Pregnancy pillows are one of those purchases many pregnant women delay and then immediately wish they’d bought earlier. By the third trimester, standard pillows don’t provide the lateral support needed for the side-lying position recommended during pregnancy.
What your body needs from a pregnancy pillow
Shape — C-shape supports bump and back separately; U-shape surrounds both sides (better for those who change position frequently). Fill — memory foam (firmer, retains heat); hollow fibre (lighter, cooler, less supportive over time); microbeads (adjustable). Size — U-shape pillows take significant bed space. Cover washability — you will wash this frequently.
Budget: Theraline Original Maternity Pillow — ~£50
A classic C-shape pillow with microbead fill that allows firmness adjustment by removing fill. Good support for first and second trimester. Cover removes easily for washing. More compact than U-shape — works in a standard double bed without complete mattress reorganisation.
Pros: Adjustable fill, good support, machine washable cover, doesn’t dominate the bed
Cons: Less versatile than U-shape, microbeads compress over time
Best for: First or second trimester use, smaller beds, or those who prefer a less bulky option
Mid-range: Dreamgenii Pregnancy Pillow — ~£60
Uniquely shaped for sleep-position management: supports bump, back, and one knee simultaneously, physically encouraging left-side sleeping (recommended in pregnancy) without you having to actively maintain the position. Compact for a double bed. Converts to a nursing pillow postnatally. One of the most functionally intelligent designs available.
Pros: Encourages correct sleep position, compact, works postnatally as nursing pillow, washable
Cons: Works best for left-side sleeping; less effective if you move to the right
Best for: Pregnant women wanting sleep-position support and a dual-purpose pillow that converts to nursing use
Premium: PharMeDoc Full Body U-Shape Pillow — ~£80
A full U-shape pillow surrounding the body on both sides, eliminating any need to reposition when you turn over. The hollow fibre fill is firm without being hot. For women who change positions frequently during the night, this eliminates the disruption of moving the pillow every time. Requires a king-size bed.
Pros: 360-degree support, no repositioning needed when turning, good fill, breathable cover
Cons: Very large — requires king-size space, can feel hot in summer
Best for: Third-trimester sleepers who change position frequently with a king-size bed
Choosing the right shape for your bed
Start using a pregnancy pillow when sleep becomes noticeably uncomfortable — typically weeks 18–22 as the bump creates lateral pressure. After birth, most pregnancy pillows serve well as nursing pillows, as supervised tummy-time support for young babies, and as a reading prop. Factor postnatal use into the value assessment rather than treating it as a pregnancy-only purchase. For a king-size bed: U-shape. For a standard double with a partner: C-shape or wedge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?
Many women start from around 20 weeks when the bump needs support in side-lying. Others wait until the third trimester. Start when sleeping becomes noticeably uncomfortable.
Can I use a pregnancy pillow postnatally?
Yes — most work well as nursing pillows or positioning pillows. The Dreamgenii is specifically designed with this dual use in mind.
Which side should I sleep on in pregnancy?
Either side in the second trimester. From 28 weeks: left-side sleeping is slightly preferred for blood flow through the inferior vena cava and to the placenta. Right-side sleeping is not dangerous. The important guidance is avoiding back sleeping from 28 weeks — the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart. If you wake up on your back, simply roll to your side.
Related Reading
- 25 weeks pregnant: sleep positions & pillow strategies
- Is co-sleeping safe? What the research actually says
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The microbead fill is Theraline’s significant practical advantage — it doesn’t compress flat over months of use as hollow fibre alternatives do. Many women find their hollow-fibre pillow has lost significant support by week 32; the Theraline retains its shape through the third trimester. Available in a wide range of fabric options including organic cotton.
The Dreamgenii’s back roll is the distinguishing feature — it actively prevents rolling onto your back during sleep, which NHS guidance recommends avoiding from 28 weeks. No other pillow in the C-shape category provides this actively. It converts to a nursing pillow postnatally with a specific conversion technique described in the instructions.
The U-shape design provides support for both sides simultaneously without repositioning — particularly useful for women who move frequently during sleep. At £80 one of the most affordable U-shape options. Size is substantial (approximately 165cm): genuinely requires a king-size bed.
