Surviving the Last Trimester

Hi Buddies,

Just as you need sleep the most, it can elude you during your last trimester of pregnancy. As your precious baby grows, it puts added pressure on your bladder causing you to get up several times per night to urinate, along with nagging backaches, acid reflux, and maybe a bit of anxiety thrown in – all making a full night’s sleep impossible - at least it seems.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, back pain and other aches are “associated with the ligaments between the pelvic bones softening and joints loosening in preparation for birth.” The good news is that there are solutions to these sleepless nights.

Try these simple remedies for getting a better night’s sleep when you need it the most.

• You may be feeling warmer at night as more blood is flowing to your skin during the last trimester, so turning down the thermostat may help make you more comfortable.
• Limit the amount of fluid intake late in the day. Hydration is important but try to stop drinking 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Avoiding coffee and caffeinated soda will also help because coffee is a diuretic.
• Use pillows, such as the Cuddle Buddy Body Pillow, to support your belly and between your legs. This raises the abdomen and supports your back and hips. Instead of propping up your head with pillows, put blocks under the head of the bed a few inches. This aids in breathing and can prevent acid reflux.
• Sleep on your left side to give the best blood flow to the fetus. According to the American Pregnancy Association, sleeping on your back can lead to many conditions that further hinder sleep, such as backaches, hemorrhoids, and even low blood pressure.
• Getting as little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise a day can improve quality of sleep. Walking can be one of the best ways to relieve back pain because it also strengthens your muscles and increases flexibility.

Here’s wishing you a great night’s sleep!

Pregnant and uncomfortable - Julia

I was recommended to buy the Mega pillow from a girlfriend who is also pregnant, hoping it will relieve me of my sleepless nights. One sleep in with my new Cuddlebuddy and I felt a significant difference. I've been finding the final trimester extremely difficult and uncomfortable, so having the additional support is beyond helpful. I'm totally hooked on the comfort and cute orange velvet pattern. A message to all pregnant, light sleepers get yourself a pillow right now!

**No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Stay cuddly,

Cuddle Buddy