3 Ways || Have A Better Night's Sleep When Heavily Pregnant

Whether you’re having your first or adding to your brood, having a baby is a magical experience. But a combination of hormones, bathroom trips and the inability to get comfortable can reap havoc with your sleep patterns. While lack of sleep is one of the top things that come with motherhood, it doesn’t mean that you have to put up with it. You need to maintain your strength, especially in the weeks leading up to the birth. So instead of feeling exhausted, use these three-ways to improve your night's sleep which will benefit both you and your baby.

Prop yourself up

Having a large baby bump can make it difficult to get comfortable in bed. Many pregnant women find that a firm pillow can enhance their comfort and offers additional support to their back and neck. It is best to position the pillow under your upper body and head as this will support your bump and ease the pressure on your diaphragm. This will make it easier for you to breathe and to drift off to sleep. There are full body pillows available, or you could try a V-shaped pillow too. These pillows are designed to reinforce the neck, shoulders and back and are ideal for chairs and bed use. You can also find an array of V-shaped pillow cases that will match your current decor, and they are also perfect for maternity use. You may have to experiment with positioning and combining different sized pillows. But you should feel more at ease when in bed than previously.

Don’t snack before bed

Even though you may be experiencing cravings, try to refrain from eating two hours before bedtime. Otherwise, you may find yourself getting up to go to the bathroom multiple times during the night. This can stimulate your brain making it harder to go back to sleep each time. You may also find that you experience acid reflux and heartburn as a result of your late night eating. This can make you feel highly uncomfortable and cause a choking sensation in some cases. So even if your baby is desperate for food late at night, try your best not to consume anything. This should hopefully improve your chances of an uninterrupted night's sleep.

Experiment with temperature

It’s common for expectant mother’s to experience hot flashes and sweats which can make falling asleep difficult. Your body temperature will naturally increase during pregnancy. So you may feel continually warm throughout the night. If you’re too hot in bed, it can make you toss and turn. So experiment with your thermostat to find a temperature that is comfortable for you to sleep in. Or you could invest in an electric fan that will blow cold air around the room or open a window. Consider your partner’s needs when you try out different levels of temperature to avoid them losing sleep too.

With these suggestions to help you, you should find that your nights' sleep is less interrupted and more comfortable all around. So get some rest and conserve your energy, you’re going to need it.