The importance of rest during pregnancy is well documented. Any woman who has ever been pregnant will tell you that getting enough rest is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. You will find that you are tired sooner at night and even in the middle of the day, especially in the first trimester and late in the third.
Getting enough rest is generally not very difficult with the first pregnancy. You have no other children to care for, so you can take a nap whenever you feel tired. Even if you are working, you can fit in time for rest when you get home in the evening. If you are tired on your day off, you are free to sleep in.
The prospect of getting extra rest becomes a bit more difficult with your second pregnancy. You already have a baby, toddler or small child to care for. This makes resting at any time of the day or night impossible.
However, extra rest is still possible with one other child. You can take a nap with your child, if you are a stay at home mom. It is also easier to get to bed early when there is only one child to bathe, read with and get off to bed.
It is during your third and subsequent pregnancies that getting extra sleep becomes really challenging. Sure you may be able to talk your children into a cozy family nap in Mommy’s bed, but these instances may be few and far between. You will have to get a bit more creative to get your rest.
Try to get a nap when your partner gets home from work. Even an hour may help you feel refreshed and combat the fatigue which plagues pregnant women in early pregnancy. If your partner resists, offer to trade some time to himself for some time for you.
Sometimes stay at home mothers work out a child care sharing arrangement with another stay at home mom. All moms need some time to get things done or just be alone for a while. Trading off time with another mom can give you both the time you need. Use your time without kids to put your feet up and get some sleep.
If all else fails and you must get some rest, put on a movie and snuggle with the kids. You may not be able to sleep, but you can stretch out and get a rest while the kids are watching a movie. Yes, I know, television is evil and isn’t a babysitter. But sometimes it can offer you a much needed, albeit brief respite. There’s nothing wrong with that!
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