Best Pregnancy Pillow UK: Complete Guide
Complete guide to pregnancy pillows in the UK. Types, benefits, and which to buy.
Pregnancy pillows can transform your sleep. Here's our complete guide to choosing one.
Sleep in pregnancy can be genuinely difficult. Your bump grows, your hips ache, your bladder wakes you at 2am, and the positions you used to find comfortable become impossible. A good pregnancy pillow will not fix every problem, but many women find it makes a meaningful difference — particularly from the second trimester onwards, when getting comfortable becomes increasingly challenging.
Why Sleep Position Matters in Pregnancy
From around 28 weeks, most NHS guidance advises sleeping on your side — specifically your left side where possible — rather than on your back. Lying flat on your back for extended periods in later pregnancy can put pressure on a major blood vessel (the inferior vena cava), which may affect blood flow to the baby. In early pregnancy, sleep position matters less medically, but physical comfort often becomes an issue well before 28 weeks.
A pregnancy pillow supports your bump, hips, and lower back while keeping you comfortably in a side-sleeping position. Many women find it also reduces hip pain and the pressure on their pelvis during the night.
Types of Pregnancy Pillow
U-shaped pillows are the most popular and comprehensive option. They wrap around both the front and back of your body simultaneously, supporting your bump on one side and your back on the other. You do not need to reposition the pillow when you turn over — the U simply goes with you. The trade-off is size: U-shaped pillows are large and take up considerable bed space, which can be an issue if you share a bed.
C-shaped pillows wrap around one side of your body — typically tucked between your knees at the bottom and curled around to support your bump or back at the top. They are smaller than U-shaped pillows and better suited to smaller beds, but you need to flip them when you change sides.
Wedge pillows are small triangular or wedge-shaped supports designed to be placed under your bump or behind your back. They are compact, inexpensive, and easy to take travelling, but provide more limited support than the larger shapes.
Full body pillows (straight or slightly curved) are long pillows designed to be hugged and positioned between the knees. They work in a similar way to C-shaped pillows but tend to be simpler and less contoured.
What to Look for When Buying
Filling. Memory foam offers firm, contouring support but retains heat, which can be uncomfortable if you already run warm in pregnancy. Hollow fibre (similar to standard pillow filling) is cooler and easier to wash. Microbeads mould to your shape and feel smooth. Choose based on whether you tend to overheat at night.
Washable cover. You will want to wash this regularly. Look for a removable, machine-washable cover. Ideally the inner pillow should also be washable or at least airable.
Size versus bed space. Measure your bed before buying a U-shaped pillow. In a standard double, a large U-shaped pillow can leave your partner very little room. Some couples find they prefer moving to a king-sized bed during late pregnancy, or choose a smaller pillow for this reason.
Versatility. Some pregnancy pillows are designed to double as nursing pillows after birth, which can make the investment feel more worthwhile.
When Should I Buy a Pregnancy Pillow?
There is no set rule. Most women buy one in the second trimester — from around 16–20 weeks — when the bump starts to feel heavy at night and sleeping on the side becomes necessary. Some buy earlier if hip pain, nausea, or discomfort is already disrupting sleep in the first trimester. There is no reason to wait if you are struggling now.
Using It After Birth
Many pregnancy pillows, particularly U-shaped and C-shaped designs, work well as breastfeeding support pillows. They can help you hold your baby in a comfortable position for feeds without straining your back and arms. If you plan to breastfeed, this extended use is worth factoring into your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I buy a pregnancy pillow?
Most women find they need one from around 16–20 weeks, when the bump begins to create discomfort at night and side-sleeping becomes more important. However, if hip pain or difficulty getting comfortable is disrupting your sleep before this, there is no reason to wait. Some women find wedge pillows helpful earlier for easing nausea symptoms in a propped position.
Which type of pregnancy pillow is best?
It depends on your priorities. U-shaped pillows provide the most comprehensive support and are most popular, but they are large. C-shaped pillows are a good compromise — supportive and more bed-friendly. Wedge pillows are the most affordable and compact but provide targeted rather than full-body support. Your sleep style (how much you move, whether you run hot) matters as much as shape.
Can I use a regular pillow instead?
You can — many women make do with a regular pillow between their knees and another under their bump. A purpose-made pregnancy pillow tends to be easier to use and stays in place better through the night, but it is entirely a personal decision. If you are managing fine with standard pillows, there is no requirement to buy a specialist one.
Speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about sleep comfort and position during pregnancy.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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