Dr Sabarinathan

Sleeping In Pregnancy

Sleeping in pregnancy is a precious gift that is very elusive to some mothers to be. When you wanted to become pregnant who would have ever known that it would be so hard to get a good night's sleep? Sleep problems typically develop within the second trimester as your baby starts growing. The increasing size of the fetus can make it difficult to find a sleeping position that is comfortable for both mommy and baby. As your baby grows it can become more difficult to to move around to find that sleeping position you are familiar and comfortable with.

Other reasons you may be having difficulty sleeping include increased urge to urinate, increased heart rate, heartburn, leg cramps, and backaches. Yikes! How can a mommy to be ever catch some much needed ZZZ's?

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Finding the Right Sleeping Position

Pregnancy sleeping can be a lot easier (and healthier) by using the correct pregnancy sleeping positions. After you become pregnant you should try to get in the habit of sleeping on your side. This helps to keep pressure off of the large vein called the inferior vena cava that carries from the legs and feet to your heart. Many doctors recommend that you sleep on your left side for many reasons. It helps to keep pressure off your liver, it helps to improve circulation through many of the major organs, and it relieves pressure from your back.

It can be difficult to get used to sleeping on your side if you are used to being a back or stomach sleeper. This can only add to problems with sleeping in pregnancy when you may be forced to sleep in a position that is not natural to you. Even if you are a natural side sleeper you may have difficulty sleeping as the size of your growing baby causes pressure on your back or internal organs leading to restless or sleepless nights.

So how can a pregnant mother to be get a good night's sleep in the proper position with minimal discomfort?

Maternity Pillows to the Rescue!

What are Maternity Pillows? Maternity Pillows (also known as Pregnancy Pillows) are pillows that are specifically designed to help pregnant women sleep more comfortably and in the correct pregnancy sleeping positions recommended by doctors. They help to relieve the pressure caused by your growing baby and keep you in a position that is comfortable for you. A Maternity Pillow may be just what you are looking for to keep you in the correct sleeping position and help you get a good nights sleep.

How do I Choose the Right Maternity Pillow?

There are many different places you can find maternity pillows but the best deals and biggest selection is available online. They come in all different shapes and styles. We at Happy Mother and Baby recommend a full body maternity pillow. Full body meternity pillows offer the greatest support. They cradle your whole body in sleepy comfort and offer the most support to keep you in the proper side sleeping position.

We are especially fond of the Summer Infant - Body Support Pillow

Summer Infant's Body Support Pillow features a patented design with a unique shape and zippered insert. . The zippered insert doubles as a toddler's seat or tummy time area for baby. The pillow wraps around mom's waist for easier nursing and also supports the lower back for better sleep.

• Soft, brushed cotton cover and the polyfiber fill
• Versatile, patented design
• Body-length pillow supports mom during and after pregnancy
• Supports mom's tummy, back, and hips for a better sleep

As one reviewer said:
"I purchased this at 5 months pregnant. It has helped me to sleep comfortably! I am a back sleeper which is not recommended during pregnancy. This pillow makes it a lot easier to remain on my side. I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a good night of rest."

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The All Nighter Total Body Pregnancy Pillow is another extremely well reviewed Maternity Pillow.


This ingenious idea helps relieve insomnia due to aches, pains, stiffness or late-pregnancy discomforts: The All Nighter pillow, a candy cane-shaped body pillow that can be molded into numerous positions to support the entire body. The pillow's 3 specially designed, contoured shapes work together as a unit to give support, elevation and comfort where you need it most. Developed by a registered nurse.


Sleep like you are on a cloud as your whole body is surrounded by this comfy full body pillow. Sleeping in pregnancy is a dream with the All Nighter Total Body Pregnancy Pillow. Not only is it very comfortable, it also helps to give your entire body support and keep you in the side sleeping position.


As one reviewer said:
"5 out of 5 I love this product!! I'm so pleased with this purchase!! I like the belly support, having a cushion between my legs, and something to lean against. I sleep much better now :)"

If you are looking for something a little smaller we recommend the Summer Infant - Rest EZ II Maternity Pillow

The Summer Infant Rest EZ comforts prenatal mom by supporting her belly with a foam wedge. The back support ensures that the belly wedge won't slip away during the night.

• Supports prenatal mom by lifting her belly and supporting her back
• Back and belly pillows are attached with Velcro and can be separated, allowing mom to adjust the belly pillow away from the back pillow for the perfect fit
• Adjustable back support
• 100% cotton cover; soft and breathable
• Fully adjustable to accommodate all moms
• Dimensions: 18" x 10"

As one reviewer said:
"Very light weight and small. Does support the bellyAlso helps in keeping you from accidentally turning to your back."