Trouble Sleeping

Posted by !@#$%^&*() (126 days ago)

I am now entering my 3rd trimester and have recently been having a hard time finding a comfortable position sleeping.

During the 2nd trimester, i would sleep on my back from time to time, but after reading a thread here on AX and online sites saying it's no good to do so, i started trying to sleep on my left side. The problem is, it is really difficult to get used to. I have tried sleeping on the left side with pillows supporting my back - is this a good start?

Any other suggestions on how to sleep comfortably? Thanks in advance.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (126 days ago)

i always put a pillow between my legs. with one leg resting on the pillow.

sleeping is only going to more difficult as the pregnancy continues.

good luck! look at it as practice for when the baby comes!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (126 days ago)

Always sleep on your left side. Agreed with Cara about pillow between legs. It only gets better after the baby comes out.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by bluetapestries (125 days ago)

Most books will say it's best to sleep on your left side, but it's okay to alternate between the sides. I slept with one pillow between my feet, one between my thighs, one to support my belly, and sometimes one to hug so that my chest wouldn't collapse. It was definitely hard to switch sides, but my hip started to hurt due to the weight if I didn't switch. Find down-filled pillows that really conform to your body so that it's just enough to support, but not too much support that it'll feel uncomfortable. Another space saver would be to get a body pillow.

Good luck in your third trimester.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by !@#$%^&*() (124 days ago)

thank you all. am still looking for that perfect position and am getting there (i think). :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (124 days ago)

"thank you all. am still looking for that perfect position and am getting there (i think). :)"

There isn't one. ;)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by !@#$%^&*() (124 days ago)

i don't think there is, but making the best of it... :D

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starbucks2 (123 days ago)

!@#$%^&*() - I know EXACTLY how you are feeling. I am now 32 weeks along and having heaps of trouble sleeping too even though I started sleeping on my side from about 16 weeks. Between sore back (only just developed in the last week - yay!), sore belly and trips to the toilet, I am lucky to get an hour/an hour and a half sleep in a row. SO tired and grouchy at work as a result. Have tried pillows but maybe I need more of them - currently just one between my legs and sometimes another under my belly. Still have 8 weeks to go!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sbm (123 days ago)

I sleep on my back - my tummy aches if I sleep on my side and the baby doesn't like me to anyway. I remember with my first pregnancy I talked to my OB about how I shouldn't sleep on my back anymore and he was very dismissive of that advice - he was quite happy for me to do so and I have done with all my pregnancies since. Of course if you feel faint or sore then you shouldn't sleep on your back, but for me I have a slight curve that means my lower back never touches the bed/floor etc so I don't think my risk of compressing the blood vessel is very high. My advice would be to talk to your OB about safe sleep positions for you - he/she knows you/your body, the books can't give individual advice and will always go the cautious route if there are potential issues.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by !@#$%^&*() (123 days ago)

Hi Starbucks,
Since starting to sleep on my sides, i started feeling sore in the back every morning and sometimes, even the belly. It worries me a bit and will definitely bring the matter up to my midwife on my next appointment! Like you, I am happy to get an hour or so sleep - straight! I have tried to put a pillow between my legs and it did help, but the sore was still there when i woke up. I'm so excited for you - being able to hold your baby soon. I have 12 more weeks to go and getting anxious already!

SBM, thanks. sometimes, in the middle of the night when i wake up and feel the pain in my back, i just lie on my back to be able to sleep and hopefully remove the pain. it does worry me a bit though because i've read almost everywhere that this is not recommended during later stages of pregnancy. Alternatively, i would place a pillow or two behind my back and lean on it for support. It feels good, but gets tiring afterwards. How i miss sleeping on my belly...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starbucks2 (123 days ago)

Thanks !@#$%^&*(). I am starting to think about the birth now too and although I am looking forward to meeting the baby, I am NOT looking forward to the method of his/her arrival!!!!

Take care of yourself
SB2

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (123 days ago)

"I am NOT looking forward to the method of his/her arrival!!!!"

The horror stories bandied around are way overrated. Also expectation and attitude has a lot to do with it. If you expect to have lots of problems, you are more likely to.

From being present at my wife's two and hearing of all my friends' deliveries, I must say that none have used terms like "the pain was killing me". If nothing else, contractions aren't constant AND you know they're coming.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starbucks2 (122 days ago)

Thanks axptguy38. I guess this is some comfort even though it comes from a man who has never been through the pain of childbirth himself (although witnessing it is something I suppose). I did find your post slightly condescending given that you have not been through it or perhaps I am just being sensitive.

I am fully supportive of all the advances in technology including the drugs that are now available to women nowadays so hoping that these will help to dull the pain.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (122 days ago)

"I did find your post slightly condescending given that you have not been through it or perhaps I am just being sensitive."

It's not meant to be condescending. Sorry. I am quoting my wife on the pain and such. I know one can't tell how much pain another person is in just by looking at said person. She tells me it's not a big deal. But she was never one to focus on pain much. And I've only seen two child births. Your results may vary.

As I understand it, fatigue is sometimes a worse problem than pain if labor goes long. Our first daughter had to be induced, but still resisted for another 19 hours. My wife was exhausted after 15 or so. No epidural in the world was going to fix that completely, but at least the drugs allowed her to relax a little.

The body produces quite a lot of endorphins that help with the pain. A "runner's high" is not unusual either, as many women report feeling light headed with euphoria. This is also an endorphin effect.

Having said all that, I don't think the pain is insignificant. But I will repeat what I heard a nurse and mother say: "There is time to breathe between contractions, and the pain comes as no surprise. That makes it easier"

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (122 days ago)

i have 2 kids but have never experienced labour. (lucky me!) i have, however, had an excruciating childbirth by emergency c-section. my epidural didn't work and i could feel it....

is that enough of a horror story for you? (there's more to it if you like...)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (122 days ago)

You're not helping Cara. ;) Then again, I don't think I am either!

Starbucks2, you will be absolutely fine. I think that after it's all said and done any mother will say that the little baby in her arms was worth walking barefoot over a bed glowing hot shards of glass.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (122 days ago)

that's why i didn't elaborate...

every soon-to-be mother is terrified of the impending birth. i know i was!
all i can say is that the fear of the unknown can make the experience feel worse than it is. i was absolutely beyond terrified about the birth of my second, especially since the first was so bad. but my second was amazing and i would do it all over again if i could convince hubby to have a third!

(I am based in Hong Kong)