Everyone talks about the little amount of sleep new parents will get once the baby is born, but no one is talking about the little sleep mom will get while still pregnant.
“Get your sleep now.”
A common word of advice many moms-to-be will hear. I know I’ve heard it plenty! While that’s nice and all, it is so much easier said than done. Although the first trimester can make you feel especially tired and sleep may not be an issue, the second and third trimesters can be a serious struggle for so many pregnant women to fall asleep and stay asleep.
From anxiety over the new baby, and lack of routine, to feeling downright uncomfortable, sleeping can be a challenge for many. Luckily there are ways to help moms-to-be sleep more soundly during pregnancy.
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Sleep on Your Side
The best sleeping position for pregnancy is on your side. This is especially important if you are suffering from back pain, low blood pressure, or shortness of breath – all of which are increased when sleeping on your back. If you were a back sleeper prior to becoming pregnant, this can pose a challenge. If you find yourself constancy waking up on your back, try investing in a pregnancy pillow which can help keep you in the side position all night.
Stay Active
Staying active when pregnant is great for the health (physical and mental) of both mom and baby. The amount of activity you perform should be based on your prior activity levels before pregnancy, so don’t overdo it if your body is not used to much actively. A brisk 15-minute walk will always suffice.
Skip Late Night Snacks
Eating too close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of heartburn, causing you discomfort late into the night. It can be tempting: you and the baby are hungry. However, the further away from bedtime, you eat, the better. Also, try smaller evening meals to help aid your slower digestive system and reduce the discomfort of heartburn.
Don’t just Lay There
If you are finding yourself tossing and turning for far too long, get out of bed and do something. Try to find something as simple as folding laundry, cleaning dishes, or organizing your outfit for the next day. Whatever small task you choose will help get you out of the frantic state of mind causing you to toss and turn.
Find a Routine
You’ve already been told countless times how beneficial it will be for your baby to have a solid routine to ensure the best sleep. Well, Mom, the same goes for you! Have a routine that works best for you, which could include turning off all electronics, taking a warm shower, reading a book, getting into bed the same time every night, etc. Whatever routine you establish, stick to it!
Insomnia during pregnancy is super common and incredibly frustrating. Believe me, I have been there. I’ve had countless nights in a row where I reached three hours max of sleep — night after night. One of the best ways I battle insomnia is by writing! There are many recent blog posts that were written during sleepless nights. And you know what happened when I got out of bed and wrote for a little while? I became sleepy and managed to get back to sleep.
Finding a solution to your restless nights may take some trial and error to pinpoint what exactly is keeping you from falling and staying asleep. But once you discover what works best for you, stick to it as much as you can. You and your baby will both benefit from a good night’s sleep.
