The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Pregnancy Pillow

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey—but let’s be honest, it’s not always the comfiest. As your body changes, so do your sleep needs. That’s where a pregnancy pillow becomes a total game-changer. Whether you’re struggling with back pain, waking up sore, or simply can’t find a cosy position, the right pillow can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best pregnancy pillow for your body, sleep style, and lifestyle—including the growing favourite, the G-shaped pillow, which we proudly offer at NanyaShop.

Why Use a Maternity Pillow?

From the first trimester through to postpartum recovery, a good maternity pillow provides proper support and comfort to help you rest better and feel more aligned.

Here’s why Aussie mums swear by them:

Belly and back support – Cradles your bump and relieves strain on your spine and hips

Better sleep quality – Encourages side sleeping (which is best during pregnancy) and helps reduce tossing and turning

Postpartum comfort – Doubles as a support for nursing or lounging with your newborn

Reduces swelling and pressure – Helps improve blood flow by keeping your body in a more neutral position

More relaxed bedtime – Makes it easier to wind down and stay comfy while reading, resting, or watching telly

Types of Pregnancy Pillows (And Which Is Right for You)

There are a few main types of pregnancy pillows—each designed to target different needs. Let’s break them down so you can find your perfect fit.

U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

This full-body option supports both sides of your body—head, back, belly, and knees. You don’t need to turn the pillow when you roll over at night, which is a big win for many mums.
Best for: Back sleepers transitioning to side sleeping, full-body support, late pregnancy comfort

C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

Shaped like the letter “C”, this design wraps around your body to support your head, belly, and legs. It’s slightly more compact than the U-shape but still provides excellent belly and hip alignment.
Best for: Side sleepers, pelvic or lower back pain, medium support without bulk

G-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (Like our BellyNest™ Full Body Pillow)

A clever twist on the classic U and C shapes, the G-shape is designed for full-body wrapping comfort—with a longer tail for between your legs and under your bump, a back-supporting curve, and a rounded headrest. It also works brilliantly post-birth for nursing support.
Best for: Total head-to-toe support, side sleepers, mums who want versatility before and after birth

We offer our own G-shaped pillow at NanyaShop—it’s our best-seller for a reason. It’s soft, supportive, and available in multiple fabric options, including COOLMAX and collagen-infused fabric.

Wedge Pregnancy Pillow

A smaller, portable option that slips under your bump or behind your back. Great for travel or pairing with your usual pillow setup.
Best for: Light support, daytime lounging, travel use

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Pregnancy Pillow

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to comfort, but here are a few tips to help you choose the best pregnancy pillow for your needs:

Shape and Size

Think about your sleep habits and bedroom space. If you move around a lot or want full-body cushioning, go for a U- or G-shape. Want something compact? A wedge or C-shape may be ideal.

Fabric Material

Pregnancy can make you feel warmer than usual, so breathable materials matter. At NanyaShop, our pillows come in:

• COOLMAX® – for hot sleepers and warm Aussie nights

• Collagen-infused fabric – soft and skin-friendly

• Probiotic fabric – gentle on sensitive or allergy-prone skin

• Quick-dry COO fabric – perfect for year-round use

Ease of Cleaning

Look for a pillow with a removable, machine-washable cover—because spills and sweat are part of the package.

Portability

Need something for travel or appointments? Our BellyNest™ Inflatable Pregnancy Mat is perfect—it deflates for easy storage and allows safe face-down positioning for massages or rest.

Do I Really Need a Pregnancy Pillow?

Short answer: Yes, if you want better sleep and less discomfort.

Many mums-to-be find it hard to get comfy as their pregnancy progresses. The weight of your growing belly can throw your posture off and put pressure on your back and hips. A pregnancy pillow offers personalised support, whether you're in your first trimester or counting down the final weeks.

Plus, many of them—like our G-shaped and inflatable options—can be used after birth too. They’re brilliant for feeding, holding baby, or even just propping yourself up while binging a show during late-night feeds.