Since the second side of the pillow isn’t there, you will have to shift a C-shaped pillow from one side of your body to the other if you want to alternate between back support and belly support. They take up less space and can move easily with you,” explains Erlich. “C-shaped pillows work similarly to U-shaped but without the second side. Whichever you choose, U-shaped pillows “are great for side sleepers who flip from side to side frequently, as you don’t have to move pillows back and forth,” Erlich explains.Ĭ-shaped: Similar to U-shaped pillows, a C shape provides extended support when compared to a standard rectangular body pillow. Some U-shaped pillows feature a contoured curve that mimics the shape of a pregnancy bump, while others are more like a folded spaghetti noodle. U-shaped: These extra-large pillows provide head-to-toe support, which can especially come in handy in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Shape: Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and adviser to Pluto Pillow, explains that “pillows of different shapes and sizes have a different impact on sleep, according to the area covered, such as the side or the back of the head, the side of the body, and part of the shoulders and arms.” Unlike bed pillows that are commonly limited to some form of a rectangle, pregnancy pillows come in various shapes and sizes to help target pains and aches associated with pregnancy. We talked to Davis, Elrich, and three other experts to find the best pregnancy pillows to snuggle up with for nine months and beyond.īest overall | Best less expensive | Best for side sleepers | Best C-shape | Best U-shape | Best rectangular | Best for back sleepers | Best J-shape | Best wedge | Best adjustable shape | Best memory foam | Best for tall people | Best contoured Davis explains that soft pillows can be comfortable and still offer a lower level of support that may suit your needs. “Because they are firmer, they are better at providing head and neck support, helping you maintain healthy body alignment during sleep, preventing unnecessary movements, and taking pressure off of your joints.” Soft pillows aren’t totally out of the question, though. “Firm pillows are a great option for full-body support because they do a better job of supporting people during the night,” he says. To that end, while hugging a squishy soft pillow might sound the most appealing, Seth Davis, sleep consultant and founder of Sleepably, explains that firmer pillows are usually the way to go. No matter which shape you choose, the main purpose of a pregnancy pillow is to bring your head, neck, spine, and hips into a neutral position.
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However, some pregnant people find that slimmer rectangular body pillows and wedge-shaped pillows get the job done without taking up too much space in their bed.
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Most pillows that are marketed as pregnancy pillows are very large and deliver full-body support by way of U, C, or J shapes that help provide localized pressure relief to different parts of your body, depending on your needs. Designed to support your hips, legs, and back - the parts of your body that tend to hold the most stress - Elrich explains that pregnancy pillows “allow you to tuck the lower part between your knees, keeping your hips aligned, a key to keeping the low back stable and pain-free.” Early pregnancy doesn’t usually require any changes to your sleep style, but as the belly grows, adjustments may be necessary.” Pregnancy pillows can help ease your bedtime pregnancy woes. Laura Erlich, fertility and obstetric specialist and founder of Mother Nurture Wellness, explains that “when it comes to pregnancy, sleep needs may change as the weeks tick by. But growing a human is often an uncomfortable experience, making restful sleep tricky. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist Photos: RetailersĪll pregnant people deserve quality rest, whether it is for several hours at night or a 20-minute catnap (or three) during the day.