How to sleep when your pregnant

Our FREE Baby Care Workshop centres around safe sleep for your baby, but we often forget about safe sleep when you’re pregnant. Our Expert Midwives recommend for pregnant women to sleep on their sides from the 2nd trimester on.

Due to your anatomy, when you lie or sleep on your back the blood vessels supplying blood to your baby will be under pressure causing you to feel weak or woozy. Your baby gets optimum blood flow when you’re lying on your left side, although, it’s not always possible to remain on your left side if you’re tossing and turning all night. Don’t worry if you wake up on your back but try to fall asleep on your left or right side…whichever is more comfy. But remember, you should try to avoid sleeping flat on your back altogether in the last trimester.

If you have restless legs at night, this can be a sign of dehydration. Try to drink as much water as you can over the course of the day and walking can help keep the blood pumping as you settle to sleep.

Suffering leg cramps is very common too. As soon as you feel the cramp starting, try to rub the muscle firmly and gently stretch your leg out straight and toes upwards. If your mattress is not great, invest in a good mattress “topper”, the pressure on the hips as you try to stay on your sides in the night can be so uncomfortable.

If you’re interested in attending our FREE Baby Care Workshop as mentioned above, click the button below to register. We look forward to having you along!