Getting Comfortable

As your baby grows, you may find it is harder to get comfortable. This is normal. But with a little care and creativity, you can often feel better. These tips can help.

Improve Sleep and Rest

After week 16, sleep and rest on your side instead of your back. Try different positions. Here are ways to support your body:

• Lie on your side with your knees slightly bent.

• Put a pillow between your knees and another beneath your belly. The pillows support you and help keep your spine aligned.

Relax Legs and Feet

You'll want to ease some of the swelling you might feel in your lower legs and feet. Try this:

• Sit with feet raised as often as you can.

• Wear support hose and comfortable, cushioned shoes. Choose loose clothing. Don't tie shoes too tight.

• Move around when you're on your feet. Shift your weight often.

• Put one foot up on a step or stool when standing in one place.

Ease Your Back

As you move toward the third trimester, your back may start to ache. Keep active.

• Practice good posture. Stand with your ears, shoulders, and hips in a line. Try to tighten your abdominal muscles.

• Do pelvic tilts at least twice a day.

Manage Mood Swings

You might experience mood changes. These swings could be due to shifts in hormone levels. Or they might reflect all the changes in your life right now.

• Talk to others about your feelings. Seek out women friends or relatives. Always ask your health care provider about any advice you hear. That way you can avoid false information.

• Eat healthy foods. Limit sugar and caffeine.

• Stay active, but get plenty of rest.

Control Urinary Frequency

You may find you need to urinate more often. At first, this is because you have more body fluids. Later, it is caused by the uterus pressing against your bladder.

• Drink plenty of water all day. If you drink a lot in the evening, though, you may have to get up more in the night.

• Limit coffee, tea, and cola.

• When you urinate, lean forward so your bladder empties completely.

Stop Heartburn

Hormones produced in pregnancy cause muscles in the digestive tract to relax. This causes food to digest more slowly, which can cause heartburn. Also, by now, your baby is big enough to press on your organs.

• Eat small meals more often. Eat slowly.

• Avoid spicy foods.

• Sleep with your upper body raised about 6 inches.

• Wait 2 hours after eating to lie down.