32 weeks and too sore to sleep--advice?

[Adasmommy]

I've been having to flip over many times a night because the side I'm lying on gets sore and I need to lie on the other side.

Just last night I got to the point that when one side gets sore, the other side is still sore and there's no side left for me to lie on that isn't painful so I can't sleep. This happened toward the end of my last pregnancy too (though I don't remember it from my previous pregnancies). So, what can I do to get some sleep?

I'm still not more than 140 lbs. My husband is quite a bit heavier than me and he manages to sleep without crushing himself beneath his bulk! What's up? Anyone been here, done this, maybe even found a solution?

[Buddhamom]

I wish I had advice for you but all I have is sympathy. I will be 28 wks Sun. and I too have to turn from side to side all night because I get numb and painful.  It is such a PITA and does disturb my sleep, but there isn't much choice.  I attribute it to my age (40) since I didn't have it with my first two 20 years ago and I am not heavy at all.  I find that when I flip over my little girl wakes up and started flipping inside too and that makes it harder to fall back to sleep.

[Jayray]

This has been happening to me too, but usually I can flip over and go back to sleep.  For me part of it is sore hips and I think the other part is swelling.  There are wrinkles in my clothes and the sheets that cause painful indentations (edema?).  It sucks.  I started trying to sleep in as little clothing as possible.

Do you sleep with a pillow between your knees or under your belly? 

[noahs.mom06]

Have you tried a wedge pillow? Both my chiro and my massage therapist strongly recommend back sleeping as much as possible, and a wedge pillow to make that possible during pregnancy. I was having the same problem, switching from side to side and still having it hurt when I'd turn back to the first side, and then I got a wedge pillow and it has helped immensely. I use the wedge, with one of those cushy neck pillows for traveling, and then 2 pillows in one pillow case at my butt/under my knees. Since I started being able to sleep on my back again, not only are my hips better, but so are my neck and shoulders, and I'm able to sleep much more deeply.

[Italiamom]

Stretching before bed, and then occasionally biting the bullet and stretching in the middle of the night were the only things that really helped me.  I slept pretty religiously with a pillow between my legs too, which also seemed to help a bit more.  I'm sorry you're dealing with this...  I was so frustrated, because I didn't really get good solid rest for months before DS came, and then of course you have to jump headlong into postpartum recovery and taking care of a new born.  It's the pits!!

[EnchantedMamma]

Tylenol

[Adasmommy]

Originally Posted by noahs.mom06 

Have you tried a wedge pillow? Both my chiro and my massage therapist strongly recommend back sleeping as much as possible, and a wedge pillow to make that possible during pregnancy. I was having the same problem, switching from side to side and still having it hurt when I'd turn back to the first side, and then I got a wedge pillow and it has helped immensely. I use the wedge, with one of those cushy neck pillows for traveling, and then 2 pillows in one pillow case at my butt/under my knees. Since I started being able to sleep on my back again, not only are my hips better, but so are my neck and shoulders, and I'm able to sleep much more deeply.

I'm trying to picture this.  Where does the big side and little side of the wedge go?

[Adasmommy]

Thanks for all the sympathies ;-)  I do sleep with a pillow between my legs.  I never really understood the pillow under the belly.  The belly is so big, how do I fit a pillow under there, and why?  I was thinking of trying a circle of pillows with my belly in the middle and sleep face down.  I thought face down would be better positioning for baby than on my back, but pp's description of back sleeping sounds comfy.  Hmmm...

[EnchantedMamma]

A small wedge will fit, but even with a big body pillow I find that snuggling up close to a pillow give my big tummy something to sort of brace against.

You may not realize it, but as your stomach gets bigger it pulls and that can make you pretty sore come morning. A pillow can help a lot if you're side sleeping.

I love the Snoogle pregnancy pillow as it supports my whole body at various points.

Having something between your knees/legs can also help with the strain on your body.

[~~Sarah~~]

I might have died of exhaustion during my last pregnancy if it weren't for my recliner. Sleeping mostly sitting up saved my hips.

[geekgolightly]

I have been sleeping on the couch, resting my back against the arms of the (pretty comfy!) couch so I am sort of sitting up. It's the only way I can get somewhat comfortable. It works like a wedge pillow, but I am able to get a better angle this way.

[noahs.mom06]

Originally Posted by Adasmommy 

I'm trying to picture this.  Where does the big side and little side of the wedge go?

I use the long side of the wedge on the bed, so that the incline is higher. We got it at Bed Bath & Beyond, I think it cost about $30. It's definitely not ideal for optimal fetal positioning, but I figure if I focus on better positioning during the day, I can justify being comfortable and getting sleep at night, and saving myself from horrible neck and shoulder pain from side sleeping ;)

[Adasmommy]

Okay, googled a snoogle (Dr Suess wishes google and snoogles were around when he was writing), and decided it would fix everything--uncomfortable sleepless nights, backache when I nurse my one-year old, and help with tandem nursing after the new baby is here.  I am sold.  Craigslist is my friend, I should have one later today!

Thanks everyone.  I got lots of ideas from this thread and I think the snoogle can help me to sleep in a more upright reclining position too, if that works better for me.  It might even work for my nest of pillows with a face-down belly in the middle idea--I'll have to look into that.

[atlantafemme]

I wish the Snoogle fixed everything! I have one and still have sore hips every night. I think there may be a more plush version out now that's more expensive than the original version. The original is just too thin for me and I'm small-framed, slim, and 33 weeks along with my 2nd. Because my first ended up being posterior and I had horrific back labor for 3 days as a result, I'm not taking any chances with back sleeping either. I do think having some support is better than none though, especially under/beside your belly, so good luck with the snoogle!  

[Adasmommy]

Thanks.  I got it, and I like it, but you're right, it doesn't solve the sore hips.  I guess my weight is still on my hip and my hip is still on the mattress.  Maybe I need an egg crate.  However, the snoogle was very comfortable and easier than trying to position and keep positioned a dozen pillows.  I really liked using it wrapped around me while I nurse my daughter (sitting up in a chair).  It really did solve my backache while nursing problem.  Someone sent me this link to a very helpful video that explains how your body should be positioned.  I don't think this solves the sore hips on the mattress either, but it does have a lot of good info, and the snoogle does not provide that support.  Neither do I have that many pillows.  But at least I can hug a pillow against my chest while using the snoogle now because I saw this!

http://www.babysteals.com/wp/?p=3911

[EnchantedMamma]

Seriously, if you're not opposed to medication, one Tylenol (I split an extra strength tablet, which gives a lower dose than 325) BEFORE bed makes a huge diff. for my hips.

The snoogle WILL help some, but you're right it's not going to do it all.

[Adasmommy]

I am opposed to medication, but thank you, and thanks also for your explanation of propping the belly.  I'm starting to get it.  I feel like I've learned a lot about what positions are causing or helping with soreness, so now I can do a better job of combating it!

[KittyKat]

Some questions for you:

I know you're trying pillows, that was one of my suggestions.

How is your intake of calcium and magnesium? I find muscle soreness and cramping increases greatly when I am not getting enough magnesium. Taking a calcium and magnesium supplement before bedtime helps my muscles relax and not cramp, helps me fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. I find a ratio of 2:1 calcium/magnesium is most effective for me.

Have you seen a chiropractor at all? Sometimes if you have tension in your pelvic ligaments, it can make you really really uncomfortable. Seeing a chiro in late pregnancy was a lifesaver in my last pregnancy. My hips and lower back felt so much better!

As for medication, I too am opposed to medication, but if none of the other options are helping, there may come a point when the lack of sleep is doing more harm than half a tylenol ever could. Please keep an open mind, because lack of sleep can have serious health consequences for you and for your baby. I'm FAR from pro-meds. I've birthed unmedicated 5 times, I don't even take meds for a headache unless I've already tried lying down and everything else I can. Even then I take the smallest dose i can get. Since i hardly ever use meds, a tiny dose is usually plenty.