Pregnancy Pillow Shapes Explained: U, C, Wedge, and More
When I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed by all the different pregnancy pillow shapes out there. U-shaped, C-shaped, J-shaped, wedges, full body pillows—how was I supposed to know which one was right for me?
In this guide, I’ll break down the most popular pregnancy pillow shapes, how they work, and which one might be the best fit for your body and bed size.
Table of Contents
Why Pregnancy Pillow Shape Matters
Pregnancy pillows are designed to support your belly, hips, and back, but the shape determines how much support you’ll get and how much space the pillow will take up. Picking the right shape can be the difference between tossing and turning or finally getting a good night’s sleep.
➡️ My favorite all-around option: PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon.
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
The U-shaped pregnancy pillow wraps around your entire body, providing support for your back, belly, and knees. It’s ideal if you toss and turn a lot because you don’t have to flip the pillow when you switch sides.
Best for: Moms who want full-body support and have a queen or king bed.
➡️ Try the QUEEN ROSE U-Shaped Pillow for plush, oversized comfort.
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
C-shaped pillows hug your back and belly while leaving room at the ends for your legs and head. They take up less space than U-shaped pillows but still provide full-body support.
Best for: Moms who share their bed or need a slightly smaller pillow.
➡️ The Leachco Snoogle C-Shaped Pillow is a classic option.
J-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
J-shaped pillows look like a straight body pillow with a hooked end for your head. They’re less bulky than U- and C-shaped pillows but don’t support your back as much.
Best for: Moms with smaller beds or who already have good back support from other pillows.
➡️ Try the AngQi J-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow.
Wedge Pregnancy Pillows
Wedge pillows are small, firm, and versatile. You can use them under your bump, behind your back, or between your knees for targeted support.
Best for: Moms with limited space or who want a portable option.
➡️ I love the Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow because it’s affordable and easy to move around.
Full Body Pillows
A full body pillow is a straight pillow that you can hug and place between your knees. It’s not as specialized as other shapes but still helps with hip and knee alignment.
Best for: Moms who want a simpler, budget-friendly option.
➡️ Check out the INSEN Full Body Pillow.
Which Pregnancy Pillow Shape Is Right for You?
- Choose a U-shaped pillow if you want maximum support and have the space for it.
- Pick a C-shaped pillow if you want full-body support without taking over the entire bed.
- Go with a wedge pillow if you’re short on space or need something portable.
- Try a J-shaped or body pillow if you want something slimmer and easier to move around.
➡️ Shop my favorite pregnancy pillows by shape on Amazon here.
My Final Thoughts
Pregnancy pillow shapes aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the best one for you will depend on your sleep style, bed size, and how much support you need.
Personally, I loved my U-shaped pillow because it kept me supported on both sides all night. But when I needed something smaller, the Hiccapop wedge pillow was perfect.
➡️ Click here to shop all pregnancy pillow shapes on Amazon.
Trust me, the right shape can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel during pregnancy.
When I first started shopping for pregnancy pillows, I underestimated how much the shape would affect my comfort. I bought a random one without thinking about my sleep style, and it didn’t work for me at all. That’s when I took the time to really understand the differences between each shape.
The U-shaped pillow is perfect if you toss and turn a lot at night. You don’t have to keep flipping it over because it supports both sides of your body at once. But be prepared—it can be bulky and take up a lot of space, so it’s best for queen or king beds.
I noticed that the C-shaped pillow felt a little less overwhelming. It hugs your back and belly but leaves more room in bed for your partner. I used this shape when I wanted something easier to move around.
The J-shaped pillow is a good middle ground if you want a body pillow feel with a little extra head support. It doesn’t support your back as much as the U- or C-shaped pillows, so I paired mine with an extra pillow behind me for more stability.
Wedge pillows might look small, but they’re incredibly versatile. I used my wedge pillow under my belly when side sleeping and behind my back to stop myself from rolling onto my back. It’s also great for travel because it fits in a suitcase easily.
If you’re short on space, the wedge pillow or J-shaped pillow will be your best friend. I used both when staying in smaller beds, and they kept me comfortable without taking over the mattress.
One mistake I made was buying a pillow that was too soft. The shape flattened out quickly, and it didn’t hold up my bump the way I needed it to. Choosing a firmer pillow that holds its shape will give you better support no matter which style you pick.
I also found that you can combine different pillow shapes for extra comfort. For example, I used a wedge pillow with a C-shaped pillow to lift my belly higher and keep my hips aligned.
Another thing to consider is the cover material. Some pregnancy pillows come with removable, washable covers, which is essential because they can get dirty easily. Breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo are best if you’re a hot sleeper.
If you’re on a budget, a full-body straight pillow can work as a pregnancy pillow in a pinch. Hug it while side sleeping and place the end between your knees to help keep your hips aligned.
I also used my pregnancy pillow after giving birth. The U- and C-shaped pillows work great as nursing pillows or back support when you’re sitting in bed or on the couch.
Finally, remember that the “best” pregnancy pillow shape is the one that works for your unique sleep style. Don’t be afraid to test different setups until you find the one that helps you rest comfortably through the night.