How to Sleep Comfortably During Pregnancy

Should you lie on your left side or your right side? On your back? Follow these pregnancy sleep tips and you may be able to get a good night's sleep in spite of all that kicking going on inside.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Maternity Belts
• Pregnancy Pillows
• Bedsheets
• Comforter
• Down Comforter
• Down Pillow
• Neck Pillows
• Pillowcases
• Heating Pads

1. Wear comfortable clothing when going to sleep, whether it be for a nap or for the night.
2. After you lie down, concentrate on sleep and listen to the signals your body gives. Does your back hurt? Does your abdomen feel pressure? Are any limbs falling asleep?
3. Find a positon other than lying on your abdomen if your stomach feels too much pressure against it. Trying to sleep on your stomach will become increasingly impossible as the baby grows.
4. Roll to one side or the other if your arms or legs are falling asleep. Chances are you have blocked blood flow somewhere and just need to change positions. Sleep on your left side to provide you and the baby with optimal blood flow.
5. Use pillows for props if you are experiecing back pain or extreme discomfort. Put pillows between your legs while lying on your side to help alleviate lower back pain. A heating pad placed on your back may provide extra relief.
6. Place a pillow directly under your growing abdomen if the weight of the baby begins pulling your middle spine.
7. Use a full, firm pillow under your head or a neck pillow under your neck to keep your neck alligned with your spine and provide support for your shoulders.
8. Wear a maternity belt or girdle - as well as using pillows - for added back support. A maternity belt or other abdominal support will help keep your back strong during the day too.

Tips & Warnings

• Lying in a semi-reclined postion with plenty of pillows for support is helpful when any lying-down position causes discomfort.
• Choose an airy, lightweight bedspread to keep your body temperature comfortable.
• Adjust your position frequently to avoid pain or soreness in any one area.
• Invest in new full pillows. You deserve it.
• Consult your doctor if you experience any severe light-headedness, dizzyness, or if you have very noticeable heart palpitations or trouble breathing. Lying directly on your back in the last months of pregnancy can, in some cases, cause a decreased blood flow in the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in your body, resulting in the symptoms listed above.