Pregnancy Wedge Pillow – Hiccapop Belly, Back & Knee Support

Description

The Hiccapop is a pregnancy wedge pillow: a small, firm foam wedge about 15 × 13 × 4.5 inches, not a full-body pillow. Tuck it under your bump when you lie on your side, wedge it behind your back so you don't roll over, or slip it between your knees.

It has two sides, soft memory foam and a firmer support foam, so you can flip it as your bump grows and you want more or less give. The plush cover zips off for washing, and it comes with its own carry bag.

Why women love it

• Small enough to share a bed: support where you need it, without a body pillow taking over the mattress.
• Two firmness levels: soft on one side, firm on the other.
• Works in three places: under your belly, behind your back or between your knees.
• Travels: the carry bag makes it easy to take to the couch, the office or on a trip.
• Washable cover and CertiPUR-US certified foam.

Best for

• Side sleepers whose bump pulls them forward, or whose lower back aches by morning
• Anyone who sleeps hot or has a partner, where a U-shaped pillow is too much
• Travel and naps, when your big pillow stays home
• Less suited to: full-body support from head to knees. For that, compare the Momcozy U-shaped pregnancy pillow. It's also too low to raise your upper body for heartburn.

How to use a pregnancy wedge pillow

1. Under your belly: lie on your side and slide the thin edge under your bump, so it takes the weight instead of your back.
2. Behind your back: place it against your back to keep you from rolling onto it in your sleep.
3. Between your knees: keeps your hips in line, which many people find eases lower-back and hip ache.
4. When sitting: behind your lower back on the couch or at a desk.

ACOG's advice for back pain in pregnancy is the same setup: sleep on your side with your knees bent, a pillow between your knees and another under your belly.

Is a wedge pillow safe in pregnancy?

Yes. It's a foam cushion, and using it to stay on your side is what most guidance recommends. The position matters more than the pillow. From the third trimester, the advice in the UK and Australia is to go to sleep on your side. A 2019 analysis of 851 stillbirths and 2,257 ongoing pregnancies found that going to sleep on your back from 28 weeks was linked to about 2.6 times the risk of late stillbirth. A large US study (nuMoM2b) found no link before 30 weeks. The absolute risk is low, and if you wake up on your back, just roll back onto your side.

To be fair to your wallet: the UK charity Tommy's notes that regular pillows work as well as pregnancy pillows for staying on your side. You buy a wedge for comfort and convenience, not because you need special equipment.

Explore more

For back pain while you're up and about, see the AZMED maternity support belt. For a full-body option, the Momcozy U-shaped pillow. Or browse pregnancy support and comfort.

A note from Mindy

Most back pain in pregnancy is your body carrying more weight in front, and positioning helps a lot. But call your provider if the pain is severe or lasts more than two weeks, and right away if it comes with a fever, burning when you pee or vaginal bleeding. Back pain can be a sign of a urinary infection or preterm labor.

Mindy, FNP-C

FAQs

Is a wedge pillow safe for pregnancy?

Yes. A wedge pillow is a foam cushion, and using one to support your bump or stay on your side is in line with ACOG's advice. In the third trimester, go to sleep on your side rather than your back.

How do you use a pregnancy wedge pillow?

Lie on your side and slide it under your bump, place it behind your back so you don't roll over, or put it between your knees to keep your hips aligned. It also works behind your lower back when sitting.

Can you sleep on your back with a wedge pillow while pregnant?

From the third trimester, the advice is to go to sleep on your side. Research linking back sleeping to stillbirth looked at lying on the back from 28 weeks. A slight incline hasn't been studied, so the simplest choice is to use the wedge to stay on your side.

Wedge or U-shaped pregnancy pillow?

A wedge supports one spot, takes little room and travels well. A U-shaped pillow supports your back, belly, knees and head at once but takes over the bed. If you sleep hot or share a bed, start with a wedge.

Does a pregnancy pillow help with back pain?

It can. ACOG suggests sleeping on your side with knees bent, a pillow between your knees and another under your belly. See your provider if back pain is severe, lasts more than two weeks, or comes with fever, burning when you pee or bleeding.