The Crib: A Blog for New Parents

In the last part of your pregnancy, problems falling or staying asleep become more frequent and common. There are many possible reasons that you may not be able to rest easily through the night, such as an active baby, stress, being over tired, or not being tired enough.

There are ways that you can alleviate some of the problems, or at least reduce the effect they have on your quality of rest each night.

The baby is bigger now, and when you lie down at night to go to sleep, he/she has more room to stretch out, and move around. Great for baby, uncomfortable for you.

It may help if you are able to lie down during the day, to give baby a chance to play. If you have the time, to read or rest while stretched out in bed, baby gets to move around, and he or she may be less active at night when you are trying to sleep.

Another way to get baby to settle down at night, is to read to baby before you try to sleep. The soothing sound of your voice works as well before birth as it will for the rest of your little ones childhood. It may also help you to unwind and relax after a long day.

Mild exercise an hour before going to bed is a good way to relieve tension and stress, which will improve your sleep. It may also reduce baby’s activity level while you sleep.

Keeping a diary, or talking about your concerns with your partner or someone close to you is another great way to reduce stress, and help you rest more easily.

Try to avoid taking long naps during the day; being overly rested makes it difficult to fall asleep at night. Small rest periods throughout the day may be necessary, and will help your body slip into slumber more smoothly at bedtime.

Also try to avoid eating a large snack or drinking too much fluid before going to bed, waking up frequently to use the bathroom is not conductive to a good night’s rest, and a full stomach and bladder is uncomfortable for both you and baby.