Problems SleepingFor
some women, falling and staying asleep at night can be a real challenge. Between
the leg cramps, the anxiety, the extra weight, and the occasional kicking,
it's no wonder you feel like an insomniac. But rather than lie in bed awake
and fret about losing precious sleep, you might want to consider some of these
suggestions to make nighttime dreamy:
Sleep positions: Generally, pregnant women find it much more comfortable
to sleep on their side once they are further along in their pregnancy. This
helps to take pressure off your back and also helps to relieve pressure from
your uterus on the main vein that brings the blood back to the heart from your
legs and your feet. Consider putting a pillow between your legs and under your
abdomen for support.
Relaxation Techniques: Some women seem to have their wheels spinning
all night thinking about labor and delivery, and all the new things that are
getting ready to happen. You can start using some of the tips on breathing
and relaxation from your childbirth classes. Not only will it serve as good
practice, but it will also help you to relax and get some sleep.
Review Date: 2/19/2007
Reviewed By: Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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