Sleep During Pregnancy

Well-prepared for two – finding peace during an exciting time.

Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations! Pregnancy is an exciting time, though the upcoming changes can sometimes rob expectant parents of their sleep. Anxiety and anticipation go hand in hand. For the expectant mother, this is a time marked by hormonal and physical changes that can affect sleep right from the start of pregnancy.

After the birth, you’ll then adjust to your child’s sleep rhythm. New mothers tend to sleep more lightly so they can hear their baby when it needs them.

Many pregnant women find lying on their stomachs uncomfortable even early in pregnancy. But that’s not a problem, since lying on your stomach puts strain on your neck and lower back anyway. The more your baby bump grows, the harder it becomes to find a comfortable position to lie down in. Lying on your back also quickly becomes uncomfortable. The weight of the large belly can press so heavily on the vena cava running through the back that it impairs the baby’s oxygen supply. Additionally, the so-called inferior vena cava syndrome can lead to circulatory problems and a drop in blood pressure in the mother.

It is recommended to purchase a side-sleeping pillow (nursing pillow) early on, as it makes it easier to maintain the ideal side-lying position during pregnancy. Simply lie on your left side; this allows your blood to circulate optimally and reduces pressure on your organs. Tuck the nursing pillow between your knees and slide it under your belly as far as necessary—this provides optimal relief for your baby bump.