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Not-so-surprising fact:Sleepingduringpregnancycan be a serious struggle.
Getty / JGI / Jamie Grill
Your bodys going through some big changesall of which can screw with your ability to sleep through the night.
With a baby pushing on your bladder, youmight get up to pee more.
Thanks to therelaxation of the muscle between your stomach and your esophagus, you may deal with ragingheartburn.
So pregnancy can be a recipe for long nights spent tossing and turning.
But there are ways to finally fall (and stay) asleep.
Heres what worked for 10 women, plus what ob/gyns have to say about these sleep remedies.
Eat a small dinner at least two hours before bed.
Speaking as someone whos currently pregnant, Ive had some scary middle-of-the-night moments where Ivewoken up chokingfrom acid reflux.
They may recommend antacid medications (which aregenerally viewed as safe to take while pregnant).
Consider using a pregnancy pillow.
I used to sleep mostly on my back, Maggie G., 29, tells SELF.
I love how the pillow provides extra cushion around my knees, ankles, and belly while I sleep.
Sleeping on your side during pregnancy can be a transition if thats not typically your go-to position.
Using pillows this way may help withback pain, Dr. Wain says.
It can also just feel better physically overall.
Read a physical book.
No phones or screens!
Turns out Abby is onto something.
Create a bedtime ritual.
I love to put onBelly Balmby the Honest Co. after I get out of the shower at night.
I find the ritual of giving my growing belly a little love before bed to be calming.
I just YouTubed prenatal yoga, Merlin V., 32, tells SELF.
There are a few reasons why some experts are fans of prenatalyoga.
Many women find the gentle stretching and breathing exercises to be relaxing, Dr. Royce says.
If youre constantly breathing really dry air, that can make nosebleeds even more likely.
If you dont have an adjustable mattress?
(Try stacking some books underneath the head of the bed as one option.)
Its all about doing what works best for you both mentally and physically.
Get up if you cant sleep.
Lauren M., 34, dealt withinsomniaduring both of her pregnancies.
When experimenting with what might work for you here, just keep that whole no-screens thing in mind.
You dont want to introduce a ton of light that might keep you up even longer.
