Sleep During Pregnancy
Sleep patterns vary during the course of pregnancy. During the first trimester, the body goes through so many changes. Some of the changes are the development of the placenta, growth spurt of the fetus, and making your body adjust to the presence of a new life within you. All these changes can cause extreme fatigue.
In addition to all this, you also have to contend with morning sickness and nausea. During this stage, you may feel very sleepy and may often find it difficult to keep your eyes open during the major portions of the day. Do not deprive yourself of this sleep during this phase if you can. If you are working try taking a short snooze during the lunch break maybe in your car or any quiet space.
The second trimester is usually the easiest to handle. It is the stage where you can get better sleep and not feel too uncomfortable to sleep; neither do you feel overly sleepy.
The third trimester is the stage where it is most difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in. The disturbances are caused by the constant need to empty your bladder, handling a large belly, or cramps in the legs.
Tips for Pregnancy Sleep
Some tips that can make you sleep better at night are:
• Remain active during the day. Exercise in the early hours of the day. This will improve circulation in the body, reducing cramps and will enable you to get better sleep. Do not exercise late in the day as it will stimulate your body and prevent you from falling asleep.
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs.
• Drink a nice cup of warm milk before bed time.
• Make sure you are sleeping with a relaxed mind. Anxieties in the mind will not enable you to get sleep. Make sure you deal with the issue by talking about it to someone or praying about it.
• Have a nice hot shower with soothing shower gels just before bed time.
• Read a light and pleasant book.
• Get a nice leg, head, or shoulder massage.
• Eat a light dinner and do not lie down for at least an hour after you eat.
• Do deep breathing exercises.
• Alternately tense and relax the muscles of your body. Sleep on the bed or on a harder surface if it is more comfortable for you. Tense and then slowly relax the muscles of your body. Start with your feet and go upward.