Fool Proof Remedies for Improved Sleep During Pregnancy

The top three reasons a pregnant Mom can't sleep


1. Pain or discomfort

2. Hunger (even if she isn't aware she is hungry)

3. Disruptive Bathroom Breaks



1. Pain or discomfort

Best position after 20 weeks pregnant is on the left side with a pillow under your neck, knees and sometimes one to hug and one to press against your lumbar area (low back). Chiroflow pillows are great because you can fill half the pillow with water to accomodate your personal neck posture. Acupuncture is safe and effective for any type of muscle or joint pain during pregnancy. If your sleep is being disrupted by pain go right away to an Acupuncturist who specializes in women's health and treatment during pregnancy; a great place to find a licensed Acupuncturist is www.Acufinder.com. An added bonus: the number one side-effect from acupuncture is improved sleep; so in reality you get a two for one for your acupuncture treatment benefits.



2. Hunger (even if she isn't aware she is hungry)

Be sure to eat a snack right before bed that is small and has protein. Good examples: Four whole wheat crackers with almond or peanut butter, a cup of whole fat yogurt, 1/4 cup of nuts like cashews or almonds. The caloric increase needed to grow a baby in-utero is 500 extra calories a day. By eating a snack before bed you prevent your body from thinking you are not "starving" while you sleep away at night time. Sometimes the snack is needed when you are suffering from insomnia. Put the snack on your bedside table and chew a few bites and then go back to dreamland.



3. Disruptive Bathroom Breaks

During the day be conscious about getting enough water aiming for around 100 fluid oz. By 5:00pm you want to taper your drinking to sips only when needed. Be sure to empty your bladder right before bed for this will reduce the number of times you may need to get up in the middle of the night to urinate.