You're pregnant, bedtime arrives and you find it impossible to sleep. Why does this happen? Do you have insomnia during pregnancy? What is the best sleeping position when pregnant?
If you're having trouble sleeping, don't worry, it's completely normal! Almost all pregnant women sleep poorly, especially towards the end of pregnancy.
Main causes of insomnia
- Nausea or vomiting: This is usually one of the main causes of insomnia during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. To control nausea, try not to lie down immediately after eating, eat smaller amounts more frequently...
- Reflux: As our baby grows, there is less and less space for the stomach, and you feel it. It's a sensation of heartburn, burning in the chest, poor digestion... Sleeping with several pillows or with your torso slightly elevated will help you rest better. You should also avoid heavy or very greasy dinners.
- Increased urge to urinate: This usually happens almost from the beginning of pregnancy, at least in my case. The volume of the uterus increases and puts pressure on the bladder. I think it's one of the things pregnant women complain about most. Try to drink plenty of water during the day and avoid it before bedtime. Eating soups, purees, or gazpachos for dinner doesn't help either. Stick to more solid foods.
- Back pain: You can't find a comfortable position, you don't know how to place your belly... it's normal, remember that your abdomen volume increases and the curvature of your spine changes.
- Leg cramps: I've heard everything about this, but generally they are due to a lack of potassium. Eat plenty of bananas and you're sure to improve.
- Baby's movements: Many babies are active at night and their movements become increasingly sudden. I remember it used to bother me a lot around my right rib, luckily it's not happening in this pregnancy.
- Stress: A thousand things come to mind, things you need to prepare, perhaps anxiety about childbirth... Try to relax and rest, it's the best thing you can do for your baby.
I believe, as grandmothers say, "the body is wise" and it's preparing you for sleepless nights when the baby arrives.
The most suitable sleeping positions during pregnancy
Well, and regarding positions, what is the best sleeping position when pregnant?
- On your side. Sleeping on your side is the most comfortable position due to your belly. And even more so if you place a pillow or nursing pillow between your legs.
Sleeping on your left side is the best position for the baby. It promotes blood flow to the placenta, as this position keeps the uterus away from the inferior vena cava. This way, more oxygen and nutrients are supplied to the baby. Sleeping on your left side also prevents the weight of the uterus from resting on the liver.
- With your feet elevated. Lying down with a cushion under your calves relieves swelling in your legs and feet. It also prevents the appearance of varicose veins, cramps, and tingling in your legs.
- With your torso elevated. If you have heartburn, nasal congestion, a feeling of shortness of breath, or palpitations, it's advisable to use several cushions to support your back. This position also reduces dizziness that occurs when you stay in an overly horizontal position for too long.
Nursing pillow during pregnancy
What? Why a nursing pillow now? Wouldn't it be better to buy it when the baby arrives? I started using it long before my first child was born and you can't imagine how happy I am with it. I'm still using it now during my third pregnancy for everything: sleeping or resting, watching TV, reading...
- Organic cotton knit fabric with GOTS certificate, ideal for caring for the delicate skin of newborns.
- Hypoallergenic and very breathable filling. Does not lose its shape.
- Fully removable cover.
Once your baby is born, you'll use it just as much or even more for breastfeeding! And when your baby is older, you can use it as a beanbag, very comfortable for them to learn to sit up.
Protective cushion
Another product you can use while pregnant and continue to use for many years is our protective cushion. Being long, you can mold it and place it from your head down to between your legs. It fits perfectly in the gap between your belly and the mattress. :)
- 100% organic cotton and hypoallergenic filling.
- Completely removable cover.
- Soft and plush, providing comfort and security for sleeping.
Now tell me, how did you sleep during your pregnancy? Did you rest well? What methods helped you feel most comfortable?
