Q: I can't sleep,can't get comfy and my bump keeps going hard.Is this normal?
I am 29 weeks pregnant with my first baby and find it so hard to sleep.I have a maternity pillow,but can't get comfy.I also have hip pain,and am worried because my bump seems to go hard occasionally.Are all these things normal?

A: By 29 weeks,your body is changing dramatically.The high levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone act as a muscle relaxant and your abdominal and pelvic ligaments stretch to accommodate your expanding uterus.This can cause hip and pelvic discomfort.The hip pain may also be due to the position of your baby,who may be lying on your sciatic nerve.If the pain persists,you should ask your midwife on doctor to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist.
 There are some simple remedies you could try to help you sleep better.Sleep on your side with your legs bent,with a pillow between your knees so that it supports your entire leg rather than just the knee.
 The "tightenings" you are experiencing are completely normal,and are called Braxton Hicks,which are "practice" contractions.They can occur several times a day,last up to a minute,and may become more frequent as your pregnancy progresses.However,if they become painful or are associated with other symptoms,see your midwife or doctor.Take things slowly and look after yourself!