The short answer: A U-shaped pillow supports your entire body and is great if you toss and turn a lot at night. A C-shaped pillow is more space-saving and can later be repurposed as a nursing pillow. A 3-piece pillow like the Snugbelly pillow combines both: you arrange the three elements for your belly, back, and hips exactly as you need them, and after birth, you can use them individually as nursing pillows. Which model suits you best depends primarily on how you sleep, how much space you have in your bed, and whether you want to use the pillow after pregnancy. In this guide, we compare all three shapes, provide an overview table, and answer the most common questions about size, material, and when to buy.
What you will learn in this article
- What types of pregnancy pillows are there?
- The comparison table: U-shape, C-shape, and 3-piece
- How big should your pregnancy pillow be?
- What to look for in terms of material
- Which pillow is suitable for whom?
- Frequently asked questions
What types of pregnancy pillows are there?
Essentially, three basic shapes have become established on the market. The U-shaped pillow, also known as a comfort pillow, encloses you from all sides. Head, neck, back, pelvis, and belly are supported simultaneously, and you usually don't need an additional regular pillow. The disadvantage: it is bulky, heavy, and takes up a lot of space in bed.
The C-shaped pillow is the more flexible option. It primarily supports the belly and can be tucked between the knees, yet it is significantly more space-saving than a U-pillow and works well as a later nursing pillow solution.
In addition, there are I-shaped body pillows (usually 140 to 145 cm long) as a slender support for arms and legs, as well as 3-piece pillows like the Snugbelly pillow. These consist of separate elements for the belly, back, and hips, which you can arrange freely and which prevent you from unknowingly rolling onto your back at night.
The comparison table: U-shape, C-shape, and 3-piece
In short: A U-pillow offers the most all-round support, a C-pillow is the most space-saving choice, and a 3-piece pillow is the most flexible because you can adapt it to your current sleeping position.
U-Shape
Supports: Head, back, belly, pelvis
Space required: High
Usable as nursing pillow: Limited
Best for: All-round support, not concerned about space
C-Shape
Supports: Belly, partially back
Space required: Medium
Usable as nursing pillow: Well suited
Best for: Space-saving solution with nursing pillow option
3-piece (e.g., Snugbelly)
Supports: Belly, back, hips, individually combinable
Space required: Adaptable
Usable as nursing pillow: Yes, usable in parts
Best for: Changing sleeping positions, continued use after birth
How big should your pregnancy pillow be?
As a guideline: A pillow should be at least about 130 cm long so that it can support both your belly and back simultaneously. U- and C-shaped pillows are often significantly larger, reaching up to 190 cm, which takes up a lot of bed space, especially if your partner sleeps in bed with you. A 3-piece pillow avoids this problem because you only have the parts in bed that you actually need, and you can set the rest aside.
What to look for in terms of material
Regardless of the shape, pay attention to two things: the absence of harmful substances in the cover and the quality of the filling. A cover with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification means that the pillow has been independently tested for harmful substances, which is especially important during pregnancy and later when breastfeeding. Organic cotton is considered particularly skin-friendly because it conforms well to the body shape and remains breathable.
The Snugbelly pillow is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, developed in Germany, and recommended by midwives. It supports the belly, back, and hips simultaneously, prevents accidental rolling onto your back, and becomes a nursing pillow after birth, so you don't have to buy a separate pillow later.
Supports belly, back, and hips simultaneously and becomes a nursing pillow after birth. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
Which pillow is suitable for whom?
There isn't one right pillow, but rather the pillow that fits your sleeping position and your bed.
- You sleep on your side and have little space in bed: A C-pillow or a slender I-pillow is usually sufficient.
- You have back pain in your entire lower back and pelvis: A U-pillow or a 3-piece pillow provides the best all-round support.
- You often change position at night: A 3-piece pillow can be rearranged without you having to turn a bulky U-pillow.
- You want to continue using the pillow after birth: C-pillows and 3-piece pillows can both be used well as nursing pillows; a 3-piece pillow additionally offers individually usable elements for positioning and bottle-feeding.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?
Many expectant mothers opt for a pregnancy pillow from the second trimester onwards, as soon as their belly needs more support when lying on their side. However, there's no reason not to start earlier if you generally like to sleep with a pillow between your knees or under your belly.
Can I also use a pregnancy pillow as a nursing pillow?
Yes, C-shaped and 3-piece pillows can usually be repurposed as nursing pillows after birth. With a 3-piece pillow like the Snugbelly pillow, you can also use individual elements separately for positioning the baby or when bottle-feeding.
How big should a pregnancy pillow be?
As a guideline, a minimum length of about 130 cm is recommended so that both the belly and back are supported simultaneously. U- and C-shaped pillows are often significantly longer, up to 190 cm, while 3-piece pillows take up less bed space due to their individually usable elements.
What is the best filling for a pregnancy pillow?
More important than the filling alone is that the cover and filling are tested for harmful substances, for example, according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Also, ensure that the cover is removable and washable, which is particularly practical in everyday life with a baby.
Is a 3-piece pillow harder to handle than a U-pillow?
On the contrary: because you move the individual parts separately, handling is usually easier than with a large, continuous U-pillow. You only position the element you currently need, instead of turning a complete, bulky pillow.
Ready for more restful nights?
The Snugbelly pillow supports your belly, back, and hips where you need it, and becomes a nursing pillow after birth.
Discover the Snugbelly pillow →OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified · Developed in Germany · Recommended by midwives
