How to sleep well during the last trimester of pregnancy

The insomnia and lack of sleep you experience during the final part of your pregnancy are largely due to difficulty finding a position in which your large belly will let you rest.

So, what can you do to sleep better?

• Try to eat a light dinner, as it’s important not to go to bed feeling full.
• There are certain foods that will help you sleep. Include lettuce, wholegrain bread, boiled potato, tomatoes, strawberries and dairy products in your menus.
• If possible, try to go for a short walk before bed.
• Swap the television for a book, which will help you relax.
• When you get into bed, it’s most recommendable to lie on your side, preferably on your left side, as this improves your blood circulation, which will be good for your baby. It also stops the weight of the uterus resting on your liver.
• Use cushions or pillows to make yourself more comfortable. Putting them between your legs or even under your belly will make you more comfortable.
• If you have trouble breathing when you’re lying down, prop yourself up in bed. An extra pillow will help you find a better position.
• Don’t lie on your back towards the end of your pregnancy, as the weight of your belly could press on the inferior vena cava. If this happens, you could get dizzy or have difficulty breathing.
• If you can’t get to sleep, get up. Do something relaxing, sit down, walk around the house.
• If you can’t get much sleep at night, take a break in the middle of the afternoon. An afternoon nap or simply a rest will make you feel much better.

How was the final stage of your pregnancy? Did you manage to sleep and rest as much as you needed to?