Maternity Pillow vs Pregnancy Body Pillow: How Are They Different?

A body pillow in pregnancy gives you flexible side-sleeping support, while a shaped maternity pillow locks in targeted relief for your bump, back, and hips.

Updated 15 Sep 2026 4 min read 7 sections

The difference between a maternity pillow and a pregnancy body pillow is mostly shape. A maternity pillow is contoured (C-shaped, U-shaped or a small wedge) to cradle the bump, back and hips in set places, while a pregnancy body pillow is one long, straight pillow you arrange along your body yourself. Both aim to make side sleeping more comfortable. Which one to buy depends on how you sleep, how much bed you have and what is bothering you most.

What is a pregnancy body pillow?

A pregnancy body pillow is a full-length pillow, often around 4 to 5 feet long, that you hug, tuck under your bump or hold between your knees. It is the simplest tool for side sleeping. Many people are advised to sleep on their side in later pregnancy, so ask your midwife or doctor what position suits you.

Straight and flexible: one long pillow you can move around as your bump grows.
Good between the knees: it keeps the hips level, which can take strain off the lower back.
Usually cheaper: a straight pillow tends to cost less than a large shaped one.
Useful afterward: it works as a feeding cushion or an ordinary body pillow once the baby arrives.

The trade-off is that a straight pillow does not stay put by itself. If you turn over often, expect to rearrange it during the night.

What is a maternity pillow?

A maternity pillow is shaped around a pregnant body. Instead of one straight length, it wraps around you so the support stays where it is needed.

C-shaped pillows curve around the back and bump, giving head-to-knee support in one piece.
U-shaped pillows support both sides of the body, so you can turn over without moving the pillow.
Wedge pillows are small and targeted, propping the bump or raising the upper body for heartburn.
Less shifting at night: the shape holds its place better than a straight pillow.

Cuddobaby maternity pillow for pregnancy support — Maternity pillow$89.99Image from the merchant

If you are a restless sleeper or back pain is your main complaint, a shaped pillow is usually the better fit, because it supports the bump and lower back together and makes it harder to roll onto your back while asleep. Cuddobaby’s own option is its Cuddobaby pregnancy pillow; check the listing for its exact shape, fill and cover before you order.

Maternity pillow vs pregnancy body pillow compared

Feature	Maternity pillow	Body pillow
Shape	C-shaped, U-shaped or wedge	Long and straight
Support	Contoured for bump, back and hips	General, depends on how you place it
Stays in place	Mostly	May need moving during the night
Bed space	More (U shapes are large)	Less, it sits close to the body
Suits	Restless sleepers, back and hip discomfort	Smaller beds, simpler needs, tighter budgets
After the birth	Feeding support	Feeding support and general comfort

Which one should you buy?

Choose a maternity pillow if you wake with hip or back aches, you turn over a lot, or you want full-body support in one piece. A U shape suits people who switch sides at night, since you never have to move it.
Choose a body pillow if you mainly need something between your knees and along your bump, you share a smaller bed, or you want a pillow that stays useful as an everyday body pillow later.
Combine them if sleep is a real struggle. A shaped pillow for the body plus a small wedge under the bump is a common pairing.

Cuddobaby also lists a pregnancy body pillow in its range. For a third-party view of different designs, Forbes’ roundup of pregnancy pillows is a helpful read before you decide.

What to look for in fill, cover and materials

Fill: shredded memory foam molds to your shape but can feel warm; polyester cluster fill is lighter and breathes better. If you sleep hot, avoid solid foam.
Cover: a removable, machine-washable cover in cotton or a bamboo blend is far easier to keep fresh.
Firmness: medium-firm tends to keep the hips aligned. Too soft and you sink; too firm and it presses on the bump.
Size against your bed: a U-shaped pillow takes up a lot of a shared bed, so measure your space and talk to your partner first.

Care tips to make it last

Wash the cover often, especially in warm months, since sweat and skin oils wear fabric down.
Air the pillow regularly to keep the fill fresh.
Spot clean spills straight away, and only machine wash the insert if the label allows it.
Fluff a polyester-fill pillow often so it does not flatten into a lump.

Where to buy and how to save

Prices change often, so rather than quote them we keep current offers on our Cuddobaby discount code page. Shops rarely let you try a pregnancy pillow in store, and you may only learn which shape suits you after a few nights in your own bed. Roundups such as this roundup from The Bump help you shortlist shapes, and buying from a store with a fair return policy is the safer route.

Cuddobaby baby activity center for play and discovery — Baby activity center$139.99Image from the merchant

Cuddobaby also sells gear for after the birth: a baby activity center and baby activity mat for playtime, plus a bouncy seat and a bar bouncer for moments when you need both hands. If you are buying more than one item, check the current code before you order.

Our view: if you want the simplest, most adaptable option, a good straight body pillow does the job. If back and hip discomfort is keeping you awake, a shaped maternity pillow is the one we would start with. Either way, the right pillow stays useful long after the pregnancy.

Questions

Is a maternity pillow the same as a pregnancy body pillow?

Not quite. A maternity pillow is shaped for pregnancy (C-shaped, U-shaped or wedge), while a body pillow is a straight, full-length pillow you position yourself. Shaped pillows give more targeted support; body pillows are simpler and more flexible.

Should I get a C-shaped or U-shaped pregnancy pillow?

A U shape suits people who switch sides at night because it supports both sides without being moved. A C shape wraps one side of the body, takes less bed space and suits people who mostly sleep on one side.

Can a pregnancy pillow help with back discomfort?

A pillow between the knees keeps the hips level while you sleep on your side, which can ease strain on the lower back. If back pain is severe or new, talk to your midwife or doctor.

When should I start using a pregnancy body pillow?

Whenever sleep starts to feel uncomfortable, which for many people is as the bump grows. There is no harm in starting earlier if you already like sleeping with one.

How do I wash a maternity pillow?

Machine wash the removable cover on a gentle cycle and air dry it. Spot clean the insert unless the label says it can be washed, and fluff polyester fill often.