My doctor says its mandatory though, so I'm loosing hours of sleep every night. I cant get comfortable. It hurts my left shoulder and collar bone and my arms have no where to go. Aside from this, I'm having to get up and pee 10 times a night. Pregnant ladies and moms, how do you cope with this???
2006-09-06 06:01:10 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I wouldn't normally suggest it, but ignore your doctor. Sleep however is comfortable for you.
On your next appointment ask for an explanation of WHY the left side is mandatory. I've never heard that one before, and I'm a mom twice over.
If he still insists that it is necessary, then invest in a body pillow. It can help support your weight from shoulder to knees so that you don't have the pressure that causes the pain.
As for the bathroom, try to drink less right before bed. Decrease your fluid intake to just water and milk. Avoid sodas, coffee, teas, and any other "junk" drinks. Your body doesn't use that fluid, so it's passed right back out again. Even juice isn't all processed and used by your body.
It will probably get worse before it's over, so you just have to put up with it if cutting back on fluids doesn't help.
2006-09-06 06:17:17 · answer #1 · answered by welches_grape_jelly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you having signs that you may be at risk for pre-eclampsia? That is the only reason I can think of why a doctor would say that, especially so early in your pregnancy. I would ask him if that is why you are being told to sleep only on your left side. If that isn't the case, then maybe ask why it would be bad to sleep on the right...or even your tummy if it's still comfortable. I remember my OB saying that sleep is so important for your baby and you, that sleeping however you can get comfortable is more important that sleeping on one side or another. Definately ask your doctor. It's important to keep yourself informed as a patient. If he is telling you this because you are at risk for having pre-eclampsia, then it might be best to know this is the case and do some research on it. If he is just telling you what to do (and some doctors DO do that) without a good reason, that is a good data point to have, especially for weighing your options when it comes time for delivery.
Best of luck. As others have mentioned, you may want to look into a nice body pillow too. As you get further along, it is going to be harder and harder to get comfy. Boppy makes a wedge pillow and Snoogle makes a really cool body pillow you can use througout your pregnancy and into motherhood. It's great for if you choose to breastfeed.
Hope this helps, and get some rest! :)
2006-09-06 06:36:06 · answer #2 · answered by Lexicat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don'tknow why he said it was mandatory....it is recommended because it gets the best blood supply and circulation to the baby......I am just about 2 weeks ahead of you ( due Feb 2) and my need to pee all night has gotten better this week....hopefully it will change for you , too. Go get a book called " what to expect when you are expecting" by Heidi Murkoff. It's the pregnancy bible and will help with all these questions. Your question as well as many others that you would not expect is in there. She gives all kinds of advice and even offers some good sleeping positions. It's excellent in describing all of these little things that worry moms and help distinguish when something is "normal" or not.
Good Luck!
2006-09-06 06:06:44 · answer #3 · answered by jachooz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been pregnant 5 times and was NEVER told it was mandatory. As you get bigger in later stages of pregnancy you really can't lay on your back or your stomach as it's too uncomfortable. Laying on your right side is fine. On your left side is the best as it allows blood to flow more freely to your extremeties. I too have a hard time sleeping on my left side. I sleep on my right. And when my hands or feet start to get numb, I roll over for awhile and lay on the left side. So unless you have a circulation or heart disorder, I say you'll be okay on the right side. Good luck honey.
2006-09-06 06:08:40 · answer #4 · answered by jenpeden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sleeping during pregnancy is EXTREMELY difficult (especially when it's on your opposite side)....i never got used to it. But i did find that if you go out and get yourself a body pillow so you can hug it between your legs and arms and also put a pillow behind your back while lying down (you can have someone stuff a pillow behind you) its. Also right before bed take one tylenol, it helps relax your body.
As far as peeing.....Well that's part of the pregnancy!!!!!
2006-09-06 06:07:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My doctor told me to sleep however I was comfortable. My fave way of sleeping is on my stomach and she said I could even do that until I rolled off. I would ask him why it is mandatory. Unless you are high risk then I think it would be worse to not get any sleep. Good luck.
2006-09-06 06:06:45 · answer #6 · answered by mommyofthree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your left side is the best but as long as you arent on your back you are ok. if its possible put the side of the bed against the wall. take a nice fluffy body pillow and prop it up against that wall. you can lean slightly back into it when you sleep put another body pillow in front of you drape your right leg and right arm over it kind of bear hugging it. thats what worked for me. i slept fairly comfortably like that until my 8th month after that you are uncomfortable no matter what you do. good luck
2006-09-06 06:11:09 · answer #7 · answered by dawn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a pregnancy pillow! it's a god send. you can find them at babys r us. It worked in both of my pregnancies. I know laying on one side for so long can be awful. But you're doing the very best for your baby. And if you can't find a pregnancy pillow a body pillow and lots of extra pillows behind your back and under sore spots can help. Good luck little mommy! It's better for your heart and for blood flow to the baby if you are on your left side. If you are on your back or right side it can cause added stress to internal organs and that can lead to high blood pressure and decreased blood/oxygen flow to the placenta. I'm sure your doctor made you aware of this.
2006-09-06 06:07:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you get used to it..I know it sounds bad but thats what I have had to do. I cant sleep on my left side all night, my hips go numb and start hurting so I have to switch from side to side. I also have to get up and use the bathroom 2-3 times a night. And it didnt ease up for me in my second trimester, now it just keeps getting worse. I keep waking up on my back, which isnt good and then having to roll back over (which gets harder and harder to do when your belly keeps getting huge!). You could try propping yourself up at night, but everytime I did my baby wouldnt quit kicking me, hard might I add. Good luck and if you are like me you will have to get used to not sleeping..lol
2006-09-06 06:05:50 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh man that sounds harsh. Apparently its quite common for a pregnant woman not to be able to sleep on her side (left or right depending on the woman). About the peeing 10 times a night.. man i would lose my patience quickly.
Keep in mind that its not for ever... good luck
2006-09-06 06:04:35 · answer #10 · answered by tay_jen1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋