I'm 18 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child.I've been trying to be good and sleeping on my sides rather than back or stomach. Howerevr, a couple of nights during the last couple of weeks I've woken up with the arm, leg or both on the side I'm sleeping on has fallen asleep. I remember getting Charlie Horses when I was pregnant with my daughter but nothing like this.
Is ther anything I can do to prevent or minimize this?
I get this a lot too. Mine is due to iron deficiency. Have you been tested for anemia?
I used to get that too when I was pregnant. I started putting a huge pillow between by legs from my knees down to my ankles. I actually used the big European pillows in my pillow shams because they were large and square. Otherwise, a body pillow might work.
During my first pregnancy, I had this problem (I'm not far along enough in the second one to know if I will again). Unfortunately, it will get worse as the pregnancy progresses, but it is normal, and the good news is that your body tends to wake itself up so that you can shift. Sometimes, the arm or leg I wasn't even lying on would go numb, I guess because the baby was pressing on a nerve or something. I went to Walmart or Target or wherever and bought a couple of big body-pillows. I would stack them side-by-side on the bed and lie on them for extra padding. This helped keep the the pressure off of various parts of me while I was sleeping. I'm sure other forms of thick (but not firm) padding would work as well. When you get further along in your pregnancy and begin waking up regularly for bathroom breaks, make sure you switch sides every time, to help the blood-flow. You might also talk to your doctor to see if s/he has any suggestions to help relieve the uncomfortable feeling. Good luck.
I had the same thing happen to me at about the same time in my pregnancy with number two. I didn't really want to take any medication (plus, it's not like you can when you're expecting anyways) and went to a chiropractor at the urging of a friend. After about two weeks of adjustments (going 3 times a week), my numbness was completely gone. So I would suggest a chiropractor. Check to see if your insurance covers it, ours did. Good luck and congrats on number two!
temperpedic mattress. I know that sounds like a big endeaver, but My first and the 1st part of my 2nd pregnancy, I spent going numb and sleeping horribly. Then we got a temperpedic mattress, and the rest of my 2nd pregnancy and my thirs I slept so much better. A pregnancy pillow also really helps. Mine was a C shaped one and I LOVE it.
Take Care and congrats on your pregnancy!
Do you see a chiropractor? Chiropractic care can help easy a lot of discomfort during pregnancy and prepare your body for a smooth delivery. Check out www.swensonchiropractic.com if you are interested in traveling to Maplewood. We love Dr. Erick and his team.
I would recommend getting a "pregnancy pillow". There are several designs out there depending on your needs. I had one and Loved it! It supported my neck, belly, and fit between my legs while I slept on my side.
Here are some: http://www.thegentlenest.com/products_bed.html
