🤰 Bed Size During Pregnancy (And After): How to Sleep Better With a Bump—and Beyond
Bed Size for pregnant: Pregnancy transforms everything—including how you sleep. From tossing, turning, overheating, and pillow wrestling to co-sleeping with your newborn… your bed setup matters more than ever.
This guide helps you pick the right bed size, setup, and sleep gear for every trimester (and beyond). Because growing a human should come with more legroom.
🛏️ Recommended Bed Sizes for Pregnancy & Postpartum
| Stage | Recommended Bed Size | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| First Trimester | Queen (60×80 in / 152×203 cm) or Full | Still compact enough, but roomy for early changes |
| Second Trimester | Queen or King (76×80 in / 193×203 cm) | More stretch space, body pillows start crowding the bed |
| Third Trimester | King or Cal King (72×84 in / 183×213 cm) | Room to toss, roll, and side-sleep with props |
| Postpartum – solo rest | Queen minimum, King ideal | Healing bodies need space and comfort |
| Postpartum – co-sleeping | King or Cal King (or sidecar crib) | Safe spacing and reduced partner disruption |
Pro Tip: If space allows, go King for your peace of mind. You’ll never regret more room—especially at 3am. We call it future-proofing!
Important: Co-sleeping can pose safety risks for infants. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider before choosing any co-sleeping setup.
🧠 Bed Setup Tips for Pregnant & Postpartum Sleepers
1. Mattress Matters
- Choose medium-firm to soft-firm for pelvic and lower back support.
- Memory foam helps relieve pressure from hips and shoulders.
- Consider a hybrid mattress for edge support + comfort.
Fun Fact: During pregnancy, your ligaments loosen—making good mattress support even more important to avoid back pain.
2. Height = Everything
- Ideal bed height: 24–25 inches (60–63 cm) from floor to mattress top.
- Too low = hard to get up with a bump or C-section scar.
- Too high = risky post-birth if you’re holding a baby.
3. Supportive Pillows for the Win
| Pillow Type | When to Use | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Full body pillow | 2nd & 3rd trimesters | Side-sleeping support, belly + knees |
| Wedge pillow | All stages | Under belly or behind back while sleeping |
| Postpartum nursing pillow | After birth | Useful for sleep and feeding support |
| Adjustable bed wedge | Postpartum & C-section | Helps raise upper body for recovery, reflux, or nursing |
Pro Tip: Keep pillows breathable—pregnancy increases body temperature and sweat.
4. The Duvet Question
- Go one duvet per person during pregnancy: avoids overheating and tug-of-war.
- Use lightweight, breathable materials (cotton, bamboo, eucalyptus).
- Consider cooling duvet inserts with moisture-wicking features.
Fun Quirk: Many moms-to-be ditch their partner’s duvet altogether—claiming the “bump burrito” position is non-negotiable.
🍼 What About After Baby Arrives?
🤰🏼 For Mom
- Go for a setup that minimizes strain: raised head position, soft support under knees, easy-access nightstands.
- Split King or adjustable base? Total luxury—and totally worth it for recovery.
👶🏻 For Baby
- Never let baby sleep in bed unsupervised.
- Sidecar bassinets (flush with your bed) are ideal for safe, easy nighttime nursing.
- Firm mattress and flat sheets only for newborns.
- Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider before choosing any co-sleeping setup.
Pro Tip: Cal King + sidecar crib = elite co-sleeping zone.
🛠️ Quick Checklist: Sleep Gear to Upgrade During Pregnancy
✅ King-size bed if space allows
✅ Medium-firm mattress with pressure relief
✅ Body pillow (U-shaped or long)
✅ Wedge pillow or adjustable wedge
✅ Lightweight cooling duvet
✅ Flat, supportive pillow for head
✅ Bed with soft edges or padded frame
✅ Low-noise adjustable base (optional luxury)
🤹 Fun Facts & Sleep Quirks
💤 Up to 80% of pregnant people report worse sleep in the 3rd trimester.
🛏️ Body pillows are often voted more useful than maternity jeans.
💨 Breathable bedding can cut nighttime sweating by over 30%.
🐘 Some couples switch to separate beds late in pregnancy to reduce motion transfer, snoring, and body heat overload. (“Sleep Divorce” is no shame – it can actually be a really smart move for your sleep!)
💤 Final Word from BedSize.com
Pregnancy changes everything—but it shouldn’t ruin your sleep. The right bed size, the right pillows, and a few small adjustments can make a huge difference in how rested (and ready) you feel—before and after baby arrives.
Don’t just sleep for two. Sleep smart for two. 💙