7 Maternity Pillows To Help You Sleep Through the Night Because the sleep struggle is real.
By Danielle Halibey l Photo by HATCH
There are a lot of reasons why being pregnant and sleeping well are two phrases that barely ever appear together. From very early on, maybe even before you get that positive pee stick, your sleep situation can change. First trimester naps on the couch—and when we say naps, we mean actual mini slumbers, drool and all—can be cute and comfy, but nighttime sleep is a whole other thing. You might have trouble sleeping on your stomach (because, the boob soreness is unreal) or wind up building a tower out of pillows to sleep upright, if heartburn has already found its way into your chest and throat and plans on hanging out for the next nine months. And then, as your bump starts growing and the bodily fatigue sets in, the physicality of sleeping is a hot mess. You can’t sleep this way, you can’t sleep that way, you’re up to pee 24 times a night, and temperature regulation is a very unfunny joke.
That’s why a pregnancy pillow can be 100% life-changing, just like your favorite pair of maternity leggings or your I’ll-only-drink-out-of-this water bottle. Not only can a pregnancy pillow help you deal with sleep positions you don’t prefer (it’s me, hi, I’m the back and belly sleeper who literally could not stand sleeping on my side throughout my pregnancies) and give you something to lean on and snuggle up with—like, actually—when the idea of spooning with or getting touched by your partner or whoever you share the bed with makes you cringe. And yes, that happens a bunch. A lot of maternity pillows also serve a purpose post-pregnancy, when you’re nursing or bottle feeding your babe and need a cozy spot for them to rest and a cocoon-like pillow to be your supportive and secure home base.
If you’re looking for a bomb pregnancy pillow to get you through nine months of sh*tty sleep, be there for you in subsequent pregnancies, if you have them, and/or any time you just need to wrap yourself around something soft and squishable, here are the ones you’ll want to add to cart. Bump-hugging, body-aligning, sense-calming, and cool-on-contact comfort—you can count on all of it, plus ultimate straddle-worthiness 👇
You’ll find out about Newton when you’re putting your baby registry together, but until then, get to know the brand for yourself. Their premium pregnancy pillow is designed to support your back, hips, legs, and belly via its generous size, memory foam and fiber cluster blend core and super-cooling organic cotton cover. Our favorite part is the pillow’s detachable extension that zips right off to fit your choice of configuration, U, J or C-shaped.
Coop has a maternity pillow that’s just as iconic as their OG bestseller. Stuffed with the brand’s legendary (it really is) memory foam and microfiber blend, the pillow can be contorted in any way that feels good for sleeping. And if you’ve been extra-sensitive to certain materials since getting pregnant, don’t stress: the Coop maternity pillow’s fill is 100% virgin and irritant-free. So, you won’t have to worry about any breakouts or bodily reactions you can thank pregnancy for hah.
Like its name hints at, the Babymoov 2-in-1 is a body pillow with lots of pregnancy superpowers. Use it to support your back, legs, and belly in maternity mode, and then switch it to a feeding pillow when babe is born. It’s a little confusing the first time you do it, but you just open the zipper on the top, remove the cover, and then turn it inside out while distributing the filling—fine, non-toxic-certified microbeads—at the same time. And that organic cotton cover is butter soft, which matters MAX to mamas-in-training.
There are a few side-sleep-ensuring pillows on the market, but this one isn’t as confining as the other ones, and it allows for optimal blood flow and oxygen to your baby. Instead of a takes-over-the-whole-bed option, this pillow works by way of a unique back support wedge, a separate belly support cushion, and an adjustable belt (with hook-and-loop adhesive tabs) that lets the pillow grow with you until you deliver. Plus, it’s compact and comes with a travel case, so you can take your sleep bestie everywhere you need it.
“Would you still love me if I was a worm?” The answer is YES, yes, we still love the Bearaby Cuddler even though it looks like an earthworm. Though it’s not technically a pregnancy pillow, the Cuddler can flex as one, because it’s ergonomic, breathable, and will mold to your specific size and shape—all while providing head-to-toe support and alignment. What’s more, the 100% organic cotton cover comes in white, but you can spring for additional colors to mix and match with the rest of your bedding/home decor.
If the Bearaby is a worm, this one’s giving snake, but one you’d gladly curl into bed with. The beauty of this adjustable pregnancy pillow is just how much easier it can make life when you’re preggo. The jointed pillow can be twisted, bent, and/or squished into whichever position—C, I, L, and U shapes—gives the support you need, day or night. Better yet, the micro-bead filling allows heat to pass right on through, so you don’t have to suffocate when you’re hot and hormonal. Oh, and it’s washable. Win, win, win.
And finally, a maternity pillow that was barely even out a week before it sold out. WildBird’s trendy pregnancy pillow has a unique design that cradles your body and promotes restful sleep and comfortable nursing or feeding positions, when your little chick is earthside. And you have your choice of luxe Linen-Cotton or ultra-soft CloudBlend pillow covers in neutral cream, sage green, and terracotta colorways, all sold separately. Check back in for a much-anticipated restock, because this one’s got fans lined up. It’s that good 👌
