Skip navigation

Problems sleeping during pregnancy

You may sleep well -- and more often than usual -- during the first trimester. Your body is working hard to make a baby, so you will tire easily and need to sleep a lot. But later in your pregnancy, you may have a hard time sleeping well.

Why Is It Hard to Sleep During Pregnancy?

Your baby is growing bigger, which can make it hard to find a comfy sleeping position. If you've always been a back or stomach sleeper, you might have trouble getting used to sleeping on your side (as doctors recommend). Also, shifting around in bed becomes harder as you get bigger.

Other things may keep you from sleeping:

  • More trips to the bathroom: Your kidneys are working harder to filter the extra blood your body is making. This results in more urine. Also, as your baby grows, there is more pressure on your bladder. Together, this means a lot more trips to the bathroom.
  • Increased heart rate: Your heart rate increases during pregnancy to pump more blood. This may make it harder to sleep.
  • Shortness of breath: At first, pregnancy hormones can make you breathe more deeply. This might make you feel like you're working harder to get air. Also, as the baby takes up more space, it can put more pressure on your diaphragm (the muscle just below your lungs).
  • Aches and pains: Pains in your legs or back are caused in part by the extra weight you're carrying.
  • Heartburn: During pregnancy, the entire digestive system slows down. Food stays in the stomach and bowels longer. This may cause heartburn, which is often worse at night anyway.
  • Stress and Dreams: Many pregnant women worry about the baby or about becoming a parent, which can make it hard to sleep. Vivid dreams and nightmares are common during pregnancy. Dreaming and worrying more than usual is normal, but try not to let it keep you up at night.

How Can I Get Comfortable?

Try sleeping on your side. Lying on your side with your knees bent will likely be the most comfortable position. It makes it easier for your heart to pump because it keeps the baby from putting pressure on the large vein that carries blood back to the heart from your legs.

Many doctors tell pregnant women to sleep on the left side. Sleeping on the left side also improves blood flow among the heart, the fetus, uterus, and kidneys. It also keeps pressure off your liver. If your left hip starts to be too uncomfortable, it is ok to switch for a while to your right side. It is best not to sleep flat on your back.

Try using pillows under your belly or between your legs. Also, using a bunched-up pillow or rolled-up blanket at the small of your back may relieve some pressure. You can also try an egg crate type of mattress on your side of the bed to give some relief for sore hips.

More Sleeping Tips

These tips will safely improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep:

  • Cut out, or limit, drinks like soda, coffee, and tea. These drinks have caffeine and will make it harder for you to sleep.
  • Avoid drinking a lot of fluids or eating a big meal within a few hours of going to bed. Some women find it helps to eat a big breakfast and lunch, then have a smaller dinner.
  • If nausea keeps you up, eat a few crackers before you go to bed.
  • Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
  • Avoid exercise right before you go to bed.
  • Do something to relax before you go to bed. Try soaking in a warm bath for 15 minutes, or having a warm, caffeine-free drink, like milk.
  • If a leg cramp wakes you up, press your feet hard against the wall or stand on the leg.
  • Take short naps during the day to make up for lost sleep at night.

If you feel stressed or anxious about becoming a mom, think about taking a childbirth class to help you prepare for being a parent.

  • Also talk to your doctor about techniques to deal with stress.
  • Learning to deal with your stress and worries will make it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

Can I Take Anything to Help Me Sleep?

Do not take any sleep aids. This includes over-the-counter medicines and herbal products. They are not recommended for pregnant women. Don’t take any medicines for any reason without talking to your health care provider.

Update Date: 6/29/2012 12:00:00 AM

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

MedlinePlus Topics

A.D.A.M Quality Logo

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.

A.D.A.M Logo