The 12 Best Pregnancy Pillows to Help You Sleep for Two

Best Overall: Frida Mom Adjustable Keep Cool Pregnancy Pillow

Why We Like It: This pillow can be adjusted into a variety of positions, which is helpful if you're not sure where you need the support or if those needs change.

But Take Note: The filling is made with beads, so it's more like a bean bag filling, which some people may not like.

Our favorite overall, this choice from innovative brand Frida Mom is a great starter pillow that can probably last you through your whole pregnancy. We like that the jointed pillow can be adjusted into C, I, L, and U-shapes. Figuring out the pillow joints may have a learning curve, but once you've got it, it's easy to adjust, and each shape holds well.

The pillow is stuffed with polystyrene beads, similar to a bean bag. The filling is intended to keep the user cool, since heat can pass right through the beads.

Another reason to choose this pillow is that it's not overwhelmingly large, unlike those pregnancy pillows that are as big as a person and really crowd the bed. The zippered packaging doubles as a storage or travel bag, so it's easy to take this pillow with you on the go.

Price at time of publication: $70

The Details:

• Shape: Jointed pillow can be formed into C, I, L and U-shapes
• Dimensions: 12 x 21 x 4.5 inches
• Materials: 46% nylon, 46% polyester, 7% spandex cover; expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead filling
• Care: Machine wash cover in cold water on gentle or delicate cycle

Best Budget: PharMeDoc CeeCee Pregnancy Pillow

Why We Like It: This affordable C-shaped pillow can be flexed and maneuvered into many different positions, so it's useful beyond pregnancy.

But Take Note: This pillow is more than 4.5 feet tall, so it will take up significant space in your bed.

A C-shaped pregnancy pillow gets wrapped around your body, cradling both your head and neck while providing pelvic support. If you're feeling pregnancy-pillow curious, this budget-friendly option is a good way to try out a C-shaped pillow for yourself.

Made out of jersey cotton, the cover is super soft and will feel like your favorite T-shirt. And just like with a good shirt, you can choose from 10 color choices, with four options made from organic cotton. All the cover options are easily removable and washable. A durable and hidden zipper also makes it so you're never resting along a hard zipper.

If you're extremely tall, this pillow may not be big enough, but for average-size people, this pillow seems to be just right. We like that the C-shape means the pillow can be contorted into different positions, giving you support if you're sitting up and reading, watching TV, sleeping, or need some elevation on your legs.

Samantha Hutten, mom of two, tells us she liked having a bigger pillow. "During my second pregnancy, I had a lot of back/neck pain, and it really helped to have the wedge between my legs." While it's quite big, you can use this pillow postpartum for extra comfort and even nursing support.

Price at time of publication: $60

The Details:

• Shape: C-shaped
• Dimensions: 57 x 30 x 5 inches
• Materials: 100% jersey cotton cover; polyfill insert
• Care: Cover is removable and machine washable

Best for Stomach Sleepers: Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge

Why We Like It: This pillow is portable and can easily be used alone or along with another pillow to support your body, especially if you're trying not to sleep on your stomach.

But Take Note: The pillow comes with a travel bag, but it can be a bit hard (but not impossible) to stuff the pillow into the small bag.

Stomach sleepers, you may find this position less and less comfortable as your pregnancy progresses, and your doctor is likely going to advise you to try another sleep position.

"If you are more of a stomach sleeper, you may want to use the pillow to support the belly so you are not putting undue pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel," Navya Mysore, MD, national program director for reproductive and sexual health at One Medical says. "Increased pressure on the vena cava for a longer period of time can cause lower blood pressure and potentially make you feel dizzy and nauseous."

This wedge-shaped option can be especially helpful in supporting your bump, while also preventing you from rolling onto your stomach. Besides bump support, this versatile pillow works behind your back for support, between your knees to even out hip pressure, or as a back support while seated.

The pillow has a cushy memory foam filling, with one soft and one firm side. Since memory foam can get warm, you'll appreciate the tiny perforated holes that encourage air flow and prevent moisture. Though it's only available in charcoal gray, this pillow can be a useful support tool, either alone or paired with another pillow.

Price at time of publication: $30

The Details:

• Shape: Wedge
• Dimensions: 13.25 x 15 x 4.5 inches
• Materials: Plush velboa (faux fur) cover, memory foam inner
• Care: Machine washable cover

Best for Back Pain: Medcline Pregnancy Body Pillow

Why We Like It: Available in two sizes, the pillow has shredded foam filling that can be easily moved around, giving you a customizable level of support and size.

But Take Note: This pillow is more expensive than others on the market.

If back pain is plaguing your pregnancy, a J-shaped pillow may help, especially this one that's filled with enough shredded foam to provide a firm cushion. Dr. Mysore tells us that "firm is better for a pregnancy pillow. You want the pillow to support you while you are sleeping. When it's firm, it can help support your joints and your back while sleeping."

The benefits of a J-shaped pillow are that it's designed for side sleepers to get optimal comfort for your neck, back, and hips, providing a cozy nest to lay in. This pillow works for people who sleep on either the left or the right side. There are hidden seams, so no zipper will bother you while sleeping.

We like that the pillow is available in two sizes. The small size is best for anyone 5 feet 3 inches and under, while the medium/large size is best for anyone taller. It will arrive compressed, so it will need some vigorous fluffing when it arrives, and while you can use it right away, it may take up to 72 hours for the foam smell to off-gas and dissipate.

Price at time of publication: $120

The Details:

• Shape: J-shaped
• Dimensions: Small: 18 x 45 x 5 inches; medium/large: 22 x 50 x 6 inches
• Materials: Velour pillowcase, shredded foam filling
• Care: Cover is machine washable

Best for SPD: Side Sleeper Knee Pillow

Why We Like It: The memory foam knee pillow is contoured to cradle your legs and keep your hips stacked correctly, which may help ease some pain.

But Take Note: This pillow has a specific use, so it may not be the only pregnancy pillow that ends up in your bed.

This contoured wedge pillow is made to be positioned between the legs, helping to keep them stacked and aligned correctly, which may ease symptoms of symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), a condition that can occur during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones signal ligaments to become more relaxed. As the ligaments relax and stretch, this can lead to the symphysis pubis, or the connective tissue that attaches to the two sides of the pubic bone, to become unstable. The instability can lead to hip and pelvic pain in some women.

Treating pain, especially during pregnancy is a delicate topic. Always work with your healthcare providers to make sure they are all on the same page. Some of the treatment plans may include pelvic floor muscle exercises and physical therapy. A good night's sleep is helpful, but with SPD, it can be even harder than normal to get comfortable.

While this pillow alone may not solve your SPD pain and won't provide belly support, it will help with your lower body. As Dr. Shepherd shares, "Pregnancy pillows can help with a myriad of symptoms that are more likely to occur during pregnancy." Speak to your doctor about whether to give this one a try.

Price at time of publication: $30

The Details:

• Shape: Contoured wedge
• Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches
• Materials: 100% recycled polyester cover, memory foam filling
• Care: Machine washable cover

Best U-Shaped: Yana Sleep Pillow

Why We Like It: The U-shaped pillow is super big, but can be folded up and moved in a variety of ways to use throughout the day, and it can still allow for spooning and snuggling with a partner.

But Take Note: This pillow is big and expensive, so make sure you've got the space in bed before you buy it.

A U-shaped pillow is an extra large option that provides full body comfort. Shaped like a big letter U, it has a contoured curve on both insides of the pillow, so that your belly bump and back are both supported. If you are a side sleeper who often flips from side to side, a U-shaped pillow like this one could be a great help, especially since it's the same on both sides.

Dr. Shepherd also recommends a U-shaped pillow if you're expecting multiples. "U-shape is typically best for those who are expecting twins, since the tummy is generally bigger in this case, and a larger pillow will offer better support."

These pillows are big and also expensive, so they're a commitment in your budget and bed space. The nice thing about this one is that it can be folded and used in a variety of ways, from providing some seated comfort, neck support. It even accommodates a spooning partner behind you.

Price at time of publication: $199

The Details:

• Shape: U-shaped
• Dimensions: 55 x 28.5 x 8.15 inches
• Materials: Cover: organic cotton on one side, bamboo velour on the other; memory foam filling
• Care: Machine washable cover

Best for Side Sleepers: Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow

Why We Like It: It's a uniquely shaped pillow that's helpful and supportive for people who already sleep on their side, as well as those who are adjusting to this position.

But Take Note: The pillow is only available with one floral patterned pillowcase, which may not suit everyone's style or bedroom decor.

This uniquely shaped pillow, which resembles two connected beans, cradles your bump and back. Your body rests in the middle of the pillows on a stretchy panel, so it helps position you to sleep sideways. Since there's a panel below your body, it won't require constant rearranging during the night or if you flip sides.

"According to the American Pregnancy Association, it's best to sleep on your side for better circulation for you and your baby," Dr. Shepherd says. "Sleeping on your side also alleviates pressure on your veins and internal organs, increases the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and baby, and helps reduce the potential of swelling, varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids."

Since not all women naturally sleep on their side, Dr. Shepherd praises the aid of a pregnancy pillow, "Using a pregnancy pillow can definitely help you adjust to sleeping in this position if you're normally a back or stomach sleeper."

This compact pillow won't take up a ton of room in bed and is an affordable option, so we think it's a great pick, especially if you're struggling with sleeping on your side. Unlike many other pillow options, both the pillowcase and pillow are machine washable, so keeping this pillow fresh and clean is easy.

Price at time of publication: $35

The Details:

• Shape: Unique two-bean shape
• Dimensions: ‎24 x 14 x 7 inches
• Materials: Cotton-spandex blend cover, polyester fiber stuffing
• Care: Both pillow and pillow case are machine washable

Best for Back Sleepers: Belly Bandit S.O.S. Sleep on Side Pregnancy Pillow

Why We Like It: The three-piece system can be used all together or in parts, so it's extremely versatile and can help ease anxiety related to back sleeping.

But Take Note: This not-so-cuddly pillow is made to keep you on your side, so if that's not an issue, this probably isn't the right pick for you.

If you're a back sleeper and really struggling with getting yourself to sleep on your side, this "sleep on side" pillow may be your savior. As your pregnancy progresses, side sleeping becomes more important.

This is not your typical pregnancy pillow, so may take a little getting used to before you find the right positioning for you. It's a three-piece system that includes a belt, a belly pillow, and a wedge pillow. To use it, position yourself in between the two pillows while lying on the belt. Your belly gets supported, and the back pillow acts like a wall to prevent you from rolling onto your back.

While this may be a helpful support system, it's not great if you flip from side to side, since you'll need to rearrange which side the back and belly supports are on. Another minor drawback is that the pillow cases should be hand washed.

Price at time of publication: $90

The Details:

• Shape: Three-piece set with belt, back support, and pregnancy wedge
• Dimensions: Not listed
• Materials: Polyester, rayon, and spandex blend cover; polyurethane foam filling
• Care: Hand wash cover only

Best Body Pillow: Casper Sleep Hug Body Pillow

Why We Like It: Casper pillows have a 30-night risk-free trial, so if this body pillow isn't right for you, you can return it.

But Take Note: This pillow weighs in at over 12 pounds, so while some might like its sturdy feel, it can be too heavy for others.

If you're debating adding a pregnancy pillow to your bed, this Casper hug pillow could be a good bet. While it's not pregnancy specific, it does have a lot of benefits. Since it's not made with just one area of the body in mind, move this pillow to the spot you need the most support. You can hug it, place it between your knees, or position it behind your back.

It's big and sturdy, but it also weighs 12 pounds, so moving this pillow around the bed will take some muscles.

We like this option as a way to test the waters of pregnancy pillows, especially if you have no specific concerns to address. Casper's 30-night trial also means you don't have to commit right away. The free and easy return process won't add a major element to your to-do list.

The Details:

• Shape: Ergonomic twist column shape
• Dimensions: 38 x 18 x 18 inches
• Materials: Polyester-spandex blend cover, polyester pillow
• Care: Machine wash cover in cold water, lay flat to dry. Pillow should only be spot cleaned.

Best C-Shaped: Boppy Total Pregnancy Pillow

Why We Like It: This C-shaped pillow is an affordable option and can be more comfortable for both larger and shorter people.

But Take Note: If you frequently flip side to side while sleeping, you'll need to flip your pillow too.

A C-shaped pillow can provide a good amount of support and comfort for some pregnant people. While they don't have the same full-body support as U-shaped pillows, C-shaped pillows take up less room in the bed.

"For those who may be plus-size, C-shape is more ideal as it allows for a comfier fit," Dr. Shepherd explains. "Additionally, shorter women may prefer this pillow since it's not as large and overwhelming."

The curve of the pillow supports your shoulders, cradles your bump, and aligns your knees and hips. Know that if you flip from side to side frequently, you may need to move this pillow back and forth as well, which could get tiresome (or annoying for a sleeping partner).

Available with patterned or neutral pillowcases, this pillow is on the bigger side, so be prepared for it to take up a good amount of space in bed.

Price at time of publication: $55

The Details:

• Shape: C-shaped
• Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 8 inches
• Materials: Polyester-cotton blend cover, polyester fiber pillow
• Care: Machine washable pillow and cover

Best Wedge: Boppy Pregnancy Support Wedge

Why We Like It: It's an inexpensive pillow that provides firm and versatile support exactly where you need it and doesn't take up a lot of room.

But Take Note: Unlike a big pillow, the wedge can only help one area of the body at a time, so it may not be enough support for some people.

Compact and portable, a wedge pillow is a helpful solution if you've got one area of your body that needs the extra support. This pillow can provide just the support you crave, but if you're looking for full-body (or even multi-area) support, this one won't be enough.

Many women find this budget-friendly wedge helps support their bellies, ensuring a better night's sleep. Another option is to put the wedge between your knees, helping to keep the hips and lower back aligned. For some people who are overwhelmed by a giant pillow in their bed, this wedge could be a perfect place to start.

This small pillow fits in a tote bag, so you can use it in the car, plane, couch, or anywhere else for back support if you need to sit for a while.

Price at time of publication: $20

The Details:

• Shape: Semicircular wedge
• Dimensions: 11 x 13.6 x 3.75 inches
• Materials: Cotton-spandex blend cover, polyurethane fill
• Care: Pillowcase is machine washable

Best for Hip Pain: Contour Legacy Leg Support Pillow

Why We Like It: The contoured shape is made specifically to cradle your thighs and knees and help keep the right alignment.

But Take Note: This pillow won't provide the belly or back.

If you're experiencing hip and leg pain, speak to your healthcare provider to understand your specific needs and what may help. A good pillow like this may be the alternative to painkillers you need.

"[Pregnancy pillows] are definitely worth having if you're concerned about sleep and discomfort, especially since a lot of pain relievers are off limits during pregnancy," Dr. Shepherd says.

Hip pain can be a result of your growing belly and by keeping your hips properly aligned while sleeping, you may be able to reduce the strain on your hips and back and alleviate some of the pain. This pillow is just for that one need, however, so If you think you'll want support for the rest of your body, you'll probably need to keep shopping.

Price at time of publication: $40

The Details:

• Shape: Contoured heart shape
• Dimensions: 6 x 10 x 10 inches
• Materials: Polyester-lyocell pillow case, polyurethane fill
• Care: Machine washable cover