LOG IN OR SIGN UP
Log in to your account
Sign up

What Should I Eat Before Going To Bed During Pregnancy?

03 September 2020 | 0 comments | Posted by Shelly Lopez in Parental Guidance

What to eat before bed when pregnant

Eating during pregnancy can be a challenge. Although you are “eating for two,” that doesn’t mean you should eat whatever you want, whenever you want. Not only is maintaining a healthy diet essential but what you eat -- and when -- can have a significant effect on how you feel.

Case in point? Eating before bed. Although you might be hungry for a snack before turning in for the night, what you choose to nosh on can mean the difference between a restful night’s sleep or waking up with heartburn, sour stomach, and other digestive discomforts.

Sleeping while pregnant can be challenging enough, finding a comfortable position with your growing belly and the aches and pains that come with it, so there’s no need to make things worse by heading to bed with a belly full of spicy hot wings.

But what should you snack on -- and when?

How to avoid pregnancy sleep discomforts

One of the most common complaints among pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy is heartburn. The uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat is caused by stomach acid moving up into your oesophagus, brought on by the pressure of your baby on your digestive system and the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy. Although this is a normal occurrence that’s to be expected, the food you eat can worsen the discomfort.

In general, pregnant women should avoid fried or spicy foods, at least right before bed. If you choose those foods, it’s best to have them earlier in the day, so you have time to digest before bed. Drinking caffeinated and carbonated beverages can also worsen heartburn (and caffeine can keep you up at night on its own), so it’s best to avoid them within a few hours of bedtime.

But what can I eat?

Avoiding foods that can cause heartburn is only part of the equation when eating before bed when you’re pregnant. If you’re hungry, you may have trouble sleeping -- and you’re likely to wake up feeling famished and cranky.

The key to eating a nighttime snack is to keep it small (going to bed uncomfortably full is just as bad as going to bed hungry, and a recipe for digestive discomfort) and choose a lean, protein-rich snack that will curb hunger for longer. Protein takes longer to digest and metabolize than carbohydrates, so you’re less likely to awaken in a few hours feeling hungry again.

In simpler terms, this means bypassing the cookies and candy and choosing healthier options that are heavy on protein.

Some good choices include:

  • A small banana with a dollop of peanut butter (bananas are high in potassium, too, which can help keep those nighttime leg cramps at bay).
  • Half a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread (turkey also contains tryptophan, which might help you fall asleep faster). String cheese.
  • A few whole-grain crackers with cheese or peanut butter.
  • A cup of low-fat, sugar-free yoghurt. Greek yoghurt has plenty of protein, and you can add some sugar-free granola or some berries for flavour.
  • A handful of nuts (almonds are a great choice -- they can help you fall asleep faster!)
  • Eggs. Snack on a boiled egg or two for a quick protein boost that will stave off hunger all night.

What if I have cravings

If you are craving something salty and crunchy, try some air-popped popcorn made with coconut oil and a sprinkle of salt. Skip the microwave popcorn, though, which is loaded with fat and salt, which can make you feel more uncomfortable. Better yet? Munch on a handful of fresh veggies with some hummus, for a nutrient and protein-packed snack that won’t keep you awake.

The best way to manage your late-night cravings is to eat regularly -- and healthfully -- throughout the day. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day, rather than a few larger meals, can help keep your hormones balanced and reduce your cravings, while also helping you feel fuller for longer.

Give yourself time to digest

That said if you do decide to have a nighttime snack, try to eat about two hours before you go to bed. This allows time for the food to digest and reduces your risk of heartburn. It can also keep your blood sugar and hormones regulated, reducing late-night temptations and hunger pangs.

In time, regulating your eating schedule and staying consistent can help you avoid late-night overindulgences, get better sleep, and help you maintain a healthier, happier pregnancy.

Tell us your story

Would you like to write for nichemarket just like Alissa has? Find out how to submit a guest post and when you're ready, you can contact us.

Are you looking to promote your business?

South African childcare businesses can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. 

Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign up form and follow the instructions. If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles.

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have time to spare why not check out these related posts and dive deeper down the rabbit hole that is parenting.

Tags: Pregnancy, Guest Post

Previous: {{ previousBlog.sTitle }}

Posted {{ previousBlog.dtDatePosting }}

Next: {{ nextBlog.sTitle }}

Posted {{ nextBlog.dtDatePosting }}

You might also like

enhance investment returns with these hacks

5 Hacks To Enhance Your Return on Investments

21 October 2024

Posted by Jessica Williams in Money Talks


Discover proven strategies to maximize your investment gains. Learn how to make your money work harder for you through smart financial choices and ex...

Read more
Architect fees calculation

How Architects Calculate Their Fees

20 October 2024

Posted by Che Kohler in Constructive Criticism


Learn about factors influencing costs, common fee structures, and tips for negotiating fair rates. Get expert insights for your next project and meth...

Read more

Leave us a comment


{{comment.sUserName}}

{{comment.iDayLastEdit}} day ago

{{comment.iDayLastEdit}} days ago

{{comment.sComment}}

Sign up for our newsletter