Pregnancy pillows

Buying a pregnancy pillow is the difference between tossing and turning and sleeping through the night for many pregnant women: the 280 cm XXL pillow supports your belly, back, and knees simultaneously, so as a side sleeper you can finally find a position you can maintain all night long. At Strex, you order the pillow including a removable cover — and it remains useful even after pregnancy as a nursing pillow.

Who is a pregnancy pillow for?

From about week 20, midwives recommend sleeping on your side, and that is precisely when the shuffling with loose pillows begins: one under the belly, one between the knees, one at your back. A 280 cm body pillow replaces that whole stack with one pillow that you wrap around your body. Even without pregnancy, it is a solution for side sleepers with back or hip complaints — the U-shape keeps your pelvis straight and prevents you from rolling back onto your back at night.

What should you look for when choosing?

• ✔ Length — 280 cm is long enough to support your belly and back simultaneously; short pillows force you to choose
• ✔ Shape — a U- or C-shape follows the natural curve of your body in the side-lying position
• ✔ Removable cover — washable is not a luxury but a necessity, especially in the third trimester and during nursing
• ✔ Filling — resilient enough to provide support, soft enough not to irritate your knees
• ✔ Warranty — standard 2 years at Strex

Also after pregnancy: nursing pillow and more

The moment most pillows disappear into the closet is exactly the moment this pillow begins a second life. Rolled into a C-shape, it works as a nursing pillow during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding: it bears the weight of the baby, so your arms and neck remain relaxed. Later, it serves as support when learning to sit. For those who still don't want to get rid of the pillow afterwards: many partners take it over as a reading pillow. For more sleep comfort, also check out our sleep & wellness collection, or discover the complete home & kitchen assortment.

How do you use a pregnancy pillow correctly?

The most common mistake: only placing the pillow under the belly. You only get full support when you lay the pillow along your entire body — one end between your knees, the middle section under your belly, the other end behind your back. Your knees are then hip-width apart, which noticeably lowers the pressure on your pelvis and lower back. Do you turn at night? Take the pillow with you instead of climbing over it; with a length of 280 cm, you can do that without waking up.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a pregnancy pillow?

Most women start around week 18 to 22, when side sleeping is recommended and the belly becomes heavier. Earlier is fine too: you get used to the pillow faster if you are already sleeping with it before it is strictly necessary, and side sleepers without pregnancy use it just as well.

How do you wash a pregnancy pillow?

The removable cover goes right into the washing machine. The pillow itself therefore rarely needs to be washed — a second cover is handy, so you always have a clean one while the other is in the wash.

Can I also use the pillow as a nursing pillow?

Yes. Rolled into a C-shape, the pillow supports the baby at the right height during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, relieving your shoulders and arms. This way, the pillow seamlessly transitions into its second function after birth.

Which sleeping position is best during pregnancy?

Side-lying, preferably on the left side: that provides the best blood flow toward the placenta. A 280 cm body pillow makes that position sustainable by supporting your belly, separating your knees, and blocking your back from rolling back.

View the XXL pregnancy pillow from Strex — including cover — and sleep for the rest of your pregnancy the way you should.

Want to know more? Read our article "Pregnancy pillow: which shape suits you?".