Quick Answer: A medium to medium-soft mattress that cushions the hip and shoulder while keeping the spine neutral is often helpful in pregnancy. The SOGC and a 2019 eClinicalMedicine meta-analysis (Cronin et al.) support side-sleeping in later pregnancy. Always follow your midwife or obstetrician's guidance.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider. If you have specific pregnancy-related health concerns, please speak with your obstetrician or midwife.
Why Your Mattress Matters During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes how your body distributes weight and where pressure accumulates during sleep. In the first trimester, most people can sleep in their usual position without issues. From the second trimester onward, the growing belly, shifting centre of gravity, and the medical recommendation to sleep on the side create new demands on the sleep surface.
The most common sleep complaints during pregnancy are hip pain, lower back pain, and shoulder discomfort. All three are related to how the mattress distributes pressure at the body's contact points during side sleeping.
Medical Guidance on Sleep Position During Pregnancy
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and international guidelines recommend side sleeping, particularly left-side sleeping, from the second trimester. Left-side sleeping is preferred because it avoids compression of the inferior vena cava (the large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart) and improves blood flow to the uterus and placenta. An NIH-funded study (NICHD, 2019) found that sleep position in early and mid-pregnancy does not significantly affect complication risk, but third-trimester sleep position remains an area of active research. The consensus guidance is to sleep on your side, with the left side preferred, supported by pillows between and under the knees to maintain pelvic alignment.
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What to Look for in a Pregnancy Mattress
Key Features for a Pregnancy-Friendly Mattress
- Pressure relief at hips and shoulders: A side sleeper's hip and shoulder bear the most weight. A mattress that creates a pressure point at either location will cause pain over time. Look for a comfort layer that allows some sinkage at these contact points while keeping the spine level.
- Spinal alignment support: The mattress must not sag under the heavier midsection. Good support cores (pocketed coils, high-density foam) prevent the hip from dropping lower than the shoulder, which would bend the spine laterally.
- Motion isolation: With increased night waking during pregnancy, a mattress that reduces partner motion transfer helps maintain uninterrupted sleep for as long as possible.
- Edge support: Getting in and out of bed becomes harder as pregnancy progresses. A mattress with strong edge support makes this easier and is safer in the third trimester.
- Breathability: Pregnancy increases basal body temperature. A mattress that sleeps cool (hybrid with coils, or latex) helps manage night sweats and overheating.
Firmness Guide by Trimester
| Trimester | Firmness Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First (weeks 1-12) | Your usual preference. No specific change required. | Belly growth is minimal. Sleep position is not yet restricted. |
| Second (weeks 13-26) | Medium (5-6 out of 10). Shift to consistent side sleeping. | Hip and shoulder pressure becomes more significant. Belly growth begins. |
| Third (weeks 27-40) | Medium to medium-soft (4-6 out of 10). More cushioning at hips. | Maximum weight on hip and shoulder. Side sleeping is strongly recommended. Firmer mattresses increase pressure pain. |
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "We see a number of expectant mothers come in who have a mattress that was fine before pregnancy but has become uncomfortable by the second trimester. Sometimes the fix is simply a 2-inch soft topper added to a firm mattress, which changes the feel at the hip and shoulder without replacing the whole mattress. It is worth trying before buying new."
Best Mattress Materials for Pregnancy
Hybrid Mattresses (Pocketed Coils + Foam or Latex Comfort Layer)
Hybrid mattresses are generally the best all-around choice for pregnancy. The pocketed coil support system provides zoned support (firmer under the heavier midsection, softer at the shoulder), and the coil channels allow better airflow than all-foam mattresses. A medium-soft hybrid is particularly well-suited for third-trimester side sleeping. Our Restonic hybrid models at Mattress Miracle start from around $1,125 for a queen and go up to $4,150 for flagship models.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam provides excellent pressure relief and contouring, which suits the hip and shoulder needs of side-sleeping pregnant people. The main concern is heat retention. Memory foam can sleep warm, which is a problem when body temperature is already elevated during pregnancy. A memory foam mattress with a breathable cover (Tencel or bamboo) or a cooling gel layer reduces this concern.
Latex Mattresses
Natural latex is responsive, breathable, and provides good pressure relief without the heat retention of memory foam. It is also free of the off-gassing associated with some polyurethane foam products, which may matter to those concerned about indoor air quality during pregnancy. The main limitation is cost: quality latex mattresses are among the more expensive options.
Pregnancy Pillows and Mattress Pairs
Even with the right mattress, most pregnant side sleepers benefit significantly from a well-chosen pregnancy pillow. A pillow between the knees keeps the hips in alignment, reducing lateral torque on the spine. A pillow supporting the belly prevents it from pulling the lower spine forward. Many people find that the right pillow makes more difference than the mattress itself.
Pregnancy Pillow Options
- U-shaped pillow: Wraps around the full body, supporting back and belly simultaneously. Best for those who move during the night. ($50-$150 CAD)
- C-shaped pillow: Supports back, belly, and knees from one side. Takes up less bed space. ($40-$120 CAD)
- Wedge pillow: Simple foam wedge placed under the belly. Compact and easy to position. ($20-$50 CAD)
For more detail, see our guide: Best Pregnancy Pillows in Canada 2026.
Finding the Right Mattress in Brantford
At Mattress Miracle on West Street, we can walk you through firmness options and let you test mattresses in the position you will actually sleep in. Many customers find it useful to try lying on their side during the test, rather than just pressing down with their hand.
If you are expecting and your current mattress is too firm, a temporary fix worth trying is a 2-inch medium-density memory foam or soft latex topper. This can add pressure relief at the hip and shoulder without the cost of replacing the mattress during pregnancy. Come in or call (519) 770-0001 and we can help you figure out whether a topper or a new mattress is the right approach for your situation.
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Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can a firm mattress cause problems during pregnancy?
An overly firm mattress can increase pressure at the hip and shoulder for side sleepers, which becomes more pronounced as pregnancy progresses and the contact points bear more weight. Firm mattresses can contribute to hip pain and shoulder discomfort that disrupts sleep. A soft topper can address this without replacing the mattress.
Is memory foam safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes. Modern CertiPUR-US certified memory foam is tested for harmful emissions and is considered safe for general use, including during pregnancy. If you are concerned about off-gassing from a new foam mattress, air it out for 24-72 hours before sleeping on it. Natural latex is an alternative with no off-gassing concern if you prefer a fully non-synthetic option.
Should I buy a new mattress for pregnancy?
Not necessarily. If your current mattress provides reasonable support and you are experiencing hip or shoulder pain, try a soft topper first. If the mattress is genuinely worn out or has been causing problems before pregnancy, replacing it makes sense. A new mattress is a longer-term investment worth making if you were planning to replace it anyway.
What mattress firmness is best for pregnancy side sleeping?
Medium (5/10) to medium-soft (4/10) on most firmness scales. You want enough support to keep the spine neutral from hip to shoulder, but enough cushioning that the hip does not create a pressure point after a few hours. A mattress that felt perfectly comfortable before pregnancy may feel too firm by the third trimester as the hip bears more weight.
Is left-side sleeping required during pregnancy?
It is recommended, particularly in the third trimester, because it avoids compressing the inferior vena cava and supports better blood flow to the uterus. However, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada notes that waking on your right side or back briefly during the night is not cause for alarm. The goal is to spend most of the night on the left side. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about sleep position.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.