Bump Update: Week 33

You're in the thick of your third trimester now. Sleep (and comfort in general) might be difficult to come by these days, but you've come so far and don't really have that long to go! Here are the newest developments from this week.

Whether it's because your body is growing to a more ungainly shape and size, or just because you're busy thinking about your to-do list before baby comes, many mothers-to-be experience insomnia, especially during the third trimester.

This strange phenomenon may be caused by several different things, including:

• worries about the upcoming birth and all that goes with it
• increased nighttime trips to the bathroom to urinate
• leg cramps and circulation issues
• hunger
• snoring
• heartburn and acid reflux
• aches, pains, and general discomfort of pregnancy

For all these reasons and more, your sleep might not be as good as it used to be. Ignore all the moms telling you that "it's your body's way of getting ready for sleepless nights with baby!" and do your best to get that good rest while you can. Even if you toss and turn at night, you're probably getting more sleep than you think. Here are some tips to help you avoid insomnia:

1. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, and sleep aids. Let your body do it's thing without uppers or downers messing your natural processes up.
2. Fill your daily water requirement well before bedtime to cut down on nighttime trips to the bathroom.
3. Invest in a pregnancy pillow and adjust the temperature in your room for optimal comfort.
4. Eat dinner well before bedtime and take small and measured bites. Sit up for a couple hours after eating to ensure digestion and prevent heartburn.
5. Don't look at the clock, and get out of bed if you've been awake for more than 30 minutes. Do a small and mundane (but not physically exerting) task, then return to bed and try again.

Even with all these tips, sleep might still be a struggle. Some find that meditating before bed helps to clear their mind. If you still have concerns, ask your medical provider for suggestions. Relax, mama. You've got this!

Baby has reached a fascinating stage of development where you can tell a difference in their movement between day and night. My baby always did his biggest kicks right as I was dozing off each night, which took some getting used to. Pay attention to the patterns, and get to know your baby's preferences or things that excite him or her.

The fetal immune system is developing, but will continue to do so during the first couple years of life. This is why it's so common for young children to get sick often; they are literal hotbeds of germs. Rest assured that most children grow out of this stage by age 3 or 4, though.

Fluid levels are also rising or "maxing out," meaning that the amniotic sack is now completely full of either baby or amniotic fluid. Remember to go easy on foods heavy in sodium and to walk daily to avoid any swelling.  

Do some prenatal yoga and meditation before bed each night to banish the pregnancy insomnia. Coupled with positive affirmations and some simple aroma therapy, you're well on your way to sweet pregnancy dreams--even if you do have to get up to pee a few times.