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Why Does It Become More Difficult to Get Comfortable in Bed as the Pregnancy Advances?
During the third trimester, the uterus presses against other structures. When a pregnant woman sleeps on her back, compression of the nerve drains blood from the lower extremities back to the heart. This results in dizziness, nausea, and less blood reaching the placenta. For this reason, most pregnant women change their sleeping position as pregnancy advances. Additionally, the extra weight of the baby in front makes it hard for most women to sleep on their sides.The Best Sleeping Position With a Pregnant Belly
The best sleeping position recommended once a mother enters the second trimester is lying on her left side. This allows her to keep the pressure off the nerve, maintain optimal blood circulation, and improve her kidney function.How to Use Pillows to Support a Pregnant Belly
Using an appropriate pillow is where the majority of the practical difference is made. Below are a couple of pillow positions that help alleviate certain problems during pregnancy.- Position a pillow between the legs to keep the hips aligned and relieve the pressure on the back and pelvis.
- Add a pillow under the belly for support; this helps transfer the weight of the pregnant belly away from the hip on which you lie and thus relieves the round ligaments' strain.
- Add a pillow behind the back to avoid rolling onto it during sleep without immobilising yourself.
- A full body pillow or a U-shaped pregnancy pillow will help to support the belly, knees, and back all at once.
Sleeping Routines that Help
Some of the sleeping routines that help include:- Having dinner two to three hours before going to bed helps avoid getting heartburn when lying down.
- Cutting back on fluid intake two hours before sleep to minimise the urge to use the bathroom at night without affecting hydration levels.
- Keeping the sleeping room cool since pregnant women have elevated temperatures, making it even harder to fall asleep.
- Switch off all electronic gadgets at least thirty minutes before bedtime, since the blue light hinders melatonin secretion.
- A good sleep routine, such as taking a warm bath, reading, and deep breathing, signals to the body that one is about to sleep.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Most nighttime discomfort is an expected aspect of pregnancy in the latter stages. A mother should contact her doctor in case any of the following situations arise.- Pain in the hips or the back that affects her ability to walk or function normally during the day.
- Breathlessness when lying down that is not relieved by positional changes.
- A sensation of tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in one leg that is getting worse.
- Severe sleep deprivation that affects her ability to cope with her daily routine towards the end of pregnancy.
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FAQs on How to Sleep Comfortably With a Big Pregnant Belly
- Is it okay to sleep in the right side position when pregnant?
Yes. Although sleeping on the left side is considered best for proper blood circulation, the right sleeping position is also okay. It is perfectly alright to switch positions throughout the night since remaining in one sleeping position through the whole night can be uncomfortable for some pregnant women. - Can I use a normal pillow in place of a pregnancy pillow?
Using a normal pillow is perfect as long as you position yourself right, i.e., place one pillow between your legs, one under your belly, and another one behind your back, and you get the same benefits as using a pregnancy pillow. - When does sleep become uncomfortable while pregnant?
Sleeping becomes uncomfortable for most women starting the second trimester of their pregnancy, when the bump starts making back sleeping and stomach sleeping impossible. Uncomfortable sleep is most felt in the third trimester, especially after 30 weeks of pregnancy.