The Unexpected Benefits of a Maternity Body Pillow
Before becoming pregnant, I never really considered how I slept. I would wriggle around, lie on my front, or flip onto my back—sometimes ending up on my side, but it wasn’t a priority. That all changed when I received the positive pregnancy test. Suddenly, I had to learn what I could no longer do, and one of the biggest changes was about sleeping positions.
I realized that as my bump grew, lying on my front would become uncomfortable. However, I didn’t know that by 28 weeks, doctors recommend avoiding sleeping on your back. Instead, they suggest sleeping on your left side to reduce the risk of stillbirth. This advice was something I wanted to follow, even though I wasn’t sure if I could adjust to it after years of being a restless sleeper. So, I decided to start training early.
While most expectant mothers buy a maternity body pillow for support during pregnancy, my main motivation was to train myself to sleep on my side before week 28. The Momcozy Huggable U Shaped Maternity Body Pillow, priced at £72.99, became my solution. It offers support for the back, hips, and belly, but for me, it was more than just a practical tool—it was a training aid.
The pillow is large, which might be a surprise for some, especially given the occasional social media jokes about men feeling emasculated by their partners’ Huggables. However, as someone who is 5’9”, I found it perfectly suited to my frame. In the summer months, it’s so big that it almost replaces other bedding. There’s no need for extra pillows, and its warmth makes a duvet unnecessary too.
The material is incredibly soft, with two options available: velvet and cooling. I chose the cooling version, which stays cool to the touch and provides a comfortable feel throughout the night. The cushion is plump and springy, making it ideal for resting. On the first night using it, I found it easy to stay in the correct position—head on the pillow, long side on my left, and legs hugging the U-shaped bottom. I stayed put without any wiggling, and even though my bladder woke me up four times, returning to bed was much more comfortable because of the pillow’s support.
One five-star review mentioned that the pillow helped prevent rolling onto the back, while another compared it to a “human-sized dog bed.” Who hasn’t wanted to curl up like that? The design of the pillow is thoughtful, considering the challenges of pregnancy, such as acid reflux. Raising the head can help alleviate this, and the elevated part of the pillow supports that.
For those experiencing hip and back pain, the pillow offers additional benefits. By placing the top leg over a bolster and keeping the other leg straight, pressure on these areas can be reduced, improving blood circulation. This makes it not only a great sleeping aid but also a supportive tool for daily activities.
What surprised me the most was how versatile the pillow is beyond just sleeping. Since bringing it home, it has been with me constantly. It has many uses, primarily as a makeshift table. You can use any side to create a little desk around your bump. Some online reviews mention that once the baby is born, it becomes a great rest for feeding newborns. For me, instead of balancing my laptop near my belly, I use the “arms” of the pillow as a table while supporting my back while sitting on the sofa.
You could even eat dinner off this ledge if you’re feeling adventurous (though with pregnancy affecting coordination, it feels a bit risky). Others have used it like a beanbag chair, propping up the back and settling into the center like an egg in a nest.
I’m confident I’ll continue discovering new ways to use it until my due date and even after. In fact, I’d recommend this pillow to anyone, not just expecting parents. Reviews highlight its usefulness for post-surgery recovery or general comfort, and a friend even admitted she uses one for hungover days.
Overall, the Momcozy Huggable U Shaped Maternity Body Pillow has exceeded my expectations. It’s not just a pregnancy essential—it’s a multifunctional, comfortable, and practical addition to everyday life. I wish I had bought it years ago.