Late in pregnancy it can be very difficult to get a good night’s sleep. You’re uncomfortable lying down, or just when you’re beginning to get comfortable, you have to get up to go to the toilet. Some women have strange dreams or nightmares about the baby and about the birth. Talking about them can help you. Just because you dream something, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Relaxation and breathing techniques may be helpful.
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.
- It might be more comfortable to lie on one side with a pillow under your tummy and another between your knees.
- Relaxation techniques may help. Your antenatal care or classes may teach relaxation techniques, or you could borrow a cassette from your library.
- A warm, milky drink, a warm bath, some gentle exercise or some restful music before bedtime may help.
- A rest during the day can help you feel less tired.
- Talk to your partner, a friend, doctor or midwife.
Occasionally sleeplessness, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of depression. If you have any of the other symptoms of depression described in the Mental health problems and pregnancy section, speak to your doctor or midwife.
