It’s normal to struggle to get sleep when you’re pregnant. As the third trimester progresses and your bump gets bigger, you may find it harder to get comfortable.
If you aren’t sleeping well, try not to let it bother you. Don’t worry that it will harm your baby – it won’t.
Things to try:
- Do some gentle exercise during the day
- A rest during the day can also help you feel less tired
- Rather than watching television, spend the last hour before bed reading a book, listening to some restful music or taking a long soak in a warm bath
- Have a hot, milky drink before bed
- Lie on your side and put extra pillows behind your back, under your bump and between your knees
- Relaxation techniques may help. Ask for advice at your antenatal classes
Getting rest now you have a newborn
It’s important to recognise your sleeping pattern will probably change dramatically
- Grab sleep when you can. That means sleeping when they do, whatever time of day
- Avoid the temptation to do housework when they’re asleep, it’s more important for you to get rest
- Don’t be shy about asking friends for help and get as much help as you can from your partner, family and friends
- It’s a good idea to get your partner to do some of the night feeds occasionally. If you’re breastfeeding, that’ll mean expressing some milk in the day
- It’s also helpful if someone can look after your baby for a couple of hours to give you some rest and space