3 Ways to Sleep Better While Pregnant

If you're pregnant, you know that a mom's obsession with sleep (or lack thereof) starts long before your bundle of joy is born. Pregnancy sleep is a bit of a conundrum, but it's vital to your health and sense of well-being. Besides the typical "don't sleep on your back" advice, there's not much out there in the way of pregnancy sleep help.

Although there are unavoidable side effects of pregnancy that will certainly affect your sleep (hello, sciatic nerve pain), there are a few ways your can help your body rest.

1. Use the Right Equipment

The right sleep equipment starts with the basics: a soft, flexible mattress. Your body needs all the support it can get when you lay down every night. Also, an old mattress may lack the features to help you stay an optimum temperature—a must-have for any overheating pregnant mom. Beyond a good mattress, consider investing in a pregnancy body pillow. Your partner may be jealous, but for a pregnant mom, there's nothing better than spooning a body pillow.

2. Get Moving—Comfortably

Aches and pains are unavoidable during pregnancy, but the right exercise or yoga routine can go a long way toward alleviating some of the pressure from added weight. Ask your care provider about a few stretches you can do throughout the day or before bed, and research a yoga flow or exercise routine designed for pregnancy. As always, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

3. Protect Your Mattress for Peace of Mind

Night sweats and morning sickness are common maladies for the pregnant woman, and they're both bad news for your mattress. Add to that the possibility of your water breaking during the night, and you have a recipe for worrying about your mattress. Invest in a mattress protector that won't detract from your overall comfort—and sleep easy.