The best pregnancy pillows for support and comfort, tested
It's a cruel twist that, just when you're trying to bank some rest before the arrival of a baby, your body and brain conspire to make falling – and staying – asleep more difficult. Hormonal changes, pelvic or back pain, stress and extra bathroom trips are among the delights that can make sleep elusive for pregnant women. As your baby bump grows, general discomfort is a given.
The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
Pregnancy pillows aim to help relieve some of this discomfort by supporting key parts of the body, such as your growing baby bump, back and hips. Many are designed to encourage an optimal pregnancy sleeping position: the NHS recommends sleeping on your side after 28 weeks. That's due to research suggesting a link between falling asleep on your back and an increased risk of stillbirth – although note that the overall risk is still very low, and there's no need to worry if you wake up on your back. Just roll over and go back to sleep.
Best pregnancy pillow overall:Bbhugme pregnancy pillow£159 at Bbhugme
Best budget pregnancy pillow:Dreamgenii pregnancy, support and feeding pillow£48.99 at Ebebek
Best pregnancy pillow for leg support:Snüz SnuzCurve pregnancy support pillow£84.95 at Snüz
Best for temperature control:Simba extra support body pillow£109 at Simba Sleep
My usual expertise is in technology, and I've tested all kinds of tech gadgets and AI tools in my decade or so as a tech journalist. But what really made me the perfect tester for prenatal pillows is that I was entering the third trimester of my own pregnancy as testing began – a stage I would describe as 'how is everything suddenly so uncomfortable?' Throw in a dash of persistent pregnancy insomnia, and I developed a deep personal interest in unearthing the best maternity pillows for a decent night's sleep.
There are many pregnancy pillows on the market, most of which fall into a few main categories: C-shaped, U-shaped, wedge or I-shaped (which I more often found myself calling 'sausage'). I selected pillows that were popular with buyers, sparked discussion on pregnancy forums, offered unique features or simply dominated internet ads. I tested 11 in total.
To test, I shamelessly cheated on my existing pillows by sleeping with each contender for at least two nights. I kept notes on firmness, support, comfort and how much bed space each pillow took up. I also noted their aesthetics, ranging from chic to orthopaedic, and their versatility. Some convert into nursing pillows after birth, which extends their usefulness and adds value.
The best judge of a pregnancy pillow, of course, is a good night's sleep. I tracked mine using a smartwatch, focusing on total sleep time and time spent in deep sleep (though I took other factors into account too).
£159 at Bbhugme£159 at John Lewis
The Bbhugme is a flexible, microbead-filled cylinder that can be moved into an I or J shape the full length of the body, or a smaller C (useful for sitting) or U (for between the legs). It comes with a cotton jersey cover, secured at the end with plastic 'pebbles,' giving the overall impression of an oversized sausage – emphasised by the dusty pink colour of my test pillow. 'You look like you're riding a hotdog,' my husband said as I straddled it sloth-on-a-branch style.
Why we love itThe revelation of the Bbhugme is the microbead filling, which gives flexibility in both its shape and firmness. It was easy to mould the pillow around me so that it supported my bump, went between my legs and kept me nestled in a comfortable side sleeping position.
Despite its size, it's lightweight and pliable, making it easy to move when I shifted sides in the night. It even offered some comfort during a 1am bout of Braxton Hicks ('false labour') contractions.
Its adjustability makes it a great all-rounder. I can see it being useful at all stages of pregnancy, as support needs shift, and after birth as a nursing bolster. The covers come in a range of muted tones, so the pillow can blend in with most bedroom decor.
It's a shame that … at £159, the Bbhugme's comfort also comes at a hefty price – this is not a budget option.
Suitable for: pregnancy and nursingShape: I-shapedSize: 140-145 x 20cmFilling material: microbeadsCover material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex jersey
£48.99 at Ebebek£57.99 at Mamas & Papas
The Dreamgenii pillow is a sort-of C-shape (G-shape, perhaps?) that curves under your bump and through your legs, as with most pillows, but also provides an attached back support, similar to a wedge. This means it offers support on both sides of your body without taking up the space of a full U-shaped pillow.
Why we love itThe Dreamgenii's cotton jersey cover felt particularly soft against the skin and, although large, the pillow didn't feel too unwieldy in the bed. Its very particular shape is specifically designed for side sleeping, and it offered ample support for this, with the back wedge helping to prevent unintended rolling and keeping me in position.
Despite its odd shape, the pillow does promise some versatility: after birth, Dreamgenii suggests using it for nursing too, by wrapping the leg support behind your back and using the back support to help cradle your baby. It's also reasonably priced.
It's a shame that … you can't adjust the gap between the front and back pillows, which would be a nice way to support changing bump size. Because the pillow is specifically shaped for sleeping on one side, it's also cumbersome to shift position in the night.
Suitable for: pregnancy
Shape: C-shaped (ish)Size: 102 x 77cmFilling material: polyester hollow fibreCover material: 100% jersey cotton
£84.95 at Snüz£84.95 at Amazon
The innovation of this maternity pillow is its dual fillings: the upper part is a sausage-style pillow filled with polystyrene beads (à la the Bbhugme), while the lower section has a firmer foam filling. For what Snüz claims is the perfect pregnancy sleeping position, snuggle the upper part in your arms and under your bump, then place the foam part between your legs.
Why we love itThe pillow's shape felt very supportive, and the mix of bead and foam fillings provided the best of both worlds. The beaded portion was comfy to cuddle and moulded nicely around my bump.
Meanwhile, the lower portion did a particularly good job of keeping my legs separated and supporting me in a side-sleeping position. A bumper for the knees (Snüz calls a 'KneeBlade') helped hold it in place through the night. Keeping your legs separated can help relieve pressure from the pelvis, hips and back – so if you're experiencing pelvic girdle pain or similar discomfort, this could be a strong choice.
It's a shame that … the SnuzCurve is designed to keep you in one position, so it may not be the best if you're a wriggler. It's only available with either a grey or white cover – the latter seems destined to show every mark.
Suitable for: pregnancyShape: C-shaped
Size: 135 x 30 x 25cmFilling material: polystyrene beads; polyurethane foamCover material: 92% cotton, 8% elastane
£109 at Simba Sleep
The unique selling point of this C-shaped pillow from mattress brand Simba is its cooling effect. The cotton cover contains the brand's Stratos 'cool-touch' technology, which aims to draw heat away from the body. The shape is a gentle curve designed to support bump, hips and knees when sleeping on your side.
Why we love itThe Simba pillow absolutely delivered on its temperature-regulating promise – it stayed cool to the touch, even after a full night's sleep during a surprise spring heatwave. Given that pregnant women can be prone to hot flushes, night sweats and overall higher body temperatures, anything that can help combat overheating is a boon for night-time comfort.
While fairly bulky and lacking any adjustable features, the pillow was comfortable, and the fairly firm, down-like filling offered good support, especially for the hips.
It's a shame that … the cover fabric, while cooling, isn't the softest to snuggle up against, and the pillow lacks flexibility in shape and firmness.
Suitable for: pregnancy and nursingShape: C-shaped
Size: 120 x 35cmFilling material: combed recycled PET bottle fibresCover material: cotton with Stratos
Sign up to The Filter
Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.
after newsletter promotion
£99 at John Lewis
Best for: nursing
Possibly the most stylish pillow in our test, the BellaMoon comes in various organic cotton cover designs featuring trendy muted prints. It's a C-shaped pillow: you position the long section along either your front or back, then place one curved end under your head and the other between your legs. Its secret power is two hidden zips that allow the curved ends to detach and then zip together, forming a smaller, half-doughnut shape to support breastfeeding or use as support for your baby.
It didn't make the final cut because … while the BellaMoon pillow is described as medium firmness, I found it too firm, particularly under my head. This also made it unwieldy to reposition during the night and created a bulky barrier in the bed.
Suitable for: pregnancy and nursing; shape: C-shaped; size: 140 x 50 x 20cm; filling material: 100% polyester; cover material: 100% organic cotton
£39.99 at Babybub
Best for: small spaces
The Babybub is a wedge-shaped pillow that's really more like two wedges: one to support your back and one to support your bump. It also comes with a small cylindrical pillow that can be added to the front or back as needed.
Its winged design makes the Babybub much smaller than a traditional pregnancy pillow – you might even call it compact. It took a bit of fiddling with the adjustable Velcro strap to get the wedges the perfect distance apart, but this means you can reposition them as your bump grows.
It didn't make the final cut because … the bamboo and polyester blend cover is slightly scratchy to the touch, and the off-white colour gets grubby easily and looks a little 'orthopaedic aid'. I was also quite nonplussed by the additional mini-pillow, which I found inevitably ended up somewhere tangled in the duvet.
Suitable for: pregnancy; shape: wedge; size: 36 x 46 x 10cm; filling material: polyester and microfibre balls; cover material: bamboo and polyester blend
£135 at Scandiborn
Best for: colour options
Currently dominating my Instagram feed, the Cushy Puff is another microbead-filled sausage in the style of the Bbhugme. As such, it effectively adapts to support your body where you need it. The cotton-jersey pillowcase comes in bold colours and statement stripes and simply ties off at either end – letting you adjust it for firmness by tightening or loosening the knots.
It didn't make the final cut because … the tying mechanism was a bit of a faff. My pillow also gave off a slight chemical odour when first unboxed – off-putting to someone with a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy.
Suitable for: pregnancy and nursing; shape: I-shaped; size: 120-150 x 25cm; filling material: EPS (expanded polystyrene) microbeads; cover material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex jersey
£33.40 at Amazon
Best for: travel
A novel wearable concept, the Babymoov Dream Belt fastens around your waist with an adjustable Velcro strap so it moves with you. The stretchy jersey front panel goes over your bump, while memory foam pads sit on the hips to provide bump support when sleeping on your side. I found the belt comfortable to wear, and it stayed in place well, offering support through plenty of tossing and turning.
The most compact pillow tested, this would be a good option for travel – and it comes at a reasonable price.
It didn't make the final cut because … the Dream Belt offers support only around your bump, so its usefulness is limited. You could pair with another pillow (or regular cushions) to add leg and back supports.
Suitable for: pregnancy; shape: belt;size: available in two body sizes, XS/S and M/XL; filling material: polyurethane memory foam; cover material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
As you can tell from the variety above, pregnancy pillows come in different shapes. Which you choose is down to personal preference and the kind of support you're looking for. Common shapes include C, U, V and wedge pillows. C-shaped pillows support your front (or back), head and legs; U-shaped pillows envelop the body and so offer support on all sides; V-shaped pillows can be used in various ways, including one leg of the V supporting your bump and the other going through your legs (like a C-shaped pillow without the head support).
When choosing a shape, also consider how much bed space it requires: U-shaped pillows are typically the largest. Wedge-shaped pillows are usually smaller, wedging under bump or back, but this also limits how much of your body they support. Some pillows, such as the I-shaped pillows with microbead fillings, offer much more flexibility for you to bend them into different shapes.
This will depend on the shape of the pillow you choose, your support needs and your sleeping position. The NHS recommends sleeping on your side after 28 weeks of pregnancy, and many pillows are designed with this in mind.
Longer pillows that go along the front of your body (I, C or U shapes) are usually intended to be cuddled: place one arm and one leg under the pillow, and one on top. At the end of the day, the point of the pillow is comfort, so anything that brings relief and helps you sleep is a plus. Of course, if you're having any issues with pain or pregnancy symptoms, or are unsure if a pillow is a good idea for you, you should seek medical advice.
When choosing a pregnancy pillow, you'll want to consider the type of filling (eg microbeads, hollow fibre, memory foam) and the fabric of the cover. Most pillows have removable, washable covers. You may want to choose a pillow that can double as a nursing aid to get extra value out of the product after your baby arrives; some pillows offer specific mechanisms to reshape them for this purpose.
Victoria Turk is a technology journalist whose work has brought her into contact with the latest gadgets and gizmos for the past decade. She is expecting her first baby this summer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
19 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
Read on for tips for navigating a defensive partner MAN ALIVE The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER'S Day is all about appreciating the men in our lives, whether they're husbands, dads or grandads. And the best present you can give them? 4 We have nine life-saving questions to ask the man in your life To talk about their health. Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men. But women can help nudge them. 'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot. So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around. 1. Are you exercising? Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally. 'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward. It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life. WHAT NEXT? The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week. How women can give their man a health MOT Don't know where to start? 'A half-hour afternoon walk will transform your day,' says Dr Ward, who recommends doing this five times a week. 2. Have you checked your vitals? 'High blood pressure or cholesterol predisposes you to heart attack and stroke, but it is a silent disease – frequently, you won't have symptoms,' says Dr Ward. 'It's important to get blood pressure and cholesterol checked, because they can be doing damage, even though you're oblivious.' 4 It's important to keep your blood pressure in check WHAT NEXT? 'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward 3. Have you had any ongoing pain? We all have a little pain here and there. 'If you had knee pain and you were older with some arthritis, it's less concerning,' says Dr Ward. 'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood. "You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.' For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer. WHAT NEXT? If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP. 4. Have you thought about stopping smoking? Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward. It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.' 4 Smoking is a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke WHAT NEXT? 'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says. 'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.' Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point. 5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed? 'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward. 'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.' But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.* WHAT NEXT? 'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward. Visit which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. 6. Have you weighed yourself recently? Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation. 'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward. 'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.' WHAT NEXT? Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch. GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services. 7. Do you pee easily? While getting up in the night to wee, hesitancy, reduced flow and dribbling are associated with ageing, Dr Ward warns: 'They can also be symptoms of prostate cancer,' which is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen. However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age. 'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward. Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable. WHAT NEXT? 'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed. 'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.' Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer or talk to your GP. 8. How are things in the bedroom? Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad! But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off. 4 Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, or mental health problems 'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward. It can also warn of heart health issues. WHAT NEXT? Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while Viagra is available over the counter in pharmacies. 9. How much are you drinking? There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward. 'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.' The NHS-recommended limit is up to 14 units spread over one week, the equivalent of around six pints of average-strength beer. WHAT NEXT? If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it. Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support. Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP. Don't be a nag (but do get results) Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner. Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda. 'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language. 'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned. "I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?' "Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.' Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
FATHER'S Day is all about appreciating the men in our lives, whether they're husbands, dads or grandads. And the best present you can give them? To talk about their health. Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men. But women can help nudge them. 'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot. So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around. 1. Are you exercising? Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally. 'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward. It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life. WHAT NEXT? The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week. Don't know where to start? 'A half-hour afternoon walk will transform your day,' says Dr Ward, who recommends doing this five times a week. 2. Have you checked your vitals? ' High blood pressure or cholesterol predisposes you to heart attack and stroke, but it is a silent disease – frequently, you won't have symptoms,' says Dr Ward. 'It's important to get blood pressure and cholesterol checked, because they can be doing damage, even though you're oblivious.' WHAT NEXT? 'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward 3. Have you had any ongoing pain? We all have a little pain here and there. 'If you had knee pain and you were older with some arthritis, it's less concerning,' says Dr Ward. 'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood. "You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.' For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer. WHAT NEXT? If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP. 4. Have you thought about stopping smoking? Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward. It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.' WHAT NEXT? 'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says. 'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.' Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point. 5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed? 'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward. 'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.' But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.* WHAT NEXT? 'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward. Visit which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. 6. Have you weighed yourself recently? Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation. 'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward. 'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.' WHAT NEXT? Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch. GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services. 7. Do you pee easily? While getting up in the night to wee, hesitancy, reduced flow and dribbling are associated with ageing, Dr Ward warns: 'They can also be symptoms of prostate cancer,' which is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen. However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age. 'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward. Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable. WHAT NEXT? 'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed. 'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.' Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer or talk to your GP. 8. How are things in the bedroom? Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad! But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off. 'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward. It can also warn of heart health issues. WHAT NEXT? Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while Viagra is available over the counter in pharmacies. 9. How much are you drinking? There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward. 'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.' The NHS-recommended limit is up to 14 units spread over one week, the equivalent of around six pints of average-strength beer. WHAT NEXT? If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it. Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support. Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP. Don't be a nag (but do get results) Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner. Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda. 'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language. 'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned. "I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?' "Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.' Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda.
Daily Mail
35 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
How Animals Heal Us by Jay Griffiths: Forget dogs, get a THERAPY SKUNK
How Animals Heal Us by Jay Griffiths (Hamish Hamilton £20, 384pp) During the pandemic, writer Jay Griffiths went to visit the charity Medical Detection Dogs. No need to take a Covid test, she was told, because 'the dogs will check you out'. On arrival, a labrador/golden retriever cross trotted round her, had a good sniff and then tossed his head approvingly; she was in the clear. Trained dogs such as these can detect Covid more than 90 per cent of the time. In this book, Griffiths looks at the many ways that animals make our lives better. If you own a pet, you're half as likely to feel lonely as someone without one, and studies show that families who get a pet argue less and play more. Animal therapy is being used to address all sorts of problems, from depression and anxiety to anger, social withdrawal and feelings of helplessness. Cats, dogs and horses are popular therapy animals, but Griffiths has tales of therapy owls, parakeets and even a therapy skunk. 'Despite their bad reputation, skunks are sweet and affectionate,' she writes, though there's no mention of what the skunk smelled like. How much could animals tell us if we could only talk to them? Before the terrible Boxing Day Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, both wild and domestic animals acted strangely. Elephants screamed and ran for higher ground, flamingos abandoned low-lying areas and dogs refused to go outdoors. More than 225,000 people died in the tsunami, but relatively few animals. Dogs, which have a sense of smell that is thought to be 10,000 times more acute than a human's, can be trained to give warnings of an impending medical crisis, like an epileptic fit or a diabetic event. And they seem to have great potential to sniff out undetected diseases. In Italy, German shepherd dogs have been trained to recognise the chemicals linked to prostate cancer in a urine sample. In Florida, a company is using dogs to detect breast cancer, simply by smelling a woman's breath. A British study of whether dogs can spot Parkinson's disease has shown very promising results. Griffiths races from Lucy the chimpanzee, who was successfully taught sign language, to the Polynesian sailors who would set sail with a pig because they were so good at smelling land even before it was visible, and would helpfully point their snout towards terra firma. In Slovenia, there's a school where difficult conversations are held next to the school's beehives, because the bees make everyone calmer. Animals, writes Griffiths, are capable of so much more than we realise, and for many of us their uncomplicated love provides a still point in a spinning world, transforming our lives 'into something larger and fuller than our senses alone may detect'.
