Most women find it challenging to get comfortable as the baby gets bigger. If you're used to sleeping on your back or your tummy, you'll have the added stress of learning to feel comfortable sleeping on your side. Support for your belly can make a big difference in maximizing your sleep. So while a body pillow for use just during pregnancy may seem like an extravagance, I recommend anything that gets you more sleep. (And many moms report that their body pillows find new lives as toddler snugglers, providing much more full-body comfort than a stuffed animal can for your little one.)

Can you make do by tucking regular pillows around you? Maybe. Experiment and see what you think. But if you find yourself unable to get comfortable, a maternity body pillow might be just what you need for a restful night's sleep, and I personally think that's well worth the money if you can swing it.

There are lots of different kinds of body pillows available, and which is best for you will depend on whether you want support for your back, hips and even neck, or just a lift for your belly. The best way to find one you like is to try them out at a local store. if that's not possible, read the reviews before you buy to see what other moms liked and didn't like about the various pillows.

I'm recommending the Leachco Back N Belly because it provides support for the back and belly at the same time. There are two contoured "legs" so you can sleep on your back or either side, tuck the end of the pillow between your knees, and elevate your head to ease heartburn. This pillow also aligns the hips to help ensure a natural position and relieve stress on joints.