Finding a comfortable sleeping position when pregnant can be hard.  It is important to get a good night’s sleep to help keep you and your baby healthy.  Here are some things you can do to have a more restful sleep.

YES: left or right side.

During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, sleeping on your left side with your knees bent is best for you and your baby. Sleeping on your right side is OK if the left side is not possible. Both will be more comfortable and reduce swelling in your feet, ankles and hands.

NO: back or tummy.

Experts say that you should not sleep on your tummy or back during the 2nd or 3rd trimesters. The pressure of the baby can make backaches and hemorrhoids worse. If you wake up during the night on your back or tummy, just turn to the side and go back to sleep.

Use lots of pillows.

Try putting one pillow between your legs and another pillow behind your back — or any other combination that helps you sleep. For extra support, try using a wedge-shaped pillow or a 5-foot full-body pillow.

Prop yourself up.

If pillows don’t help, try sleeping in a semi-upright position in a recliner (if you have one) instead of the bed.

Reduce caffeine.

Drinks with caffeine make it more likely you will need to pee during the night.

Eat small meals.

Eating small, mild meals more often will make you feel less full and make it easier to sleep.