How Being Pregnant Affects Your Sleep
Most doctors recommend pregnant women get eight to 10 hours of rest every night. Unfortunately, many women have trouble sleeping during pregnancy. Understanding how your sleeping patterns may change throughout the various stages of pregnancy, from your first trimester to your third, can help you prepare accordingly.
First, a growing belly can put pressure on your internal organs, like your bladder increasing the need to urinate. When youre hopping up to pee constantly, sleeping through the night can feel impossible. A growing bump also places pressure on the diaphragm, raising the risk of uncomfortable heartburn and acid reflux.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy are another factor. In the third trimester, for example, increased levels of estrogen can cause nasal tissue swelling. This can increase the risk of sleep apnea and snoring. Hormones can also cause issues like hot flashes, which can leave you overheating, sweaty, uncomfortable and unable to snooze.
Restless leg syndrome is yet another issue common among pregnant women that can interfere with a decent nights sleep. This is characterized by an uncontrollable need to move your legs, causing twitching, kicking, and other unpleasant sensations.
What Causes A Change In Sleep During Pregnancy
Poor sleep during pregnancy is caused by several factors, of which the wrong mattress type is one. From the first trimester, fluctuations in hormone levels cause widespread discomfort and other problems that make it difficult to sleep and stay sleeping. This may include weakness, vomiting, breast tenderness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, higher body temperature, frequent nocturnal urination, and leg cramps. Pregnant women may also be hot sleepers.
Over time, pregnant women may also experience back pain and sometimes pain in the hips and shoulders while laying on any mattress type, and irrespective of sleeping position, making it difficult to adjust comfortably to the baby bulge, especially if the baby starts kicking at night.
Concerns about an impending birth, being a mother for the first time, balancing work with the new life, or searching for pressure relief caused by pressure points from the pregnancy and other worries can make your head spin at night. Many pregnant women experience vivid and distressing nightmares throughout the third trimester, compromising sleep quality.
Although it is common for a lot of pregnant women to have at least some of the above symptoms, they can sometimes be associated with a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are linked to potential problems for the mother or baby, so it’s crucial to speak with your doctor if you notice any symptoms.
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
2. Restless Legs Syndrome
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
Top Organic Mattress for Pregnant Woman
There are many advantages to owning a quality mattress and PlushBeds offers just that. Botanical Bliss is made of organic ingredients and free of particular chemicals that can be harmful when released into the atmosphere. It combines a supportive base layer of Dunlop latex with a comfortable quilted cover that is made of organic cotton.
Botanical Bliss Organic Memory Foam Mattress is one of the ideal and top pregnancy mattresses choices, with its organic materials and special pregnancy comfort zones. These mattresses are available in two firmness options. One is the Medium Firm, which is suitable if you weigh less than 130 pounds. The second is a Firm mattress that is suitable for sleepers with a weight of more than 130 pounds.
The best part is that all the products of PlushBeds are GOTS certified. Thus you can be sure that the mattress is free from any kind of harmful chemical. So, if you are looking for a pregnancy mattress, you can give it a try on this organic mattress.
Price: Ranges from $1,049 $2,549
Specifications:
Most comfortable mattress for pregnancy
The Amerisleep is the perfect and the best mattress for pregnant women. Pregnant women often suffer from back pain, hip pain, and shoulder pain while in bed, and Amerisleep mattress can help with that. Moreover, the mattress has been designed to offer a responsive sleep experience. It is fully adjustable and designed for couples with different sleep preferences.
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Tips For Sleeping Better While Pregnant
Dont sleep on your back in the late second and all of the third trimester, because the weight of the baby and the uterus can put pressure on the large vein that returns blood to the heart, Dr. Kim Langdon, an OB-GYN, tells Healthline.
Putting pressure on this vein can tank blood pressure and reduce blood flow to baby.Sleeping on your side is safer and might be more comfortable, so long as your mattress is supportive and not sagging.If you fall asleep easily, nighttime bathroom visits might still get in the way of quality deep sleep. To lower your chances of a full bladder waking you up, dont drink too much liquid close to bedtime.If you struggle to fall asleep, focus on comfort. Make sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, and use pillows to help support your belly.
What Is The Most Comfortable Way To Sleep While Pregnant
No matter how uncomfortable a nights sleep you may have been having, its unlikely that a pregnancy will make your sleep any worse. In fact, its likely to make it better. At least, thats what mothers of multiple children claim. Many find their sleep gets better with every pregnancy because they know what to expect and how the changes in their bodies affect their sleep.A big part of that, many women report, is that they sleep more on their side. While this is the ideal sleeping position for pregnant women, it can also be the most uncomfortable one. The best way to sleep on your side is to find a pillow that will support your body and keep your hips level.
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Why Sleep During Pregnancy Is So Important
Good sleep during pregnancy is vital for both mother and baby. On the mother’s side, these lidless nights lead to tiredness and daytime drowsiness, of which the wrong mattress type can worsen. Sleep also plays an important role in decision-making, learning, memory retention, appetite, and mood – all of which are important in preparing for the reception of a newborn in your home.
Research also reveals that pregnant women who take too much or too little sleep during early pregnancy are likely to develop high blood pressure in that pregnancy’s third trimester. Severe lack of sleep in early pregnancy can also increase the risk of preeclampsia, an ailment likely to lead to premature birth and long-term complications of the mother’s kidneys, heart, and other vital organs.
Although further research is needed to understand other variables for pregnant women, lack of sleep risks cesarean section deliveries, preterm birth, depression, low birth weight, and painful labor. New studies also infer that low sleep quality during pregnancy may forecast crying and sleep issues in newborns.
How Long Is The Sleep Trial
Fifteen minutes in a mattress store will not tell you as much about your mattress as a few weeks sleeping on it. Many mattress companies want to alleviate concerns about buyers remorse by building in policies that allow you to try the mattress out in your home before committing to keeping it. Check the fine print and see what the brand offers in terms of returns and pick-up costs. They may even be able to donate the mattress to a good cause!
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Sleep Trials Return Policies And Warranties
Sleep trials, return policies, and warranties reassure customers of a sound purchase that will last for years. Some mattress brands offer white glove delivery service for an extra feesetup of a new mattress and old mattress removal.
Sleep Trial
Sleep trials enable customers to try a new mattress at home instead of a store with hovering salesmen. Most sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights, with some mattress companies requiring customers to keep the bed at least 30 days. If the customer doesnt like the mattress, most companies will arrange to pick up and donate the bed before issuing a full refund.
Return Policy
If there isnt a sleep trial, look at the return policy. Return policies last 30 daysabout the same time it can take to adjust to a new bed. Should the customer not like the mattress, they can return it for a refund.
Warranty
Warranties cover manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch. Most mattress brands include a 10-year warranty but only applies to the original purchaser.
Qualities Of The Best Mattress For Pregnancy
Remember the time when the toughest shopping choice you had to make was about the flavor of ice cream you want to eat? Well, the choices of mattresses are almost as difficult as this one, except that it is a big investment and you probably cannot make this choice more than once in at least 5 years.
It is intimidating to see so many variations of something as simple as a mattress, but it is important to understand each and every quality of the mattress that you must be looking for in order to identify the best mattress for pregnancy. Here are a few qualities that you have to choose from. Once you understand your sleeping needs, you can easily pick the best mattress for pregnancy.
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Some Benefits Of Latex Mattresses Are:
Contouring
Mattresses that contour to your body’s shape provide a customized feel, which is something some pregnant crave. Not to mention, contouring also helps to relieve pressure points on hips and shoulders, and eases minor aches and pains. While memory foam does provide contouring properties, if it conforms too closely, it could restrict airflow and impact a good nights sleep.
Latex is a more breathable option, making it ideal for hot sleepers. It’s not as likely to restrict airflow and retain both mattress and body heat, but it still contours to your body’s shape to relieve shoulder and hips pressure points, which is a key benefit for pregnant women.
Organic Materials
There are many benefits to an organic latex mattress for pregnant women, such as:
1. GOTS-certified organic mattresses don’t include pesticides, formaldehyde, or chemical flame retardants.
2. Natural latex doesn’t contain the toxic chemicals you often find in many foam mattresses.
3. Organic wool typically acts as a natural flame barrier.
These three benefits alone are very appealing to either pregnant women or those spending time in bed with their new babies.
Also, while the exact impact of environmental pollutants that could be passed from mothers to their newborns isn’t known, there have been studies that found flame retardant chemicals in the breast milk of women.
Many synthetic mattresses contain PBDEs, but not latex mattresses.
Temperature Regulation and Breathability
Balanced Feel
Motion Isolation
Is Mattress Latex Or Memory Foam
Experts recommend pregnant women to always sleep on their sides. This is great news for side sleepers. For good night sleep, you can opt to a memory foam mattress. They are good at providing a soft and comfortable surface that essential for a perfect slumber. For best performance, you can combine the two-latex and memory foam.
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Types Of Mattresses For Pregnancy
Although some types of mattresses are objectively better than others, the best mattress for you can vary on your personal needs. Generally, pregnant women need mattresses that alleviate pain and pressure and support their backs and stomachs. Other useful features include breathability, bounciness, and being budget-friendly.
Tips For Sleeping Better During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy
Pregnancy sleep tips – First Trimester
- The first trimester may have you feeling more tired and warmer than usual so adopt an earlier bedtime and use breathable bedding
- You may feel tired during the day and have insomnia at night! Nap during the day as much as you can
- Enjoy any sleep position but practice side sleeping with a pillow between your knees
- This is a good time to start pregnancy yoga if permitted by your doctor, light exercise could also ease insomnia
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Lucid 12 Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress
From the very beginning, the 12-inch Lucid Hybrid Mattress was an outlier. It is the only mattress Restonic has ever made that is larger than 10-inches, and it is the only one that is made of a combination of memory foam and natural latex.
Latex and memory foam: two very different mattress materials, but they make a wonderful duo when placed side by side. Thats what happens in the Lucid latex hybrid mattress, where 6.5-inch high-quality steel coils are individually-wrapped to increase airflow, isolate motion, and conform to individual sleep styles, while a plush memory foam layer is topped with natural latex for the perfect combination of sink and spring.
The result is a mattress that supports your body from head to toe, and that can be custom-sized to your body type.
What I Like:
- Lucid 12 Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress is not too hard and not too soft. This mattress is considered to have balance firmness, and it is good for most people who are not too sensitive to firmness.
- It also features a cool and airflow set up to keep your body cool and relaxed during sleep.
Best Mattress For Pregnancy
Getting a good nights sleep while pregnant can be difficult. Pregnant women experience changing bodies, sensitivities to noise and smell, and aches and pains, alongside other symptoms that can disrupt sleep. It is essential for pregnant women to get restful sleep, as sleep disturbances throughout the third trimester can negatively impact labor and delivery. The mattress you choose should help minimize sleep disturbances and provide comfort during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their sides, especially in the second and third trimesters. Some women may find that when they sleep on their sides, their mattress is not as comfortable as it would be for back or stomach sleeping. In addition to mattress firmness, pregnant women will likely want to consider how well their mattress isolates motion and regulates temperature.
The best mattresses for pregnancy will help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort women experience, while reducing sleep disturbances for those who share a bed with a partner. Well share our top mattress picks, based on extensive product research, testing, and verified customer feedback. Well also take a closer look at the relationship between pregnancy and sleep, along with considerations for pregnant women to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress.
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Can You Customize Or Order Split Comfort
The ability to customize your mattress to your specifications or select two different comfort levels for your mattress adds considerably to the value of your purchase and the longevity of your investment. A mattress matched to your sleep needs both present and future is likely to retain its usefulness and enhance intimacy with your partner if both are getting the rest you require from the same bed.
A dual-sided choice may also be a wise choice if you expect your sleep needs to change considerably post-pregnancy.
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The Best Mattress For Pregnancy
Instead of constantly waking up in the middle of the night, choose a mattress to soothe pregnancy discomforts and ensure better sleep. The Amerisleep AS2 is our choicethe medium-firm feel conforms to the body for pressure point relief while providing enhanced support to the midsection for optimal comfort.
About the author
McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer focused on sleep health and the mattress industry. She currently writes articles on a variety of topics, ranging from sleep hygiene to the newest trends in the mattress and bedding industry. Just some of the topics she has covered include best sleep practices for students, the consequences of going without sleep, and choosing the right bed if you suffer from back pain. McKenzie Hyde holds a Master of Arts degree from Utah State University where she studied literature and writing. While there, she taught argumentative writing and wrote a variety of articles and analyses for literary and academic journals.
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How To Sleep Most Comfortable During Pregnancy
At the beginning of your pregnancy, you probably wont need to alter your sleeping habits all that much. Later on, however, you are probably going to be a side sleeper. If you are one already, then you are ahead of the game!
It might be a good idea to find a nice supportive pillow or two to use while you sleep. There are special body pillows for that, by the way. You can also put a regular one in between your legs while you are sleeping since this will help to keep your spine properly aligned, which is necessary for a good nights sleep.
Memory Foam Mattress In Pregnancy
A memory foam mattress would be my first choice if I were expecting another baby. I would also personally recommend a memory foam mattress to anyone. The technology alleviates pressure points and conforms to your ever-changing body shape.
Due to the viscoelastic nature of memory foam,viscosity plus elasticity, the mattress was designed to resist stress, and here is the magic part, once the stress has beenremoved, it will return to its normal shape! Therefore, you need have no qualmsabout having to sleep in a pregnant bump size dip once your baby has been born!
It alsomeans that your partner will sleep in their body recess and you will sleep inyours, his tossing and turning wont affect you and your constant trips to thebathroom wont have any effect on his side of the bed either! Motion transfer technology!
Though the posture support that the memory foam gives during pregnancy is perfect, if youre a particularly hot sleeper, because a memory foam mattress is so dense, it can retains heat. As the mattress cradles you, it can be difficult to cool down.
Please be aware, this is not the same for every memory foam mattress, and certainly not the case for me with the Tempur mattress. But it has been known that people have struggled to stay cool on a memory foam mattress even when not pregnant.
Yourmattress should help keep your spineperfectly aligned so that you wake up feeling refreshed.
Dont mostpregnant women seem to invariably have a hand in the small of their back?
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