Sleeping While Pregnant: Third Trimester

How Does Sleep Change in the Third Trimester?

For many people, the third trimester is the most difficult stage of pregnancy, bringing back pain, heartburn, sleep apnea, and other uncomfortable symptoms. It can be more difficult to get quality sleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and it is common to experience daytime fatigue as a result of your changing body.

Back Pain and General Discomfort

It is estimated that 2 in 3 pregnant people suffer from lower back pain and sore muscles during the third trimester, which in turn causes sleep disturbances. Pregnant people with higher levels of depression or anxiety typically describe their back pain as more severe.

Third Trimester Insomnia

Insomnia strikes roughly two-thirds of people Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source during late pregnancy. Principal drivers of insomnia in pregnant people Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source include anxiety, depression Trusted Source Taylor &Francis Online View Source , disturbed dreams, nighttime awakening, fetal kicking and movement , and physical discomfort. Frequent bathroom breaks due to overactive kidneys and the weight of the uterus against the bladder can also disrupt sleep.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

A significant number of people develop snoring and sleep apnea during pregnancy. Though often benign, this may be a warning sign of a more severe condition. Research shows that snoring is correlated with high blood pressure and preeclampsia Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , while sleep apnea may increase the risk of maternal morbidity Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Sleep apnea also appears to be correlated with gestational diabetes Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Leg Cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome

Research shows that as many as 1 in 3 people Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source have restless legs syndrome in the third trimester, characterized by uncomfortable sensations that provoke an irresistible urge to move the legs. Restless legs syndrome appears more when the body is at rest and can make it virtually impossible to get to sleep. The third trimester also brings nighttime leg cramps for many people.

Heartburn

As the digestive system slows down in late pregnancy, many expectant parents develop heartburn. This uncomfortable condition involves acid rising back up through the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.

Why Sleep Is Important During Your Third Trimester

Poor sleep during the third trimester is associated with a host of problems, including preeclampsia and preterm birth . Pregnant people who experience insomnia or habitual snoring appear to be more likely to give birth to a baby that is too large or too small for gestational age Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Research also shows that women who experience sleep problems in late pregnancy have longer labors and are more likely to need a cesarean section Trusted Source Elsevier Elsevier is a publishing company that aims to help researchers and health care professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. View Source .

Poor sleep also appears to be linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, a condition that can cause health complications for both the fetus and the pregnant parent. In turn, better sleep is associated with more successful breastfeeding and a lower chance of depression Trusted Source Wiley Online Library Wiley Online Library is one of the largest and most authoritative collections of electronic journals published by Wiley, as well as a vast and growing collection of reference works and other books. View Source during pregnancy and postpartum.

How to Sleep Better During Your Third Trimester

Through a combination of sleep hygiene, vitamin and mineral supplements, and safer sleeping positions, pregnant people can improve the quality and quantity of their sleep. Remember to always check with your health care provider before changing your routine or starting a new medication, and inform them immediately if you have symptoms that cause discomfort or pain.

Sleeping Products to Help With Third Trimester Sleep

Most sleep medications are generally not recommended for pregnant people, but there are still many products that can aid in improving your sleep. A white noise machine, meditation app, or lavender scent may help lull you to sleep, while high-quality pillows and mattresses are essential to make sure you are properly supported.

Why Should You Avoid Sleeping on Your Right Side During the Third Trimester?

Sleeping on your right side during the third trimester puts the weight of the uterus on your liver, and sleeping on your back can block the inferior vena cava and cut off blood flow. Sleeping on your stomach is virtually impossible because of the baby’s size. It is okay to briefly flip into these positions, but try not to spend too long in them.

Sleeping on your left side can be difficult if you are normally a stomach or back sleeper. A pillow between the legs, tucked into the small of the back, or propping up your belly may ease the strain and help you feel more comfortable. A strategic pillow wedged behind may also help you adjust to side sleeping. Some manufacturers make purpose-built positional therapy devices, pregnancy wedges, and body pillows that are designed with your needs in mind.

What Is the Best Third Trimester Pregnancy Sleeping Position?

Research shows that the best sleeping position in the third trimester is on the left side, with your legs slightly tucked up toward your chin. This position improves blood flow Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source to the uterus, and helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. Improved circulation and kidney function also reduces swelling, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins in the legs. People with severe swelling may try propping the legs up higher than the belly.

Sleep Hygiene Tips for the Third Trimester

People who suffer from specific pregnancy-related sleep disorders should prioritize reducing symptoms. This may mean doing some light stretching before bed or taking mineral supplements Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source to prevent leg cramps and restless legs syndrome. Heartburn can be avoided by sleeping on your left side, eating smaller meals, not eating right before bed, and avoiding certain trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods.

As the uterus grows, you may experience shortness of breath, which can be alleviated by propping up your head while you sleep. Rolling over onto your side generally opens the airway and eases snoring. Those with sleep apnea symptoms should consult with their health care provider for treatment.

Pregnant people who struggle with anxiety may find it helpful to join a yoga class or parenting class for a supportive group environment. Regular exercise is recommended for pregnant people and is an important part of sleep hygiene, but avoid exercising too late in the day as the body needs time to wind down before sleep. Yoga or relaxation exercises, a prenatal massage, and relaxing music are some ways to prepare the body for sleep.

General sleep hygiene tips apply to pregnant people as well. Try to set a regular bedtime and create a dark, cool, and peaceful sleep environment. Wind down before bedtime with a warm bath or a calming cup of herbal tea, and avoid caffeine, stimulants, and electronic screens in the hours before bedtime.

While it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day, it is best to avoid big meals and excessive amounts of fluids too close to bedtime. This is especially true for those who suffer from heartburn or find themselves waking up for frequent bathroom breaks. Using a nightlight in the bathroom will help you stay drowsy so you can return to sleep more easily.

When nothing else works, many pregnant people compensate for lost sleep overnight by taking naps during the day. This is a good option for some, but excessive periods of daytime sleep may make it difficult to drift off at night.

Mental Health Tips

Your bed should be a serene place reserved for sleep and sex. If you have been lying in bed for a while and cannot fall asleep, get up and do a calming activity such as reading a book or taking a bath. Lying in bed fretting about getting to sleep is counterproductive and may make you associate bedtime with stress.

One study found that people were more likely to experience postpartum depression Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source if they worried excessively about sleep in the third trimester, regardless of the actual quality of their sleep. Be aware of the importance of sleep, but try not to let it become a major source of stress. Likewise, avoid worrying if you feel as though you are sleeping a lot during your third trimester. This is likely a result of the extra energy the fetus requires, though you should share any concerns with your health care team.Promising evidence suggests that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source coupled with sleep hygiene practices may be an effective way to help with sleep problems in the third trimester. Research also suggests that treating depressive symptoms may help improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue. It is normal to feel anxious and excited about the impending childbirth, and it is important to discuss these fears with your support system.