Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Trouble sleeping....

For the past few weeks, I have been having trouble sleeping.  Most of the trouble stems from the fact that my bladder is waking me up at least once in the middle of the night, usually around 3am.  Even when I pee right before I get in bed, I still have to go during the night.  It is quite annoying, but I guess it is just a side effect of this exciting thing called pregnancy!

The other troublesome part of sleeping these days is the fact that I am - or should I say WAS - a stomach sleeper.  My favorite pre-prego sleeping position was laying-on-my-stomach, arm-under-the-pillow, one leg straight and the other bent at a 90-degree angle.  I am not sure exactly what to call that position but I definitely called it comfy when I was able to sleep that way.  Now, being pregnant, laying on my stomach is not an option so I am stuck with he laying-on-my-side position (the left side is supposedly better for me and the baby).  It's not that I don't like lying on my side, but when that is the only option you have, it gets old after awhile!  

I still lay with my arm under my pillow (whichever arm is on the side that I am laying on) but now the problem is that I wake up with one of my hands numb. And, not just a little tingly but all out numb....as in, I can't feel it at all.  It is a very strange feeling and, at first, I was a little worried.  Now, I just chalk it up to the fact that I am laying on my arm and that is the reason for it.  

Back in January, I bought a "maternity pillow" from Bed, Bath & Beyond.  It is called the Snoogle.  I didn't use it for awhile, but this past weekend I started using it and it has really helped!!  As you can see from the picture below, there are two different ways that you can lay on the pillow.  I think it really helps to have the support either on my back or under my stomach. Also, having the pillow between my legs helps my hips and back.  I would highly recommend it for all pregnant women!  Keith, on the other hand, might disagree with me since the pillow takes up a lot of room in the bed and it also isn't very "cuddle-friendly". A few nights ago, he tried to cuddle up to me and I think he got more of the pillow than he did me. haha 


A co-worker of mine told me that sleep troubles when you are pregnant are just God's way of preparing you for the sleep deprivation you will have once the baby arrives.  I certainly think that makes sense, but why wouldn't He want you to get all the sleep you can get now??  I think me and God are going to have a talk about this one.....

3 comments:

Kristen said...

My pregnancy pillow saved me! I was having trouble sleeping during my first trimester, so I bought one and slept awesome, right up until I went into the hospital to have Abby. But beware, it can be so comfortable that you might not want to give it up after Jacob is born! Take care! :-)

Stacey Gringer said...

I could not believe the similarities between us when I was reading this. My arm (left arm) also started to go numb when I was pregnant. I spoke to my doctor and he suggested putting a pillow slightly under my left side while I slept. It really helped. He said it had something to do with the blood flow to my arm.
I used to also hate getting up to pee when I was pregnant and then I had Grace and I missed those days! Just wait until you start to do all kinds of crazy things due to sleep deprivation!
I also need to add that you looks absolutely amazing! You definitely have that pregnancy glow! I hope the room is coming along for you guys! Take care!

Alexis said...

This is so funny. I could just copy your blog and post it in mine. I too was a stomach sleeper and now I am trying to convert to a left side sleeper. I also have the numb hands when i wake up and the 3am bathroom visits. I actually went to the bathroom within 20 minutes of going to sleep the other night. Sad huh! I keep looking at the pillows and have been debating on spending that much on a pillow. I might just have to get one now :) Bed Bath and beyond have those 20% off coupons right? :)