Sleep is the body's way of restoring energy, healing illness, and helping your body (and, of course, baby's body) to grow. In the beginning of your pregnancy, sleep is not likely to be a problem — unless getting too much of it gets in the way of your daily life or work activities. Those first few months in particular can be quite draining physically, as your baby requires lots of energy to grow.

But as your pregnancy progresses, and the baby begins to grow larger, your sleep cycle may be negatively impacted by the many twists and turns the baby takes — compounded by kicking at the least opportune moments! Maybe this is the baby's way of preparing you for the sleepless nights ahead, but it's just as likely that baby is simply trying to get comfortable himself.

Most babies in utero sleep less than two hours at a time, and they do tend to stretch a bit in-between naps. If you are having a hard time sleeping through the night (at least eight to 10 hours), you might consider taking smaller naps with baby throughout the day. This may help to coordinate your sleep schedules — a bonus after baby's born!

Change Positions

If it's difficult for you to sleep on your side, try using a full-body pillow and wrap one leg over it to help balance your spine. Or purchase a soft memory-foam mattress that better adjusts to your body's ever-changing shape. Be willing to keep trying different options until you find the one that works for you and helps you get the rest you need for the big job ahead.

Get Some Massages

Massage is known to help with sleep difficulties, since reducing the amount of stress on tired muscles can be key to achieving total relaxation. If you can't afford to visit a massage therapist on a regular basis, consider purchasing some massage oil and a few tension reducers (such as a ball or a wooden or plastic massage tool) and asking your partner to help you to relax better at bedtime.