Third trimester struggling to sleep on my side

[Spockrates]

I’m 28 weeks and struggle to fall asleep on my side before pregnancy I was always a back or stomach sleeper, it feels like a relief when i lay on my back and I wish I could fall asleep like that but can’t for obvious reasons so I move on to my side which is so uncomfortable I get an ache in my hip and shoulder has anyone got any tips to make falling asleep on my side easier?

Hi

I've had the same problem. I've not actually been able to sleep under a duvet either. I'm usually on top of it with a blanket.

Have you tried a pillow/cushion between your knees? I have a pillow that I lean against and have the bottom bit tucked in knees.

I found that my right arm was getting sore as I was constantly using it to adjust a pillow behind me and/or the blanket!

Week 29.

Prior to pregnancy, I wasn't the best sleeper but as pregnancy progresses, I'm finding it a real struggle. I know alot of you will have same sleep challenge but for me it's extended to an anxiety that creeps in as soon as it starts to get dark out.

I sleep for about 60 to 90mins and then up again. Another round of 60 to 90 and then up again. And finally I might get 2to3 hours.

I'm sleeping propped up on pillows but jolt awake thinking I might be too flat or because my nose has gotten really cold. I've got an essential oil.diffuser on at night Time to help relax.

Does anyone else have similar experience and how do they manage?

An anxious first time single mum

I am exactly the same as you OP! I find that what helps me is swapping between spooning my husband on one side and then hugging a pregnancy pillow on the other. I don't like it and I don't sleep as well as I would on my back (like you, it feels like such a relief when I move onto my back but then I have to force myself to turn over!!) but it works and I can get a good nights sleep this way. I also find that if I lean slightly forward, almost as if I am starting to roll onto my tummy, it takes the pressure off my hip a little bit.