Sleeping Issues When Pregnant

For part of my pregnancy I used a pregnancy pillow (made by Boppy) but that was specifically because I was having alot of hip pain from laying on my sides so much.

Also, I just bought a 4" Memory Foam Topper from Overstock.com that we put on top of our pillow top mattress. It just felt like the pillow top had lost it's softness and we couldn't afford a new mattress. The topper we bought only cost $80 for a full size. It has made a world of a difference.

OMG, J., I completely relate. I was desperate for sleep when I was pregnant and a friend recommended a maternity pillow. I was so desperate that I ordered it online and had it fedexed. I paid more to have it delivered that the price of the pillow but it was totally worth it. It was like a miracle come from heaven!! I actually cried I was so thankful. It solved my sleep problem right away. Now I have been giving them to every pregnant friend and relative. I'd recommend one from Leachco, they have one that goes all around you like a horseshoe. The advantage with that is that when you turn in the midle of the night, you will have the other side of the pillow whichever way you turn. It is fantastic. Try it.

I slept on our couch better than in our bed when I was pregnant with our 2nd. I believe it was a combination of the temperature difference the fact that I suddenly hated the feel of our bedsheets. My husband works 3rd shift so I know it wasn't that I didn't have room to stretch out! Good Luck and Plesant Dreams!

hi J.!

i would say LOTS of exercise and a hot or cold shower before bed. once you put your boy to bed, get out, especially in this cool weather, for a brisk walk, as far as you can stand it; you should do this anyway for a healthy pregnancy, and also that way you can eat more! but a walk at night , a really thorough one, will help you. when you come home, take an extra hot shower to relax or an extra cold one, and then toast up in lots of layers of pajamas. you'll be out like a light.

you could also try a pillow under your lower back, i did that w both my prncies, or even one of those long log pillows for hugging; they make it easier to elevate your leg or sleep better on your side.

good luck!
J. also

J.,

It seems early to be physically uncomfortable if your due in June, but if that's the case get a body pillow they are great. I still have to use one to sleep and my kids are 23 and 19. If it's not physical then it is probably your hormones, I am now 48 years old and have no problem falling asleep I just can't stay asleep. So its a vicious cycle I pass out after work at eight o'clock after dinner and dishes get a few hours sleep and then I am wide awake until about 2 and I have to be up at six. So I get broken sleep all night. Everyone tells me try to stay awake, however once I sit down and try to read or watch TV I am out like a light. I know we have an age difference but I am beginning menopause which means my hormones are out of sync. I know the more I obsess over it the more anxious I get about forcing myself to go back to sleep. So this is what I do, I just get up and go watch some tv (God Bless Tivo) and usually that takes my mind off of it and I am able to fall back to sleep. I know you can't take anything pregnant however maybe try some warm milk and when you go to bed try not to think about not sleeping(easier said than done)and maybe you will relax. I would bet it's just hormones and once the baby comes your cycle will get back to normal. I also drink Sleepy Time Tea, its natural so I don't think it should be harmful during pregnancy. I once read that if you have things on your mind it will also prevent you from sleeping, so put a pad and pencil by your bed and when you are thinking of things you need to do just write it down and maybe that will clear your mind. It also worked for me. I feel your pain. Good Luck!!

This is the worst- I know! I actually slept better after my baby was born, even nursing him every 2-3 hours!

All my friends disagree with me on this, but the best thing I did was sleep in my own bed, in a separate room from my husband. I missed him a lot, and he wasn't thrilled with it. But I could stretch out, roll over constantly, adjust my 20 pillows whenever I wanted, and wiggle to my heart's content. I could also get up to pee, get a snack, or take a bath without waking him up.

It made me more comfortable, and it helped me to feel less guilty about keeping him awake all night!

I'm sorry you're already feeling crappy in your pregnancy. But I'm so jealous that you're getting to have another baby! :)

When I was in my third trimester I bought a sleeping wedge. It looks like nothing but it was the best. It let's you feel like you are sleeping on your back but you are still on your (ugh) left side! Feel better!

Ugh, this is hard, pregnancy and sleeping is tough. I tried these wedge pillows, one between my knees, one under my belly, and one for my other side where my back felt it needed support. I slept on my side. You can also try a recliner chair and if it works bring the chair into your bedroom so at least you will be in the same room as your hubby. The pillow that worked best for under my belly was made with memory foam material. I hope you get some helpful suggestions and some rest.

Well, You are not alone. I am 6 months pregnant with my second child and have been struggling to get a decent night's sleep for months. For me the first trimester was difficult and the last month since I have been carrying a more significant amount of baby weight. My midwife suggested melatonin, valerian or chamomile tea (same as Sleepy Time tea). You might double check these are okay in early pregnancy as well as later but I think they are all pretty mild. Then again none of these have worked that well for me but maybe you will do better with them. I think the stress of adding another child to the family is the main problem for me.

Same exact boat as you, 15 month old teething big time and due in May. A million pillows help and that pregnancy body pillow is great(at babies r us). Otherwise i don't know... Good luck and congrats!

is the temp too hot or too cold? that makes a big difference to me. also eat a snack before bed and maybe some tea with lemon. no light or tv in the bedroom. i also sometimes went to the oouch as did others i know. it was cooler and i needed a change of surrounding and i fell asleep. good luck i feel your pain.

I am 7 months pregnant with my second and my 2.5 yr old (to be 3 in one month) co sleeps with us. I got one of those really good snake shaped body pillows from bed and bath and it really helps. It takes the pressure off of your back and makes side sleeping comfortable (because I am a stomach sleeper).

Hi J.
I have told lots of other women about this pillow. It was the greatest thing i ever found while pregnant! It is a body pi;;ow, but this one is different, because it is shaped like a U. It gives you support on both sides. I used to need a pillow between my knees, one under my belly, and another behind my back. I would sleeplike that for a while,then that side would hurt and I would roll over andstart again. Once I foundthispillow, it all stopped. I slep so well, andall I had to do wad roll over and I was instantly comfy again! I found it at onestepahead.com It is called back n belly body pillow. It costs $69.99, but it is worth every penny! My husband tried to fight me for it! I also had to have c-sections, and this helped me sleep on my stomach again faster.
Hope this helps you,I was sick all day for the first 41/2 mo. of both of my pregnancies so I totally sympathise!
p.s. Sorry this responce is late!

J....you might not want to count on sleeping better once you have the baby, lol.

Try drinking an Ensure in the evening--lots of vitamins for your body and baby which is good for all those processes that go on while we sleep at night!

I would absolutely second the idea for the memory foam topper---at least 3 to 4 inches--from overstock.com!

Can your hubby, a family member, or friend take turns watching your little one 1 to 2 hours in the evening so you can take a catch-up nap before bedtime?

Do you have a recliner? I got some of my best sleep in the recliner. Since it keeps your head up it helped with the nausea and heart burn, the feet go up so it helped with circulation and I had a small blanket to tuck around my head to prevent the "floppy head syndrom"!!! ;) A nice soft, warm, comfy blanket and your all set. Congrads on the new baby coming!!! Alll the best!!!! A.