Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Image from babyzone.com

Getting a good night’s sleep, in almost any position, is easy until around the seven month mark approaches in your pregnancy. Finding a comfortable position can be difficult because of the size of your belly. And even if you do find one, your baby doesn’t rest when you try to get some sleep; you might wake up occasionally to find your baby kicking your abdomen.

Why is a good night’s sleep so difficult in the later stages?

A few reasons as to why your sleep becomes so elusive are:

• Queasiness: having an empty stomach can be a very bad idea since it causes nausea.
• Constant need to empty your bladder: it has shrunk significantly because of your growing uterus.
• Leg cramps
• Worry and excitement about your pregnancy
• Insomnia

In all such cases, you need to relax and try to remember the stress-relieving steps you learned in your childbirth classes.

The best sleeping position

The best sleeping position, if comfort is put aside, is sleeping on your left side. All the major blood vessels of the body – the aorta (the one that supplies blood to the body) and the vena cava (the one that brings impure blood back to the heart), are located somewhat nearer to the left side portion of your body. Sleeping on your left side ensures unobstructed blood flow throughout the body.

What should I do?

You can try some of the following options to get a good night’s sleep:

Maternity pillows: These are two pillows attached to each other using a fabric and have adjustable Velcro tabs. They support you both in the front and back.

Pregnancy wedge: This is a wedge-shaped pillow that supports your belly when you are lying on your side. It can also function as a recliner if you are lying on your back.

Full-length body pillow: They are long pillows that cradle the belly and support the back simultaneously.

Sleeping bean: A column shaped pillow supporting your back and belly. It is useful after the delivery as well.

The best option: Use normal pillows in the desired position to get relief (usually under you leg and nearer to the knee).

Try getting some sleep in an armchair or a lounger.

Getting a good night’s sleep is very important and keeps you and your baby very healthy. So get as much of it as you can!

Related posts:

1. Depression during Pregnancy
2. Pregnancy Complications
3. Exercises to Ease Aches during Labor
4. Solutions to most common Pregnancy Problems
5. When Should You Really Call a Doctor during Pregnancy?
6. Pregnancy and Weight Gain
7. Part 1: How can you soothe some of your most common pregnancy symptoms?
8. Healing Body after Vaginal Delivery
9. Why should you have an Ultrasound?
10. Morning Sickness