Pregnancy, Lifestyle
Sleep in the third trimester, honestly
Heartburn at midnight, hips that ache, a bladder with opinions. What actually helps in the last months, and why side-sleeping is advised.
Reviewed against NHS, 2 mins read, published
By the last stretch, sleep stops being one long thing and becomes a series of attempts. Heartburn, leg cramps, a restless bump and the trip to the bathroom you could set a clock by all take their turn.
Why your side?
From around 28 weeks the advice is to settle down on your side rather than your back, because lying flat for hours can press on a major blood vessel and reduce the flow to your baby. If you wake up on your back, you have not done anything wrong — just roll over and carry on.
Do not worry if you wake up on your back, you can turn over and go to sleep again on your side.
Small things that help
- A pillow between your knees and another under the bump
- Dinner a little earlier
- Keeping the last hour before bed dull on purpose
Quick summary
- From 28 weeks: settle down to sleep on your side
- Woke on your back: just roll over and carry on
- What helps: pillows between your knees and under the bump, an earlier dinner, a dull last hour
- Mention: heavy snoring, morning headaches or restless legs
