Sleeping While Pregnant: How to Finally Get Comfortable
Sleep is supposed to be when your body rests and recovers—but if you’re pregnant, it can feel like the opposite. Many expecting moms tell me that as their pregnancy progresses, sleep becomes harder to come by. Between back pain, hip pressure, and constantly shifting to find a comfortable position, it’s easy to wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed.
At Mountain Movement Chiropractic, we see this all the time, and the good news is that there are safe, natural ways to improve comfort and sleep quality during pregnancy.
Why Sleep Gets Harder During Pregnancy
As your baby grows, your posture, center of gravity, and joint mechanics all start to change. Hormones loosen ligaments to prepare your body for delivery, but that flexibility can also create extra strain on your spine and hips. Add in the weight of your belly and changes in circulation, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for restless nights.
For many women, lying flat on their back becomes uncomfortable or even makes them feel lightheaded as the baby presses against major blood vessels. That’s why side sleeping—especially on your left side—is typically the most comfortable and safest position during pregnancy. It helps improve blood flow to both you and your baby and reduces pressure on your spine and organs.
Finding the Right Sleeping Position
If you’re struggling to get comfortable, the right pillow setup can make all the difference. Try placing a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned, another under your belly for support, and one behind your back to prevent rolling onto your back during the night. Some patients love full-body pregnancy pillows because they combine all three supports into one.
Even small changes, like slightly bending your knees or using a wedge pillow, can relieve tension in your lower back and hips. The key is to find a position that supports your growing body while keeping pressure off your spine.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is gentle, safe, and specifically adapted to the needs of expecting moms. By keeping your spine and pelvis aligned, chiropractic adjustments can help your body move the way it’s supposed to—reducing pain, improving balance, and making it easier to get comfortable at night.
At Mountain Movement Chiropractic, we focus on restoring healthy movement patterns so your muscles and joints work together efficiently. Many of our pregnant patients notice that after just a few visits, they’re sleeping better, experiencing less hip and back pain, and waking up more refreshed.
Other Tips for Better Sleep
Along with chiropractic care, a few lifestyle adjustments can go a long way toward better sleep. Light stretching or gentle movement before bed can release tension and improve circulation. Staying hydrated throughout the day but cutting back before bedtime helps reduce nighttime bathroom trips. Keeping your room cool and dark can also make it easier to stay asleep longer.
Avoiding screens before bed, using a supportive mattress, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule all contribute to better rest during pregnancy.
You Deserve to Rest Easy
Pregnancy is one of the most amazing times in your life, but it can also be one of the most physically demanding. You shouldn’t have to push through sleepless nights and constant discomfort. With the right care and a few simple adjustments, better sleep is absolutely possible.
If you’re ready to move more comfortably, sleep more soundly, and enjoy your pregnancy with less pain, we’re here to help.
📍 Mountain Movement Chiropractic – Spearfish, SD
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