Rest and Relaxation During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of many, many bodily changes. These changes take energy and can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Especially in the first three months and the last six weeks, when these changes are most dramatic, your body will need more rest.

Unfortunately, actually sleeping can be difficult during pregnancy. One reason this is the case is that the baby is constantly growing and developing, no matter the time of day or night. Your body is working to keep up with the baby’s metabolism, which doesn’t slow down at night, and this can keep you up at night.

However, there are ways to help your body relax and coax it to sleep:

• Take a warm, not hot, bath before bed.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Drink warm milk before bed.
• Try placing a pillow between your knees or under your bump. Also, avoid lying on your back.
• Use aromatics like chamomile or lavender to calm your senses.
• Keep cool during the night with a fan or open window and door.
• Practice breathing deeply.
• Read before you sleep.

Resting during the day is also important. This doesn’t mean that you have to take naps, but it’s a good idea to sit and relax during the day. This will help your body cope with the changes and help you to stay happy and healthy.

Return to Pregnancy Lifestyle Changes or Pregnancy

Resources

Stoppard, Miriam. "Dr. Miriam Stoppard’s New Pregnancy and Birth Book.” Ballantine Books. 2009. Stoppard, Miriam. “Conception Pregnancy and Birth.” DK Publishing. 2008. Weiss, Robin Elise. “The About.com Guide to Having a Baby.” F+W Publications, Inc. 2006.