Amazing Sleep Hacks That Every Pregnant Woman Needs To Know.
By
Michael Avery in
Facts
On 24th August 2016
There are so many changes that happen to a woman when she is expecting. Almost from day one, the body begins to transform and adjust for the growing life inside. From the increase in blood volume, hormonal level increase, higher body temperature, to the breasts growing larger and more tender, the human body is working hard.
It’s no wonder with all the labour being done that an expectant mom is exhausted. Night cannot come fast enough to lay down on a firm bed and soft pillow. Getting plenty of sleep is essential for pregnant women.
Nonetheless, it is hard to fall asleep when trying to get comfortable. Attempting to get cozy while there is a growing tummy in the middle becomes a battle. There is a lot of twisting and turning throughout the night. There is an actual method women can use to fall asleep. After all, we all know that in a couple of months, sleep will be a thing of the past.
A good night's sleep is important for everyone. Pregnant women, in particular, need sleep to recharge their batteries.
A woman that slept on her chest in the past, will have to let go of sleeping that way as the belly begins to get bigger and bigger.
Even if you didn't sleep on your chest, the old positions may no longer bring comfort either.
The body is going through major changes that can make sleep a major challenge.
Women will often complain of many aches and pains.
From a large tummy, heartburn, backache, and shortness of breath, are just some of the strains that the body endures.
A mom-to-be can sometimes feel like getting in bed is going to be an awkward battle to get the body contorted in the best way.
A bad night sleep can include things like leg cramps, snoring, and nausea.
Some things that you do during the day may help.
Avoid eating spicy food, cutting down on coffee and soda, and try not to drink a lot of liquids in the evenings either.
Try relaxing while getting ready for bed.
Relaxing and breathing exercises can help get you in a sleepy mood.
Expectant moms go through a lot of changes in the body. Be kind to yourself.
Pregnant women often complain of feeling out of breath. Respiratory rate increases to makeup for the extra oxygen required for the fetus, uterus, and placenta.
A woman's heart is working extra hard to accommodate the new life growing inside.
Sleeping on your back puts pressure on the aorta. It also affects the inferior vena cava which can compress the return of blood to the heart from the legs and feet.
Lying on the back may only work for the first trimester. It begins to become a challenge as the pregnancy progresses.
Blood flow to the placenta and fetus may also be affected. During the second and third trimester, sleeping on your back may cause you to feel lightheaded and dizzy.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Even if this is your favourite position, avoid it!
Sleeping on your chest puts pressure on the expanding belly as well as the breasts.
There is a way to alleviate the discomfort during pregnancy.
Follow the acronym SOS, sleep on the side. Ideally, you want to sleep on the left side since it keeps you and your baby the most comfortable.
Sleeping on this side improves circulation to your heart and placenta.
This side also reduce the weight and pressure being put on the liver. You are also helping the kidneys do their job of removing waste and extra fluids.
You can also use pillows to help you get more cozy and comfy.
Prop a pillow in between your legs. This also alleviates the pressure being placed on the hips and pelvis. There are various sizes available for sale. The longer the pillow, the easier it will be to get snugged.
You can always add an additional pillow to your right side to avoid rolling back.
Placing a pillow under the belly also helps to relieve back and neck pain from the pregnancy weight.
Putting an additional pillow under the legs can also help the lower body.
The aches and pain of swollen feet and ankles get a break when they are raised with a pillow.
As the last trimester progresses, shortness of breath and heartburn is very common.
Propping one or two pillows under the head will help. Some will resort to placing books under the foot of the bed to elevate that side. This helps to keep the acid from moving up to the esophagus.
Don't worry about your baby being in danger or uncomfortable.
Your baby will let you know by moving or kicking you. You will feel dizzy and uncomfortable, though, before your fetus begins to dislike your position.
Don't make yourself stay up trying to sleep on your left side.
Pregnant women also tend to suffer from insomnia so sleep should be the #1 priority.
Even after the baby is born, you will not be able to sleep on your chest right away.
Specially if you have a c-section or are nursing, it will take weeks before you can go back to your favourite spot. You won't care though, because it will all be worth it.
If you roll over to your right, keep your eyes closed and roll back to the left.
Don't forget to get a good night's sleep and also try to squeeze in one or two naps during the day. You will need to be ready for the feedings and diaper changes in the middle of the night.
