Once your baby is born, getting a good night's rest may become a distant memory. Routine wake-ups during the night and early morning will likely become the norm for the foreseeable future. While the months leading up to the delivery date would seem to promise the last possible chance for you to enjoy a full night of slumber, your body has other ideas.
Pregnancy is filled with small inconveniences; one of them is that sleep becomes as elusive as your car keys when you're in a frantic rush. There are plenty of reasons. Some are psychological (for example, concern about your baby's well-being) while others are physical. In this article, I'll explain some of the reasons why your body might refuse to let you sleep.
Common Problems
A lot of pregnant ladies complain that they're unable to sleep for more than a few hours before having to get out of bed in order to pee. That's natural. First, your body has an increased level of fluid. Second, your bladder isn't able to hold as much due to pressure from your uterus. Ultimately, the best thing to do is to avoid drinking right before going to bed.
Another common culprit is indigestion. Remember, you're eating for two, so there's a tendency to eat more. The problem is that consuming a large meal and then going straight to bed can cause heartburn. If possible, try to eat smaller portions more frequently. Also, eating 3 or 4 hours before bedtime will help.
Sometimes, your mental and physical energy can build and keep you awake at night. If you don't have an outlet through which to expend some of it, you'll lay in bed tossing and turning. A mild exercise routine is usually helpful (consult your doctor prior to engaging in exercise). You can also take classes that are designed for pregnant women that can teach you various relaxation strategies.
Leg cramps can be a frustrating problem during pregnancy. Doctors aren't entirely certain why they manifest; it could be a result of fatigue, pressure on the blood vessels in your legs, or even a calcium deficiency. Try massaging your calves and drinking plenty of water (though not too much before going to bed!). Also, taking a short walk each day might reduce the severity of the problem.
How To Get Some Sleep
The bad new is that your body will become more and more cumbersome as your due date approaches. As this happens, your ability to sleep naturally will be become more impaired. Consider using a maternity pillow and a pregnancy wedge. They've been designed specifically to provide more support and comfort when you're lying down. Once your baby is born, you'll wish you had gotten as much sleep as possible.
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