How to finally get good sleep during pregnancy
Have you been struggling to get good sleep during pregnancy, especially at night?
If you have been, these are the tips for you!
There’s many mothers who say, “I miss being pregnant” and then there’s mothers like me who don’t miss it at all. Having a big, hard and round stomach was the most uncomfortable feeling in the world, especially at night when I was trying to sleep.
Towards the end of my pregnancy I couldn’t lay on my stomach, and that’s actually the most comfortable sleeping position for me.
Lying on back during pregnancy is not recommended by experts, so I couldn’t lay in that position either. The safest sleeping position is lying side ways, but even that was uncomfortable for me.
I felt like I was going crazy, I wasn’t getting good sleep and I was always tired and moody. I’d wake up many times at night and I’d be up for hours, it was frustrating.
Until I tried these tips. I actually tried many different things to get better sleep during my pregnancy but these are the only ones that worked.
Let’s take a look at them.
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Related: How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
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Tips For Better Sleep During Pregnancy
Third trimester pregnancy insomnia is no joke. And sleeping a lot during pregnancy especially during the third trimester is very important. If you’re pregnanct and can’t sleep at night, you have to try this.
1) Exercise during the day
Engaging in gentle forms of physical activity such as walking, swimming, and yoga can assist in fatiguing your body, leading to a more peaceful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
2) Ditch the screens
Using smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs before bedtime can also hinder your ability to fall asleep.
3) Maternity pillow
My partner surprised me with this maternity pillow one day, it helps keep your spine aligned and reduces neck and back pain making you feel more comfortable. With this pillow I was finally able to sleep during pregnancy. It is so soft and you can remove the cover to wash it.
4) Eat a little before bed
Consume a light meal rather than a heavy one before bedtime. Additionally, if you consume caffeine, it’s advisable to have it earlier in the day and avoid intake after 3pm.
5) Warm baths with epsom salts
When I was pregnant I’d often get out of bed in the middle of the night to take a bath. When you take a bath with warm water your body temperature rises and when you get out your temperature drops. The temperature drop slows down your heart and breathing rate which makes you feel very relaxed and helps you fall asleep quicker.
I would add lavender Epsom Salts to my bath, the salts are really good at also relaxing your body and muscles. And the lavender creates an even more relaxing effect and it will make the bathroom smell amazing.
Immediately after getting out of the water, I’d feel extremely sleepy and relaxed. I would dry up go to bed and go right to sleep. These salts are completely safe to use during pregnancy.
Make sure that you use warm water because hot baths are not recommended during pregnancy.
6) Heartburn
During pregnancy, it’s important to avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods if you’re experiencing heartburn. Wait for at least an hour after eating before lying down to alleviate discomfort. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate management during pregnancy.
7) Belly Oil
This belly oil really helped me sleep at night too, it is made with argan oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and more! This belly oil is to prevent and fade away stretch marks during pregnancy and even postpartum. I use it all over my body and I sleep good knowing that I’m using a product on my belly that is 100% natural and that is going to help my skin stretch and prevent scarring.
Related: How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
8) Comfortable Pijamas
This was one of my favorite maternity pieces. I tried to always keep it clean because I couldn’t stop wearing it, even in the day time when I didn’t have to leave the house. It’s soft and comfortable, I brought it with me the day I delivered my baby and I was comfortable at the hospital. It’s good quality, 10/10 recommend.
9) Sleep On Your Side
During the midpoint of your pregnancy, establish the routine of sleeping on your side. Not only is it more comfortable but, studies have indicated that mothers who experienced stillbirth were twice as likely to recall falling asleep on their back the previous night. This could be attributed to the circulation of blood and oxygen to the baby.
If you find yourself waking up on your back, there’s no need for concern. The research focused on the position women fell asleep in, as it’s the position typically maintained for the longest duration during sleep. Simply switch to your side again.
10) Magnesium Oil
Incorporating magnesium oil spray into your nighttime routine can be a game-changer for better sleep during pregnancy. This natural remedy promotes relaxation and helps alleviate common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as muscle cramps, insomnia and restless legs. Magnesium plays a crucial role in supporting overall well-being and nervous system function, making it an excellent choice for promoting restful sleep.
By applying magnesium oil topically, you can effectively absorb this essential mineral through the skin, allowing it to relax muscles, calm the mind, and improve sleep quality. I recommend using this magnesium oil spray to unwind before bedtime and experience the soothing benefits it offers for a more restorative and rejuvenating sleep experience throughout your pregnancy journey.
It only has 2 ingredients magnesium and water, and its completely safe to use during and after pregnancy too. If you want to learn more about magnesium and it’s benefits, click here.
The only way I got decent sleep in my third trimester was by sleeping on the couch. I put my back up against the back of the couch, and it kept me from rolling over
That sounds awful! I’m sorry you had to sleep in the couch, I’m so thankful for warm baths and the knee pillows because without them I would have probably been sleeping in the couch too.