Late in pregnancy it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. It can be uncomfortable lying down or, just when you 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, and 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 classes may teach relaxation techniques, or you could borrow a relaxation tape, CD or DVD from your library
- talk to your partner, a friend, doctor or midwife
Find out more about preventing insomnia, including daytime habits such as exercising, and bedtime habits such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and smoking.
Occasionally sleeplessness, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of depression. If you have any of the other symptoms of depression, speak to your doctor or midwife. There is treatment that can help. Find out more about mental health problems in pregnancy.
Get tips on coping with tiredness and fatigue.
