Best Full Body Pillows for Pregnancy in 2024 – Expert Guide

A full-body pillow can provide much-needed comfort and support during pregnancy. With so many options now available, here is an expert guide to the top-rated full-body pregnancy pillows to consider in 2024 based on support benefits, quality, and value.

Overview of Full Body Pregnancy Pillows

Full-body maternity pillows typically measure between 4 to 5 feet in length and are designed to follow the contour of a pregnant body. They support alignment and relieve pressure points by providing cushioning for the head, neck, back, belly, and legs. Full-body pillows are shaped in a variety of styles:

• C-Shaped – Contoured to hug both front and back body. Provides lateral support for hips and alignment.
• U-Shaped – Wraps around on three sides to offer full nesting comfort and stability.
• J-Shaped – Curved support for head, neck, back and belly but not between knees. More flexibility.

Key benefits that a quality full-body pregnancy pillow provides:

• Enables side sleeping alignment and takes the pressure off the back
• Reduces sciatic, hip and back pain
• Supports and cradles the belly to enhance comfort
• Alleviates shoulder tension
  -Allows muscles to fully relax for deeper sleep

For versatile whole-body support through all trimesters, a full-body pillow is a worthwhile investment during pregnancy.

Top 7 Full Body Pillows for Pregnancy in 2024

Based on user reviews, features, and overall value, here are 7 top-rated full body pillows recommended for pregnancy in 2024:

1. PharMeDoc Full Body C-Shaped Pillow

With its clever contouring design, adjustable polyfill filling, and affordable price, this is the #1 best-selling full body pregnancy pillow providing optimal back, hip, and belly support. The extended length comfortably fits women of all heights.

2. Cozy Bump Extra Firm U-Shaped Pillow

The unique U-design offers continuous support and the firmer feel provides better stability than fluffier fills. Plus the breathable bamboo cover helps regulate temperature.

3. Queen Rose 65-inch Body Pillow

With an ultra plush velvet cover and shape-conforming fill, this cushy U-pillow cradles in comfort. The compact size doesn’t occupy the whole bed. Affordable price.

4. Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Pillow

This premium pillow is filled with temperature regulating, extended-life hollowfibers. The convenient extension provides customizable full body support for any sleep position.

5. Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

This flexible J-pillow can be tucked between the legs with ease. Its shredded memory foam filling never goes flat and keeps its shape all night.

6. Bluestone Pregnancy Pillow

An affordably priced C-shape option with soft, springy fill that conforms to the contours of your body for cradled comfort and belly support.

7.Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow with Jersey Cover

• Style – C-shape
• Filling – Polyfill foam
• Cover – Soft jersey knit
• Sizes – Standard, extra long
• Machine Washable – Yes
• Hypoallergenic – Yes

Similar to their popular cotton pillow but with a cozy jersey knit cover, this design provides excellent full-length body cushioning and support for side sleeping.

This selection offers U-shape, C-shape, and J-shape options tailored to different preferences and budgets. Focus on support, comfort and quality.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Pregnancy Pillow

To choose the full body pillow best suited for your needs and sleeping style, consider these key factors:

Size and Shape

The right fit will fully support your body’s length and shape. Measure for height and evaluate if you prefer complete surround support from a U-pillow or more flexibility with a C or J shape.

Filling Material

This affects firmness, breathability and durability. Most moms prefer a firmer, supportive fill like foam or polyfill rather than fluffier down.

Adjustable Filling

Removable covers allow adding or removing interior fill to customize firmness and shape as your body changes.

Cooling Cover

Breathable natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo rayon prevent overheating.

Stomach Support

Some pillows shape specifically to accommodate pregnant bellies. Prioritize if you snooze on your stomach.

Multi-Position Usability

Versatile shapes like the U-pillow work well for any sleep position. Wedge or C-shapes have more limited positioning.

Price

While budget picks exist, this is a pillow you’ll use daily for months. Invest in the best quality and support you can comfortably afford.

Assessing your sleep habits and consulting pregnancy pillow reviews helps determine which design and features best meet your rest and comfort needs.

Top 5 Benefits of Using a Full Body Pregnancy Pillow

Here are the key advantages and improvements moms-to-be can expect when using a full length body pillow:

1. Better Alignment and Support

Full body pillows keep hips, shoulders and head aligned and supported to avoid straining muscles and nerves.

2. Pressure Point Relief

Cushioning weight-sensitive areas like the belly and breasts reduces painful nerve pressure and numbness.

3. Reduced Pain

Full body contouring supports the weight of baby to decrease back, hip and sciatic pain.

4. Maximum Relaxation

The surrounded nesting feeling lets muscles completely relax free of strain, allowing deeper sleep.

5. Flexible Positioning

Total body designs work for side, stomach or back sleepers so you can shift positions comfortably.

The right pregnancy pillow improves sleep, minimizes aches and pains, and provides nightly comfort as your body adjusts.

When to Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow

Here is how pregnancy pillow needs change during the trimesters and when to start using one:

First Trimester

Discomfort is minimal but nausea and exhaustion are common. A soft contouring pillow can allow deep, restful sleep. Start using any time discomfort arises.

Second Trimester

As the belly grows, back and hip pain often increases. This is an ideal time to start using a supportive full length pillow for side sleeping.

Third Trimester

Full body pillows truly maximize comfort during the third trimester when weight gain further strains the back and belly. U-shape pillows excel at surround support needed most in late pregnancy.

While beneficial at any stage, a full-body design usually provides the greatest value during the mid to late second trimester when fatigue, aches, and mobility issues become pronounced.

Pregnancy Pillow Usage Tips

Here are some top tips for maximizing the benefits of your full-body pregnancy pillow:

• Choose a breathable cover like cotton to avoid overheating.
• Adjust fill to fine-tune firmness as your comfort needs change.
• Spot clean immediately to prevent pillowcase stains from oils.
• Add a pillowcase liner if yours is not machine washable.
• Freshen the inner pillow with occasional sun exposure to kill bacteria.
• Try different alignments to find your optimal positioning.
• Layer it behind your back during the day for lumbar support.
• Elevate legs with it to improve circulation.
• Use as a nursing support after birth.
• Repurpose as body support between knees or ankles after pregnancy.

Experiment with positioning options to discover your pillow’s full potential for adaptability and everyday use.

When to Replace a Pregnancy Pillow

With repeated machine washing and nightly use, pregnancy pillows do wear out over time. Plan to replace your full body pillow approximately:

• Every 2 years for budget polyfill pillows.
• Every 3 years if using a higher quality down alternative or memory foam fill.
• When you notice it flattening, losing resilience or see the damage.
• If the filling becomes lumpy or shifts unevenly despite re-fluffing.
• Once the cover fabric becomes excessively faded or pills from friction.
• After using for 2+ pregnancies as sweat and oils degrade materials.
• If no longer providing adequate support and noticing increased discomfort.

Maximize your return on investment by Machine washing covers, spot cleaning fills, and properly storing. But expect to replace used pregnancy pillows after a few years.

Budget-Friendly Pregnancy Pillow Alternatives

While full-body pillows provide maximum support, more affordable options to consider if needed include:

Wedge Pillows

Compact wedge cushions support under the belly or back for $20 to $40.

C-Shaped Side Sleeping Pillows

Partial-length C-shape options cost $30 to $60.

Standard Body Pillows

Basic 4 to 5-foot long styles cost $25 to $50.

Bed Pillows

Use two standard pillows between the legs and under the head if needed.

Towel Rolls

Roll bath towels loosely to DIY cushions as needed.

Couch Cushions

Arrange couch cushions around you on the bed for ad hoc nesting.

If budget is a main concern, creativity with pillows and towels can provide some cost-free cushioning. But for lasting comfort, invest in at least a quality standard body pillow.

Key Takeaways

• Full-body pillows provide full-length support and pain relief during all pregnancy stages.
• The right fill, shape, and cover ensures nightly comfort and accommodation for changing body needs.
• Top-rated U, C, and J-shaped pregnancy pillows provide cushioning between hips, knees, back, and belly.
• Support needs increase during the second and third trimesters when body aches become pronounced.
• Properly caring for pillows extends their lifespan but expect to replace them after a few years of use.
• Affordable DIY options exist but investing in a quality full-length maternity pillow pays off long term.

A well-made full-body pillow carefully chosen for your sleep style provides comfort and support nightly, making pregnancy restfulness and pain relief attainable.