How to get back to sleep during pregnancy?

I had the same problem, it was very frustrating. I remember asking my midwife what to do. She said it sometimes happens in the beginning of pregnancy and that it would probably go away, and it did!!!! Good luck and be well!

S.

Yoga! Find a "yoga for relaxation" dvd and try it. The breathing excercises really calm and soothe.

I had the exact same problem! It lasted through out my whole pregnancy. Unfortunately I really couldn't find anything to help. Watching tv helped a little. It did stop after my son was born, but of course he was up all night after that, so I still didn't get any sleep. Good luck. S.

I remember having the same problem when I was pregnant. I found that having a warm glass of milk (I used to put a little choc syrup in it) would help settling me down...if that failed, I'd take a hot shower which always seemed to do the trick! It's probably the last thing you want to do in the middle of the night but I found it was better than tossing and turning...good luck! If it's any consolation, I feel like I got more sleep once I had the baby - even with the multiple feedings.

Hi! I just went through this. I have a 22 month old and am 8 months pregnant now. I was waking up either for my daughter or to use the bathroom, or for no reason, and then could not get back to sleep. What finally helped was doing a bit of yoga and then lying down again. I don't know if you do yoga at all, but just some simple stretching of any kind should work. It seems counter-intuative and that it would maybe wake you up more, but just getting the circulation going a bit actually helps your body relax and get back to sleep, AND sleep better once you are there. Also, drink plenty of water, or maybe some milk. I hope this helps!

You probally already know this, but set a time to stop drinking, maybe around 6pm, and make sure you empty your bladder several times just before bed. I always had this problem of being awaken at night to use the bathroom when I was pregnant. What I also do now is if I wake up and have to go, while I'm sitting on the toilet, I keep my eyes closed...... it tends to help me not get too awake.

Hi
Try a self hypnosis CD or tape. They available at any music or new age store. Anxiety keeps a lot of people awake. It'll be good for you at this stage of the game to learn how to relax your mind & body. -Everyone benefits!
Good luck!

Hi, try not having anything to drink after dinner... say around 6 or 7 pm, and stay up late enough to 'evacuate' as much as you can. Also, Tylenol PM was a life-saver for me during my first pregnancy. I took just 1 pill at night, and actually got a great night's rest. Of course, check with your doctor first. I found it to be a mild enough to be able to get up and use the bathroom if I needed, but strong enough to put me back to sleep. Also, I put a small night light in the bathroom, so I don't have to turn on any lights, and keep my eyes shut when I 'go'. And remember, just because your brain isn't resting, that doesn't mean that your body isn't getting some very useful rest, so don't stress about it too much. Naps are great if you can swing it.

I had trouble sleeping after losing a child in my 7th month, and when I got pregnant again 3 months later, the doctor told me I could take Tylenol PM when pregnant.... it was a lifesaver in the first few months because you are so tired to begin with.

I was given the OK to take Benadryl too like stated in PP... That worked well...

Hi D. - I'm sure you have gotten tons of response to this with a lot of great advice... But I'd like to share a very simple thing that works like a charm for me every time.

For me it's 5AM. If I wake up between 4 and 5, it's all over for me. But I have found that prayer works... Read on.

When I can't sleep, I lay in bed and pray for everyone and anyone that I can think of that needs prayer. I just focus on them and lift them up to the Lord.

Next thing I know, it's morning. And I am rested and at peace.

If you are not a Christian, it may sound weird. But either way, it takes your mind off you and whatever you are focusing on otherwise and puts it on someone else... I think the Lord honors that, no matter your belief.

Just focus on them and give them and their struggle over. Nothing big or fancy. You don't even have to "know how" to pray. God will hear your heart.

Try it next time. I'd love to see how it works for you!

You poor thing! Been there done that and sometimes, you just have to tough it out. Don't put too much stress on yourself right now. If this seems like a longer term problem, discuss it with your OBGYN, but don't be surprised if all they offer is to drink warm milk. It seems to me like much of the United States is sleep deprived - so you're not alone!

Hi D.,
I know this is ages-old, but it really works for me: have you tried drinking a cup of hot milk with honey and cinnamon in it when you wake up? Or doing that, and bringing a hot water bottle or heating pad to bed with you? Also, before going to bed, try taking a hot bath and rubbing your whole body with nice oil; it may help you get right back to sleep after waking up to pee.
Good luck, and may you sleep well!
M.

For all my pregnancies I had to pee a lot at night in my first and third trimesters only - so MAYBE you will soon have relief with trimester 2? Ill cross my fingers for you! People say it is training for the night wakes with a newborn! I swear I slept better AFTER my baby came out! HA! Anyway , good luck, this will pass... in the meantime, nap when you can? I feel your pain.... J.

benedryl was ok'd by my ob/gyn

Daine I dont want to be funny but you might already did this but I just wanted to tell you to read your Bible and ask the Lord to help you and he will .give you the rest you need even in the day time so please try it .he here all our prayers and he meets all our needs when we ask GOD BLESS

try not to turn any lights on when you get up, and maybe have a radio that plays relaxation sounds. I have one that sounds like the ocean waves hitting shore. concentrate on that sound only. you really have to try not to think about your next day and how tired you'll be.

I so feel your pain. I am 7 weeks pregnant and wake at 1 and struggle to get back to sleep. The only thing that tends to help me is some toast with butter. I hate doing this as I don't want to put on "bad" weight but I have found that I need the sleep more than I need to watch what goes in the mouth. Warm milk or yogurt is said to work too I just can't do dairy.

Congrats on the pregnancy :)

I can totally appreciate this! i have a 3 yr old and am 17 weeks pregnant. Sometimes, I still can not get back to sleep. For me it was mostly feeling sick when I laid back down. I keep a cup of caffeine free Coke by my bedside. The syrup in the cola seems to really help my stomach. The sleep depreciation got so bad, I ended up going on medical leave from work and now am a stay at home mom too. Also, when your 3 yr old is at school, take some time to nap! Good luck.

I always make sure that I don't drink more than a small cup of anything after dinner, and pee right before bed. I get up at least 3 times a night and a lot of times I can't fall back asleep. I try to keep my eyes closed as much as possible and not turn on ANY lights. I'm 39 weeks pregnant, and hoping for it to get better soon

I had to use Valerian capsules in my first trimester. It's an herbal remedy, and according to my midwife is safe to take during pregnancy (please ask your own doctor/midwife to be sure). I found it to be a lifesaver. It totally helped me to relax, clear my head and fall asleep. You'll probably still feel drowsy and peaceful from it in the middle of the night when you use the bathroom. It did NOT make me feel drowsy or strange during the day like tylenol pm did. You can find it at natural/health food stores. Sleepytime tea is also nice, although it might just make you have to pee even more!
If your problem is more related to stress you should check out the cd "Journey from pregnancy to childbirth." It's a guided meditation cd. It's a little cheesy but very helpful for when you just can't get your mind to stop. You could pop it in when you get back from the bathroom and use it to fall back to sleep. Good luck, I know that lack of sleep can really drive you nuts.

Hi D.,
I remember those days all too well....my little one is now almost 2. I am a SAHM and an independent consultant for The Happy Soul. We are an Aromatherapy company that is based on home parties, catalog, or online. We have these wonderful Aromatherapy blends that are roll-ons. They are made up of pure essential oils. We have one called "Sleepy Time" apply to any pulse point to help you get a restful night of sleep. It is safe for you and for children. It is really nice. We also have Lavender linen spray and Dried Lavender that is really nice as well. For a nice time to bond with your significant other, we have the essential oils. You could take the Lavender oil and have your special one rub your back and feet with the oils and that would be very relaxing and help your sleep! not to mention - nice bonding time as well!
I really enjoy the products The Happy Soul has to offer and it is nice because they are natural. Please check out the website... www.thehappysoul.com and email me if you have any other questions... ____@____.com
I hope this helps and good luck!
Have a happy soul,
M.