First-Time Pregnancy Tips: How to Choose the Right Pillow for You

Pregnancy pillows are designed to ease the discomforts of pregnancy, from lower back pain to headaches. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or your fifth, it can be difficult to choose the right pillow for you and your changing body. These tips will help you decide which type of pregnancy pillow is best for you and your family.

Know What Makes A Good Pillow

Good pillows provide comfort and support, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep. The best pillows are supportive but not too firm and soft yet firm enough that they keep their shape. A high thread count is also a good sign—pillows made with greater quality materials last longer. And while feather pillow tops may seem like a good choice, they can flatten over time because of their natural tendency to move around when pressure is applied.

The Types of Pregnancy Pillows

There are so many varieties of pregnancy pillows out there, it’s easy to get confused. To determine which one is right for you, think about how you plan on using your pillow. If you want something that will support both sides of your body as you sleep, look into a C or U shaped pillow (sometimes called body pillows). These are ideal if you suffer from back or hip pain—they can provide much needed relief by supporting your spine and providing added cushioning around your bump.

Test Before You Buy

When shopping for pillows, it’s best to take some home and try them out first. Buy a few different types and then test them out in your own bed. The only way you’ll know if you like a pillow is by using it—and what feels good may be entirely different from what looks good. Plus, you can always return or exchange them if they’re not perfect.

Test During Your First Trimester

There are dozens of pillows out there, but you won’t know which one is right for you until you give them a test run. Whether you prefer a soft or firm pillow will likely depend on how big your bump gets and how sensitive your back becomes. So buy as many pillows as possible and try them all out! If one gives you a good night’s sleep, keep it around—you can use it post-pregnancy too.

Test During Your Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy is when many women start thinking about what they’ll need during childbirth. This can include purchasing a number of items, including maternity pillows. Maternity pillows come in different shapes and sizes. To help you choose which pillow is right for you, check out our guide on first time pregnancy tips.

Test During Your Third Trimester

If you’re in your third trimester, it might be time to test pillows. By then, you should have a good idea of whether you’ll need a full or half-length pillow. If not, ask around—your practitioner or mommy friends will likely have an opinion on which type of pillow is best for pregnant women.