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Let’s rewind for a second — not to the last time you slept through the night (because I know that might’ve been 2004), but way back. Back when maternity care meant your great-great-grandmother sleeping on a straw mattress in a corset and being told that exercise during pregnancy was “dangerous.” Yeah. That era. Comfort in pregnancy used to be an afterthought, if it was a thought at all. Prenatal care was focused almost entirely on survival. Survival of the mother. Survival of the baby. And for the most part, the physical comfort of the person doing all the hard work? Not really a priority. But here we are now, in the age of science, midwives with master’s degrees, birth centers with aromatherapy, and… pregnancy pillows that feel like they were designed by NASA engineers who care about your hips.
And let me just say, as a midwife and a mother: We’ve come a long way, baby.
Why Comfort Is Prenatal Care
Some people still think of comfort as this “bonus” thing, nice, but not essential. But here’s the truth: when your body is growing a human 24/7, comfort is healthcare. I’ve had patients apologize for being “high maintenance” when asking about things like how to ease hip pain or improve sleep. I stop them right there. You’re not high maintenance. You’re doing one of the most intense physical feats a human body can do and you’re allowed to want to feel good while doing it.
That includes:
- Sleeping better
- Reducing aches and pains
- Supporting your baby’s optimal positioning for labor
- And yes, having a comfy spot to rest your growing belly
The Evolution of the Pregnancy Pillow: From Flat Cushions to Full-Body Support Systems
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come. Decades ago, pregnant people made do with a few folded blankets and maybe a wedge under the belly if they were lucky. The idea of investing in a specialty pillow? Unheard of. But slowly, through the brilliant work of physical therapists, midwives, doulas, chiropractors, and sleep researchers, we began to understand: the pregnant body has unique needs that regular pillows can’t meet. So designers got to work. And now? We have pillows shaped like U’s, C’s, J’s, and wedges. Pillows that align your spine, lift your knees, hug your bump, and cocoon your entire being in something that feels like a supportive marshmallow cloud. Momcozy, for example, didn’t just make a pillow and slap “maternity” on the label. They created a full lineup of thoughtfully engineered pregnancy pillows that work with your changing anatomy — not against it. Whether it’s the U-shaped pillow for full-body support, the J-shaped for more compact coziness, or the wedge pillow for targeted belly or back support, these aren’t just nice sleeping accessories. They are prenatal essentials.
Sleep: The Underrated Superpower in Pregnancy
Let’s talk sleep. Or more accurately . . . the loss of it. You don’t need me to tell you that pregnancy makes sleep a lot more complicated. Between constant peeing, aching hips, an active baby doing 3 a.m. somersaults, heartburn, and the hormonal rollercoaster, your body is practically conspiring against you getting eight uninterrupted hours. But sleep isn’t just about avoiding eye bags.
It’s how your body:
- Repairs tissue
- Balances blood sugar
- Regulates hormones
- Supports immune function
- And prepares for the mental and physical marathon that is labor and delivery
In fact, several studies have shown that poor sleep in pregnancy is associated with longer labors and increased risk of cesarean section. Let that sink in: just getting better sleep could support a smoother labor. A good pregnancy pillow helps by:
- Keeping you in a side-sleeping position (the gold standard for pregnancy)
- Reducing pressure on your hips, pelvis, and spine
- Easing round ligament and sciatic pain
- Propping you up to reduce reflux
- Helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
Supporting Optimal Fetal Positioning (aka Helping Baby Get in the Right Spot)
Here’s something most people don’t realize: your sleep position influences your baby’s position. As a midwife, I talk a lot about fetal positioning, how your baby is sitting in your pelvis, which direction they’re facing, and how that can either help or hinder labor. A baby in an optimal anterior position (head down, back toward your belly) is more likely to rotate smoothly and descend during labor. A baby in a funky position (posterior, transverse, or asynclitic) may lead to longer, harder, or even stalled labor.
Guess what helps promote good positioning?
Sleeping on your side with your pelvis aligned and your belly and knees supported. That’s exactly what a full-body pregnancy pillow helps you do. It gently nudges your hips into better alignment, reduces strain on your ligaments, and gives your baby the space they need to rotate naturally.
A Midwife’s Take: Why the Right Pillow Can Make a Big Difference
When I meet with clients in their third trimester, I often hear the phrase, “I wish I had gotten a pregnancy pillow sooner.” That’s because it’s one of the few tools that actually pays off every single night, and keeps giving postpartum. You can use it for nursing, bottle feeding, side-lying with your newborn, or just propping yourself up during recovery.
I recommend choosing based on what your body is asking for:
- Constant hip or lower back pain? Go for the U-Shaped Pillow from Momcozy.
- Want the classic U-shape but need more flexibility? The Upgraded U-Shaped Pillow features a foldable leg cushion, making it easier to get up during the night.
- Short on bed space or don’t want to kick your partner out? Try the J-Shaped Pillow.
- Need something small and mighty to toss under your belly or knees? The Wedge Pillow is for you.
Final Thoughts: Maternity Care That Includes You
We’ve come a long way from the “grin and bear it” days of pregnancy. And thank goodness. Modern prenatal care is finally starting to recognize that comfort matters. Sleep matters. YOU matter. A pregnancy pillow may seem like a small thing, but in my experience — both as a provider and a mom — it’s one of the most impactful investments you can make for your body, your sleep, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re newly pregnant or counting down the days to birth, take it from a midwife who’s seen it all, you deserve to be supported. Literally. So find your shape, hug that pillow, and let your body rest. You’re doing something extraordinary, and you shouldn’t have to do it on a flat, unsupportive mattress with a squashed throw pillow.
Sleep well, friend. You’ve earned it.
Caitlyn Schollmeier, CNM, MSN
Certified Nurse Midwife, Comfort Advocate, Nap Enthusiast
