How did you sleep?!

[mildred37]

Right, after yet another sleepless, uncomfortable night I've just about had enough. I'm 25wks and have what feels like a huge bump already (midwife confirms it's bigger than average). For the past few weeks, I've had such difficulty sleeping and it's beginning to make me dread bedtime. I always slept on my front, and now I'm having to sleep on my left side which is comfortable for all of 15-20mins, before my back starts to ache, or my shoulder goes to sleep. I end up shifting about and turning all night, and have so far not been able to find a comfortable position at all. I have tried using a v-pillow and a long body pillow, both unhelpful. I do sleep with a normal pillow under my bump as I do feel I need support, but I am now at the end of my tether....please share your sleeping tips as I need a decent nights sleep and its just not happening!

Best tip I could give is to put a thick spare duvet under the sheet in the bed. Cushions hips and shoulders really nicely. Also pillow between your knees, just big enough to keep your knees hip width apart. I then use my long pillow at my back so I can sort of lean back on to it so not always fully on my left.
HTH
Also, natal hypnotherapy cd has always sent me to sleep!

I use two pillows like missingthemincepies -one under bump and one behind my back. I found the best position is on my side but leaning backwards on the pillow behind - it stops my shoulders from falling asleep.

Could you try some relaxing music or a bath before bed?

I use Avon pillow mist in the room which helps me relax. I also have this pillow which I use differently from the picture! I use it with the round bit under my bump and a bit between my legs. My sleep improved rapidly after I got it. The other thing that really seems to help is getting a bit of fresh air in the day. I am 28 weeks and get out of puff quickly but a quick walk round the block definitely helps me settle better.

Snap OP - am 26 weeks and only ever sleeping my back - which is impossible now. I do have a long pillow but it takes up half the bed. An exercising most days but could probably do with fresh air walk/jog. May try the pillow mist x

I'm 16 weeks and have been unable to sleep since I found out I was pregnant. It is driving me loopy!! I am shattered all the time. A new thing over the last couple of weeks is that it feels like my mattress is lumpy and hurts to lay in the same spot for too long. It didn't feel like that before.........and I have another 24 weeks of this, and it will only get worse the bigger I get!!

Its a struggle I am 39 weeks and am awaiting the birth knowing that yes I will be exhausted feeding and having a tiny newborn, but at least I will be so exhausted I probably/hopefully will at least get to sleep!!!!!! be it for an hour or more at a time.
I have a thick folded duvet underneath me and did use a full body pillow, but these still caused issues, getting up for a wee every hour didnt help either. I suggest trying to have a nap during the day anytime even in the evening as this does the world of good.

Good Luck xx

Try doing what you'd do for an unsettled child - I try this bedtime routine and it always helps get me off to a sound sleep.

Run a bath. Put in your favourite relaxing scent and if you're feeling indulgent light candles and have lights off. Focus on the warmth, your lovely bump, the flickering lights... Relax.

Go straight from bath to bed. Have a book (preferably light hearted and easy to read) by your bedside ready to read. Read at a leisurely pace until you feel your eyes going.

Place a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil onto your pillow (around the edge, not where your eyes are likely to be!).

When you're ready, close your eyes and imagine the nicest place you can think of. Holidays are always a good one.

I know it sounds ridiculous but I am 35 weeks and bloody huge and this still helps me get a few hours decent sleep.

29+4 here and also struggling with getting comfy and sleeping (hence why I'm on mumsnet at 01:13am...) my best advise is Avon sleep pillow mist (have even caught other half sneaky spritzes of it onto his pillow) as something about the scent does really send you to sleep! For an hour at least) my problem is that my little one seems to enjoy having a wild Dane party in my uterus the minute I settle down to sleep that and the fact my ribs are apparently a great place for her to hang out which stops me breathing never mind sleeping! I feel your pain OP not long now just think of the end result all the sleepless uncomfortable nights will be worth it

*advice
*wild dance party

Damn IPhone!!