Will I ever sleep peacefully again?

I love, love, love sleep. I used to be a pro napper. Sleep was a priority in my life and not being able to sleep enough has been one of the hardest things that I have had to give up.

I knew that I wouldn't feel great but I wasn't prepared for all of the other things that would disrupt my sleep. I had really bad congestion and couldn't breath. I had really bad heart burn and had to try to sleep slightly upright so the stomach acid wouldn't burn me. I was so hot all the time that we ran the AC into November (in Canada).

The leg and hip pain meant that I couldn't stay in one position for more than an hour. And then as my belly got bigger it became harder and harder to turn. Even small movements took a lot of effort and then it's harder to fall back asleep when you have to come out of a deep sleep to move. You can only sleep on your sides and I realized that I took for granted being able to sleep on my back and stomach.

I opted against getting one of the really big pregnancy pillows. I don't like having anything between my legs or under my head and just wanted something to help prop up my belly. I got one of the pillows that has two sides and a connector in between so that it sandwiches your belly. I found that it moved out of place too easily as I tossed and turned. I ended up ditching it during my second pregnancy and just used regular pillows.

If I had to go back I would have gotten a full pregnancy pillow used or at the thrift store. I think it would have been worth spending the money and trying because sleep is so, so important.