How to Sleep Comfortably During Pregnancy?

Let’s help you understand How to Sleep Comfortably During Pregnancy. A survey from the National Sleep Foundation reveals that 78% of pregnant women face troubles while sleeping.

If you are unable to sleep properly during pregnancy, you can feel tired, fatigue, weak, or restless for the next day.

This can affect your health especially if you are a working woman and you may end up suffering from sleep deprivation.

Before conceiving, you might have enjoyed a good night’s sound sleep. But since you have started carrying a baby inside you, you may be facing many sleepless nights, especially during the last months. It becomes difficult for you to sleep better in a single position.
In addition, some women also fear that certain body positions while sleeping may affect the fetus. The following content explains how to sleep better when pregnant.

What are the Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy?

Sleeping on Your Stomach

Your belly doesn’t show up much until the second trimester. If you are concerned about hurting your fetus because of sleeping on your stomach, you must know that your fetus is safe inside and the pressures it receives are negligible. Hence, you can sleep on your belly as long as you don’t feel uncomfortable.

Sleeping on Your Left Side

As your pregnancy reaches the second and third trimesters, it is recommended for you to sleep on your left side. This position increases the blood flow towards the uterus without creating any pressure on your liver. If you are experiencing hip pain or back pain, you may place a pillow between your knees or bend your knees while sleeping to get some relief. You can also prefer to sleep on your right side.

Following are some of the best positions to sleep when pregnant:

• You can raise your upper body using a few pillows while sleeping. This will reduce heartburn.
• You can elevate your legs with pillows to reduce leg pain or swelling.
• You can make yourself comfortable by using a pregnancy pillow that provides extra back support.

What are Various Sleeping Aids to Sleep Better During Pregnancy?

Despite trying the above methods, if you still find difficult to sleep, you can try the following approaches:

Test for Vitamin Deficiencies

You can ask your health professional to test for any vitamin deficiencies in your body. If you have restless leg syndrome, your doctor can prefer the intake of folic acid or iron to treat it.

Intake of Small Meal Before Going to Sleep

Smaller meals with high protein content can help you get better sleep. Protein-rich foodstuffs like nuts, fish, meat, or peanut butter make you feel less hungry after you wake up the next day. This also helps in reducing heartburn.

Take an Antacid

You can take OTC (over-the-counter) antacids as they are safe during pregnancy. However, you need to consult your doctor before taking any medicines or OTC drugs on your own.

Don’t Ignore Your Sleep Deprivation Disorder

If you don’t have proper sleep during your pregnancy, you may experience tiredness or fatigue. Thus, you will not be able to complete your routine tasks. In addition, lack of sleep can also lead to increased mood swings, restricted growth of the fetus, or depression. Hence, it is advisable to visit your doctor in case of severe sleep deprivation disorders.