As anyone with even the slightest baby bump can tell you, sleeping during a pregnancy can be more difficult than you may have imagined. This discomfort can definitely be expected to increase as you move along into later trimesters, too. However, it’s important to understand that discomfort or insomnia symptoms do not come from the bump alone!

Pregnancy Symptoms that May Impact Your Sleep

• Sore breasts – Most especially during the first trimester, sore breasts can make sleep very difficult. Even long before that baby bump presents, sore breasts may prevent you from that favorite belly sleeping position.
• Full Bladder – Unfortunately, this side effect of pregnancy can start early on and last right up until the last minute.
• Pregnancy Headaches – Another side effect that many women experience during pregnancy is headaches. Surging progesterone causes your blood vessels to dilate, leading to headaches.

How to Sleep Comfortably During Pregnancy

There are several ways to combat those unpleasant symptoms that can prevent you from getting the great sleep you need during your pregnancy.

Sore Breasts

I know it may seem the most backwards thing to do, but wearing a comfortable bra, tight shirt or even a sports bra to bed can help alleviate the sore breasts sensitivity that can wake you up, or prevent you from falling asleep. The reason for this is that a garment that is flush and tight on your body won’t move around as much, sending those sharp, sore breasts pains through your body.

Full Bladder

While this one is going to be hard to prevent, you can certainly take steps that will make it more tolerable. You’re going to need something to make it through those last few weeks especially!

1. Cut down on drinks a couple of hours before bed. Of course, you’ll want to go right before bed to be proactive on this one.

2. But you can also use a pillow in a strategic placement by putting it just under your belly and through to between your legs. If you make a pillow somewhat like a cloud for your bladder to float on, your urge to go will be less frequent, allowing you to sleep for longer periods of time between bathroom trips in the middle of the night.

3. Lastly, if your home doesn’t have a bathroom on the same floor you sleep on, it may be time to bunk on the couch in those later months. For longer sleeping periods as well as safety.

Pregnancy Headaches

We all know your pregnancy pains aren’t limited to those pesky headaches, but getting a healthy sleep is also one of the cures for those headaches! Such a catch-22! The best way to manage those headaches is to take a couple of Tylenol with a tall glass of water just before bed. An alternative to the medication is to apply a cool towel to your forehead as you’re trying to fall asleep. This will help the blood vessels contract while helping to relax the muscles in your head. Take catnaps during the day whenever possible as well. The more rest you have the less you’re likely to suffer from these headaches.