If you have always slept on your stomach, pregnancy can be frustrating. Cleveland Clinic says sleeping on your belly is fine in the first trimester, but as your bump grows it is unlikely to stay comfortable.[3] This guide explains how sleep position changes as pregnancy goes on, which pillows are made for stomach sleepers, and nine to compare.
For a more standard approach to side sleeping, see our guide to pregnancy body pillows.
General information, not medical advice; talk to your midwife or doctor about sleep position, pain or any worry in pregnancy.
Pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers basics
- Cleveland Clinic says sleeping on your belly is fine in the first trimester or so, and that your body will tell you when it is time to stop as your bump grows.[3]
- ACOG says sleeping on your side in the second and third trimesters may be best, with one or both knees bent, a pillow between your knees and another under your belly. A full-length body pillow is another option.[2]
- The NHS says the safest position to go to sleep is on your side, left or right. Research suggests that after 28 weeks, falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth.[1]
- If you wake on your back, the NHS says you can turn over and go back to sleep on your side.[1]
- Pillows with a belly hole are comfort items for short spells face down. We did not find clinical research on their effect on pain, labor or the baby’s position, so treat claims about those with caution.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Earthlite Cushion | Face-down support cushion | Foam | – | 41 x 21.5 in | – |
| 2 | Belly Baby Breast Pillow Belly Down | Body pillow | Foam | Organic cotton | – | – |
| 3 | Cozy Bump Inflatable | Body pillow | – | Cotton | – | – |
| 4 | HOLO Raft Float | Air (inflatable) pillow | Air (inflatable) | – | 67 x 25.6 x 7 in | – |
| 5 | As Awesling Detachable Maternity | Body pillow | – | Velvet | 60 in | – |
| 6 | INSEN C-Shape | Body pillow | – | Jersey cotton | 58 in | Machine washable |
| 7 | Meiz Full Body | Body pillow | – | Velvet | 55 x 30.7 in | Machine washable |
| 8 | Momcozy Pregnancy U-Shaped | Body pillow | Polyester | – | 57 in | Removable cover |
| 9 | Allopera U Shape | Body pillow | Polyester fiber | Velvet | 57 in | Removable cover, machine washable |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
How Sleep Position Changes in Pregnancy
Cleveland Clinic says that in the first trimester or so, sleeping on your belly is fine, but as your bump grows, it is unlikely to stay comfortable.[3] ACOG says that as your belly grows, sleeping on your back may not be good for you, because it puts the weight of your uterus on your spine and back muscles. In the second and third trimesters, lying on your back may compress a major blood vessel that takes blood to your uterus.[2]
For that reason, ACOG says sleeping on your side during the second and third trimesters may be best.[2] The NHS says the safest position to go to sleep in is on your side, left or right.[1] A stomach sleeper therefore has two jobs: keep the comfort of a supported position, and move toward the side in later pregnancy.
Types of Pregnancy Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
- Belly-Hole and Cut-Out Pillows – These let you lie face down with the bump in an opening. They are comfort items for short periods. Check the size of the opening against your bump, because it must not press on you.
- Inflatable Pillows – You adjust the amount of air for firmness. They can be large, and some are used in water as well as on land.
- U-Shaped and C-Shaped Body Pillows – These support the belly and back together for side sleeping, which is the position the NHS and ACOG recommend later in pregnancy.[1][2]
- Wedge Pillows – A wedge under the belly can give light support. See our guide to wedge pillows.
Easing Aches in Pregnancy
The NHS says back pain in pregnancy is very common, because the ligaments soften and stretch, which strains the joints of the lower back and pelvis. Its suggestions include keeping your back straight and well supported when you sit, looking for maternity support pillows, and getting enough rest.[4] The NHS says paracetamol is fine unless your GP or midwife says not to.[4] Contact your GP or midwife urgently if back pain comes with a fever, bleeding, pain when you pee or pain under the ribs, or in the second or third trimester, as it could be a sign of early labour.[4]
Buying Guide
- Size – Pregnancy pillows range from compact cut-outs to 60-inch wraps. Think about how much of the bed you can give, and talk to your partner about it.
- Shape – A pillow for the stomach, one for the side and one for sitting are different things. Pick the one for how you sleep now.
- Filling – Polyester fiber, foam and air are the common choices. Fiber pillows can be reshaped, and air pillows can be adjusted, but they can feel less stable.
- Cover – A removable, washable cover is worth having.
- Use After Birth – Many of these pillows are also used for nursing, reading or sitting, so you can keep them after the birth.
How We Chose These Pillows
These picks come from desk research. We compared the makers’ public product information, the The web product pages and buyer feedback. We did not test the pillows ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Position – Whether the pillow is made for lying face down, on the side or both.
- Size – Stated dimensions and the size of any belly opening.
- Materials – Foam, fiber or air, and the cover fabric.
- Care – Removable cover and washing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pregnancy Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
- Is it safe to sleep on your stomach when pregnant?
Cleveland Clinic says that sleeping on your belly is fine in the first trimester or so, but as your bump grows it will probably not be comfortable.[3] Your body will let you know when it is time to stop. - Should I worry about sleeping on my back?
ACOG says that lying on your back in the second and third trimesters may compress a major blood vessel. The NHS says research suggests falling asleep on your back after 28 weeks can double the risk of stillbirth, and that you should turn over onto your side if you wake on your back.[1][2] - Do belly-hole pillows work?
They are designed to let you lie face down with room for your bump. We did not find clinical studies on them, so think of them as a comfort aid for short rests and check the size of the opening before you order. - What can I take for back pain in pregnancy?
The NHS says you can take paracetamol unless your GP or midwife says not to. Ask them before taking anything else.[4] - When should I call my midwife about back pain?
The NHS says to contact your GP or midwife urgently if back pain comes with a fever, bleeding from the vagina, pain when you pee, pain under the ribs, or in the second or third trimester, because it could be early labour.[4]
Our Picks: Pillows for Pregnant Stomach Sleepers
Here are nine pillows to compare. We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Earthlite® Cushion Face-Down Pregnancy Cushion
Currently unavailable
The Earthlite Cushion is a foam cushion for lying face down during pregnancy, and it measures 41 x 21.5 inches.
- It is also sold for people with lower back pain or who have had breast surgery and cannot lie flat on the stomach.
- The foam is CFC-free urethane, and the upholstery is Natursoft.
- It is a cushion for short stretches face down, not a full-body sleep pillow.
2
Belly Baby Breast Pillow® Belly Down Belly Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Belly Baby Pillow is a compact pregnancy pillow with a cut-out for your belly, so you can lie face down. A chiropractor designed it, and it is made in the USA.
- It is about 4.5 inches thick, and the opening for the belly is 16 x 12 inches, so check the size against your bump.
- The cover is organic cotton and washable.
- It takes much less room in bed than a full-body pillow.
3
Cozy Bump® Inflatable Inflatable Belly-Hole Pregnancy Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Cozy Bump is an inflatable pregnancy pillow with a large belly opening that you can adjust for your size.
- The pocket for the belly is made of elastic cloth, and you can let air in or out to make the pillow firmer or softer.
- You can use it for naps, reading or TV while lying on your stomach.
- It comes with a plastic storage box.
4
HOLO® Raft Float Inflatable Pillow with Belly Hole
Currently unavailable
The HOLO Raft Float is a large inflatable pillow with a hole for the belly, and it measures 67 x 25.6 x 7 inches.
- The raised rim supports your hips and back.
- You can use it on land or in water, and it deflates for travel.
- It is meant for short periods on the stomach, and it can also be used after the baby is born.
5
As Awesling® Detachable Maternity Detachable Full Body Maternity Pillow
Currently unavailable
The As Awesling Detachable Maternity is a 60-inch full-body pillow that unzips into separate parts.
- A small angled pillow for propping your bump comes with it.
- You can use the whole pillow as a wrap for your body or unzip it to make the shape you need.
- The cover is velvet.
6
INSEN® C-Shape C-Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow
Currently unavailable
The INSEN C-Shape is a 58-inch C-shaped body pillow filled with high-density soft fiber, with a jersey cotton cover.
- The outer cover and the lining case each have their own zipper, so both come off for washing.
- You can fold it into a wedge to raise your legs or prop your back.
- It suits side sleepers best, and it can also support your back when you sit.
7
Meiz® Full Body Reversible U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Meiz Full Body is a U-shaped pillow that measures 55 x 30.7 inches, with a reversible cover.
- The filling is hollow polyester fiber that stays fluffy, and you can adjust the amount.
- You can use it on the bed, the couch or the floor.
- The cover is machine washable.
8
Momcozy® Pregnancy U-Shaped Long Body Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Momcozy Pregnancy U-Shaped is a 57-inch U-shaped full-body pillow with a polyester fill and a removable cover.
- It supports the head, back, belly, sides, knees, hips and feet.
- It is a side-sleeping pillow, so it is the pick here for when your bump is too big for the stomach.
9
Allopera® U Shape Long Pregnancy Adjustable Body Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Allopera U Shape is a 57-inch U-shaped pregnancy pillow with a zippered inner cover and a removable outer cover.
- You can remove some of the polyester fiber filling for a lower, softer feel.
- The materials are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and the outer cover is machine washable.
- You can turn from one side to the other without moving the pillow.
Index Table: Pregnancy Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Earthlite Cushion - Face-Down Pregnancy Cushion |  |
| Earthlite |
| 2 | Belly Baby Breast Pillow Belly Down - Belly Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow |  |
| Belly Baby Breast Pillow |
| 3 | Cozy Bump Inflatable - Inflatable Belly-Hole Pregnancy Pillow |  |
| Cozy Bump |
| 4 | HOLO Raft Float - Inflatable Pillow with Belly Hole |  |
| HOLO |
| 5 | As Awesling Detachable Maternity - Detachable Full Body Maternity Pillow |  |
| As Awesling |
| 6 | INSEN C-Shape - C-Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow |  |
| INSEN |
| 7 | Meiz Full Body - Reversible U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow |  |
| Meiz |
| 8 | Momcozy Pregnancy U-Shaped - Long Body Pillow |  |
| Momcozy |
| 9 | Allopera U Shape - Long Pregnancy Adjustable Body Pillow |  |
| Allopera |
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Tiredness and sleep problems in pregnancy. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Can I sleep on my back when I’m pregnant?. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Is it really all that bad to sleep on your back while pregnant?. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Back pain in pregnancy. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS, ACOG and Cleveland Clinic guidance on sleep position and back pain in pregnancy, removed the unsourced claims about optimal birth position, C-sections and doctors recommending the left side, rewrote all nine product notes and corrected their Key Specs and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced the Sources with four reviewed pages
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: AS AWESLING U-Shape Pillow with As Awesling Detachable Maternity Pillow; ChiroLux Nest-Shape Pillow with Momcozy Pregnancy U-Shaped Pillow; PharMeDoc U-Shape Pillow with Allopera U Shape Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Mar 2022: Added Meiz Full Body Pillow, ChiroLux Nest-Shape Pillow and PharMeDoc U-Shape Pillow
- Feb 2022: Added Earthlite Cushion Pillow
- Apr 2021: Added Cozy Bump Inflatable Pillow
- Jul 2020: Added INSEN C-Shape Pillow and AS AWESLING U-Shape Pillow
- Feb 2020: Published
