space and are budget-friendly, but they still provide great support where you need it most.
I also discovered that many pregnancy pillows are useful postpartum. I wrapped mine around me when I was nursing, and it saved my back and shoulders from extra strain.
Beyond that, I still use my pillow today as a body pillow for better hip and spine alignment. It’s one of the few pregnancy purchases that truly lasts beyond those nine months.
If you share your bed with a partner, have a conversation about space before buying. When I first brought home a U-shaped pillow, my partner felt like he had no room left. Switching to a C-shape kept us both happy and comfortable.
Finally, remember that comfort during pregnancy is worth investing in. Getting better sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it also affects your energy levels, mood, and overall health. For me, the pregnancy pillow was one of the best purchases I made.