I was chatting with another pregnant teacher in school yesterday and she shared with me that indeed she too faced the problem in waking up several times in the middle of the night just to find herself peeing a little... How pek Chey it can feel... She's already a mummy of 2 and it's her third child that she is bearing now. She advised me that in our third trimester, its best to sleep half lying with pillow supporting my back (somewhat like slouching while sitting down) as now, by sleeping sideways (feasible when you're in 1st and 2nd trimester), pregnant ladies will feel uncomfortable too as the baby feels you are pressing her down. Of course, pregnant ladies will find difficulties sleeping by laying flat on the bed as the baby is too heavy in pulling the tummy against the gravity. I goggled some infor on sleeping postures and here's what I have compiled:
(courtesy of babycenter by Donna Arand, sleep expert and American pregnancy association sites):
'Why am I so uncomfortable in my normal positions?
When you are pregnant your body goes through a variety of changes. These changes tend to disrupt your usual peaceful slumber. Reasons may include:
Increased size of abdomen (checked! :()
Back pain (checked! :()
Heartburn (checked! :()
Shortness of breath (checked! :()
Insomnia (checked! :()
What are the best sleep positions?
The best sleep position during pregnancy is "SOS" (sleep on side).In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. Keep your legs and knees bent and a pillow between your legs.
If you find that you are having problems with back pain, use the "SOS" position and try placing a pillow under your abdomen as well.
If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, you may want to try propping your upper body with pillows.
In late pregnancy you may experience shortness of breath; try lying on your side or propped up with pillows.
These suggestions may not sound completely comfortable, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, but try them out and you may find that they work. Keep in mind that you may not stay in one position all night and rotating positions is fine.
What positions should I avoid?
Sleeping on your back: This can cause problems with backaches, breathing, digestive system, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and decrease in circulation to your heart and your baby. This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels (the aorta and vena cava). Back sleeping can make blood pressure drop, causing some expectant moms to experience dizziness. On the other hand, in some moms-to-be it can make blood pressure go up.
Finally, back sleeping can cause snoring and, with increased weight, could lead to sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your stomach: When you are farther along in your pregnancy, your abdomen undergoes physical changes and makes it more difficult for you to lay on your stomach.'
I will be trying out sleeping half lying position with pillows supporting my back now and observe if the uncomfortableness persists. Also, i have to work out a solution to utilize my leaves so as not to get no pay leave and yet, at the same time can ensure my baby's health will not be affected by my work. :((
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