Sleep Comfortably During Pregnancy

The further along you get in your pregnancy, it seems the harder it is for you to sleep. Your usual positions, on your back or your stomach, are not recommended or even comfortable. It's almost impossible to sleep on your stretched stomach and if you try to sleep on your back, you wind up compressing your vena cava, the vein that circulates blood in your lower body, decreasing blood flow to your baby, according to obstetrician Dr. Vera Stucky, in an article for Parenting.com. Lying on your side is the recommended position. Sleeping aids and following a few simple tips can maximize your sleep comfort.

Things You'll Need

  • Body or pregnancy pillow
  • Egg crate mattress pad

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a body or long pregnancy pillow. Most body and pregnancy pillows are longer than the average person and help to realign your neck, hips and back. They support your knees, belly and head at the same time, making side sleeping much more comfortable. Choose a goody quality body pillow that is firm enough to support your growing stomach.

    • 2

      Use an egg crate mattress pad for your bed. Lying on your side can hurt your shoulders and your hips on a firm bed. A foam, egg crate-style mattress pad adds the right amount of cushion in those areas. Place it on top of your mattress, but under the sheets.

    • 3

      Avoid drinking large amounts of water or other drinks a few hours before bed. This will cut down on the amount of times you have to wake from your sleep to get up, use the bathroom and try to get comfortable again.

    • 4

      Stretch and flex your legs and feet before bed. Some woman suffer from serious leg cramps at night. Right before bed, straighten your legs and flex your feet upwards a few times to help keep leg cramps at bay. If your legs have a strange crawling or otherwise uncomfortable feeling that won't go away, you should consult with your physicians, as you might have restless leg syndrome, which can develop in pregnant women during the third trimester.

    • 5

      Lie on your left side. Most doctors recommend pregnant women sleep on their left side, keeping the uterus off the liver. It also improves blood flow to the placenta and the rest of your body, according to pediatrician and author Dr. Bill Sears. It's okay if you find yourself on your back in the middle of the night, however. Just reposition yourself back onto your left side.

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