U-Shaped vs. C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows: Which Is Better?
When I was pregnant, one of the biggest decisions I had to make was which pregnancy pillow shape was right for me. There are so many options out there, but the two most popular are U-shaped pregnancy pillows and C-shaped pregnancy pillows.
At first, I thought all pregnancy pillows were basically the same. But after trying both, I realized the shape makes a huge difference in comfort, space, and support. In this post, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of U-shaped vs. C-shaped pregnancy pillows so you can figure out which one is truly better for your needs.
Table of Contents
What Is a U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow?
A U-shaped pregnancy pillow wraps around your entire body, creating a full-body hug. You place your head at the top and tuck each side of the “U” under your arms and legs.
I loved how U-shaped pillows support your back and belly at the same time. This was especially helpful in my third trimester when rolling over at night felt impossible. I could switch sides without having to rearrange the pillow.
➡️ Shop U-shaped pregnancy pillows on Amazon here
What Is a C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow?
A C-shaped pregnancy pillow is a little smaller and shaped like the letter “C.” You can hook one end under your head and the other between your legs, while the curve supports your back or belly.
C-shaped pillows feel less bulky, and I liked that I could move them around more easily. They also work well for smaller beds if you don’t want the pillow taking up too much space.
➡️ Shop C-shaped pregnancy pillows on Amazon here
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Supports your belly and back at the same time
- Perfect for side sleepers
- Great for combo sleepers who change positions at night
- Helps keep you aligned without readjusting
Cons:
- Can feel big and take up more bed space
- Usually more expensive than C-shaped pillows
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smaller and easier to move around
- Takes up less space in bed
- Usually more affordable
- Can still support back, belly, and legs with some adjusting
Cons:
- Doesn’t support both sides of your body at the same time
- Requires more adjusting when you change positions
Which Pregnancy Pillow Is Better?
Honestly, it depends on your sleeping style and space.
- If you’re a side sleeper or combo sleeper who tosses and turns a lot, a U-shaped pillow is probably the best choice. It keeps you supported on both sides all night.
- If you have a smaller bed or want something less bulky, a C-shaped pillow might be perfect. It’s also easier to store and travel with.
Personally, I preferred the U-shaped pregnancy pillow in my third trimester because it gave me full-body support. But I used a C-shaped pillow early in pregnancy when I needed less structure.
➡️ Shop my favorite pregnancy pillows on Amazon here
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the U-shaped vs. C-shaped pregnancy pillow debate. Both shapes can help you sleep better and relieve back, hip, and belly pain during pregnancy.
If you can, try each style and see which one fits your body and bed best. Either way, investing in the right pregnancy pillow will make your nights so much more comfortable.
When I was deciding between a U-shaped and a C-shaped pregnancy pillow, I realized how different my needs were in each trimester. Early on, I didn’t feel like I needed as much support, but once my belly got bigger, my entire sleep routine changed.
One thing I noticed is that the bed size you have can be a deciding factor. I had a queen-sized bed, and the U-shaped pillow took up a lot of space. If you’re sharing the bed with a partner, be prepared for them to feel a little crowded at first.
I also found that C-shaped pillows are easier to move if you’re someone who likes to sit up in bed or watch TV. I used mine behind my back for support during the day, and it worked beautifully.
Another difference is how they help with rolling over at night. With a U-shaped pillow, I could switch sides without having to flip the pillow. The C-shaped pillow required more adjusting, which sometimes woke me up.
If you experience a lot of back pain during pregnancy, the U-shaped pillow has an edge because it supports both your belly and your back at the same time. That even pressure really made a difference for me in the third trimester.
I also want to mention price and quality. Generally, U-shaped pillows are more expensive, but they also tend to be larger and made with thicker filling. C-shaped pillows are more budget-friendly, which is nice if you’re trying to save.
Another factor I considered was cleaning. Pregnancy can get messy, so I preferred pillows with a removable cover that I could toss in the washer. This feature was easier to find with U-shaped pillows, but many C-shaped options now offer it too.
Something I didn’t expect was how much these pillows helped with heartburn and acid reflux. Propping myself up slightly with either shape made nights so much more comfortable, especially in the last few months.
I also loved that both U-shaped and C-shaped pillows could be used after pregnancy. I used mine as a nursing pillow and even as a safe spot to prop my baby up during supervised playtime.
If you’re short on storage space, the C-shaped pillow is easier to tuck away. The U-shaped pillow is bulkier, but I honestly used mine so much that I didn’t mind leaving it on the bed all the time.
Something that really surprised me was how much these pillows improved my hip alignment. Sleeping with better support for my knees and hips reduced the soreness I felt in the mornings.
Finally, remember that the “better” pillow is the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and supported. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, and what worked for me might be different from what works for you. Take the time to think about your sleep habits and choose the shape that fits your body and your lifestyle best.