sleep during pregnancy

Is It Ok To Sleep A Lot During Pregnancy?

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    It's not just you and the baby that is affected by how much sleep you receive during pregnancy; it can also affect how quickly you enter labour.

    Preeclampsia is just one of many pregnancy-related disorders linked to insufficient sleep.

    Premature birth is a possible outcome of this disease. So now is the moment to stop making excuses and start prioritising sleep.

    When pregnant, extreme fatigue is a common first symptom.

    You'll be so exhausted that sleeping will be a welcome relief. This is likely due to your fluctuating hormone levels, particularly the increased progesterone you're experiencing now that you're pregnant.

    Fatigue is a common early pregnancy symptom since both blood pressure & blood sugar naturally drop during pregnancy.

    Your stamina should recover after the initial trimester of pregnancy. However, tiredness will return sometime in the third trimester.

    The physical exhaustion and emotional strain of carrying a baby are likely contributing factors.

    However, your lack of sleep at this time of year closely correlates with how tired you feel.

    You might find sleeping extremely difficult during pregnancy, even if you have never had trouble falling asleep before.

    What Exactly Does It Mean to Sleep Too Much While Pregnant?

    What constitutes too much sleep is subjective and relies on the individual's sleep requirements and habits.

    A National Sleep Foundation reports that different ages require different amounts of sleep for optimal health.

    Generally speaking, most pregnancies occur between the ages of 35 and 40, when it is advised that women get between seven and nine hours of sleep every day. This is a great overall guideline for how much sleep is required, while the exact amount needed might vary depending on factors like genetics and sleep quality.

    You may be obtaining excessive sleep if you consistently sleep for more than 9 hours at a stretch, even if that sleep is of high quality. Likewise, if you wake up frequently at night or have trouble falling or staying asleep, you might need to increase your bedtime. Looking for a baby high chair? Look no further. My Baby Nursery has you covered. 

    What Makes Sleep So Crucial?

    sleep during pregnancy (2)

    Sleep has been proven scientifically to be essential for various tasks, from repairing and replenishing damaged tissues to facilitating the brain's integration of new knowledge acquired during waking hours.

    A lack of sleep makes it difficult to reason, react swiftly, focus, and regulate emotions. Not getting enough sleep regularly has been linked to major health risks.

    How come you have such trouble staying awake during your pregnancy?

    The early and last trimesters of pregnancy are when most women experience increased fatigue.

    Your blood volume & progesterone levels both rise in the first trimester. In some cases, this may cause you to feel extremely tired.

    When you're in your third trimester, it's common to want to spend as much time as possible in bed, between the added weight of the baby and the emotional dread of the coming labour.

    You may not be receiving high-quality sleep due to a combination of hormonal and physiological shifts.

    Stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort during pregnancy can all contribute to a lack of sleep. This may increase your need for rest at night or make you sleepier than usual.

    Can Too Much Sleep Hurt the Unborn Child?

    There is some evidence from a single study to suggest that sleeping too much during your third trimester of pregnancy could be harmful.

    Women people who sleep for even more than nine hours straight without interruption and had a generally restful sleep pattern in their final month of pregnancy were more likely to experience a stillbirth, according to the study.

    It's crucial to note that this study has been questioned by scientists who believe that the lengthier, non-restless nights resulted from lower foetal movement and not the reason for the stillbirths.

    Even though you probably shouldn't sleep more than 8 hours a night, you might want to consider doing so if you're in the later stages of pregnancy because there may be benefits.

    Have You Heard That Sleeping During Pregnancy Helps?

    Women who got less than 6 hours of sleep per night towards the end of their pregnancies were more likely to have a caesarean delivery and had lengthier labours, according to an older study.

    In addition, they discovered that women whose sleep was substantially disrupted went into labour later and were 5.2 considerably more likely to have a caesarean section.

    Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been linked to negative outcomes in animal studies. So if you wake up multiple times during the night, you should allow more time for sleep in the evenings and mornings.

    It's not enough to think about how much sleep you're receiving; you also need to consider the quality of that sleep.

    According to a recent study, preeclampsia risk may be enhanced in women who experience sleep-disordered breathing.

    Finally, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes has been associated with snoring, which is more common among pregnant women than non-pregnant women.

    Causes of insomnia or excessive snoozing during pregnancy.

    Pregnancy can change the way you sleep in several ways. It's possible that factors like:

    Changes in Hormones:

    Lowered blood pressure and glucose levels during pregnancy's first trimester can make you feel tired.

    During this time, your progesterone levels rise, which may make you feel tired and want to sleep more.

    Itchy, aching legs (also known as restless leg syndrome):

    Most pregnant women will attest that the constant want to stretch out their legs can make for some restless evenings. A deficiency of folic acid and iron, or an increase in oestrogen, could be the cause.

    Acid reflux in the oesophagus (Gerd):

    After swallowing, food enters the stomach through an opening in a muscular ring at the base of the oesophagus. This ring will remain loosened in women suffering from GERD, resulting in the regurgitation of solid and liquid foods.

    Extra pressure on the stomach during pregnancy can prevent the ring from closing properly, leading to GERD.

    Insomnia:

    Throughout the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, you may spend a lot of time in bed yet not sleep well.

    Aching joints and muscles are common during pregnancy and can disrupt sleep. In addition, staying up late is a common side effect of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum anxiety.

    Insomnia Due to Sleep Apnea

    If you are suffocating in your sleep, you should consult your doctor immediately.

    Some pregnant women experience sleep apnea, according to a review of the topic.

    Even though it may go away once the pregnancy is through, it's important to be checked out because it could signify something more serious.

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    Urinating a lot:

    In the third trimester, frequent nighttime toilet trips are common.

    Your expanding womb is to blame for the urgency you're experiencing in the bathroom.

    This can be helped by avoiding drinking too much water right before night. Just make sure you don't let yourself get too dehydrated.

    The Causes of Insomnia

    The growing size of the foetus is the primary culprit in sleep disturbances during pregnancy.

    It can be difficult to switch to side sleeping if you've only ever slept on your back or stomach (as doctors recommend). As your pregnancy continues and your size increases, you may find it more challenging to move around in bed.

    There are a variety of other physical issues that can disrupt your decent sleep:

    The urge to Use the Bathroom All the Time:

    The kidneys have to work harder to filter the greater amount of blood flowing through the body, so you'll pass more pee than usual. Additionally, as your pregnancy progresses and your uterus enlarges, you will feel more strain on your bladder. This will result in additional potty breaks throughout the day and night. Finally, if your baby is primarily nocturnal, you may find that the number of journeys you make at night is disproportionately high.

    Rapidly Increasing Heart Rate:

    As more of your blood supply flows to your uterus, your heart rate increases to pump enough blood to the rest of your body.

    Problems Breathing:

    You'll naturally take deeper breaths as your pregnancy hormones rise. Therefore, you may have to exert more effort to breathe normally. Also, as your uterus grows, it may begin to press against your diaphragm, making breathing more difficult later in pregnancy (the muscle just below your lungs).

    Ache in the Back and Legs:

    There may be a connection between your excess weight and the aches you feel in your legs and back. This is because the body produces the hormone relaxin during pregnancy and aids in labour preparation. In addition to its other effects, relaxin also causes ligaments throughout the body to soften, making pregnant women less stable and much more vulnerable to injury, particularly in the back.

    Regurgitation and Bowel Movement Impediment:

    Heartburn occurs when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, a common occurrence for pregnant women. Furthermore, the digestive tract slows down during pregnancy, causing food to remain in the intestines and stomach for longer than usual, possibly resulting in heartburn or constipation.

    In the latter stages of pregnancy, these symptoms may become more severe when the uterus has grown to the point that it presses just on the stomach or even the large intestine.

    Your sleep issues may stem from something outside that. Many expectant mothers, for instance, claim to have experienced intense, even terrifying, dreams during their pregnancies.

    We now know that stress can disrupt sleep as well. For example, you may have concerns about your child's well-being, parenting skills, or the upcoming birth. Although these emotions are common, they may prevent you (and your spouse) from getting a good night's sleep.

    Towards Better Health

    sleep during pregnancy

    One should never consider sleeping a luxury. On the contrary, it's a requirement, especially during pregnancy.

    The National Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant women get a few extra hours of sleep each night or combine their regular bedtime rest with midday naps.

    As pregnancy progresses, it can be increasingly challenging for many women to achieve the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep every night. At this point, numerous mental and physiological barriers make sleep difficult. Having sleepless nights due to worries about motherhood or having children can be very common. Insomnia might be brought on by anxiety about the future or the actual birth itself. In addition, you will need to get up every several hours to use the restroom. Finding a restful sleeping posture can be difficult, too, particularly for people who have traditionally slept on their bellies.

    Try these methods to catch some shut-eye when any of the following are keeping you up at night.

    Heartburn

    At some point during their pregnancies, most women have heartburn, a form of acute indigestion that manifests as a burning sensation in the chest and throat.

    A restful night's sleep can be interrupted by the discomfort of heartburn. Avoiding spicy foods can help reduce the risk. Reduce your consumption of fatty foods at night as well.

    Syndrome of Irresistible Muscle Contraction in the Legs

    When attempting to get to sleep, few things are more frustrating than restless legs syndrome (RLS).

    You can't take the standard RLS medication when pregnant, but a decent prenatal vitamin, including folate and iron, may help alleviate your symptoms.

    Nausea in the Morning? Try Sleeping It Off

    Morning sickness, despite its name, can strike at any time of day and is often more severe in the afternoon or evening.

    Try munching on some crackers before bed, and keep a box handy in case you get sick in the middle of the night and can't get comfortable.

    Insomnia

    Sleep disturbances, or insomnia, can occur for several different reasons. However, for many situations, turning off your brain is all it takes.

    Avoid taking any sleep aids if you're expecting. Instead, write down some things that worry you in a journal. Then, put your worries on paper and give them up for the night.

    If you want to avoid a crash in the afternoon, you should quit drinking caffeine too. In addition, avoid taking lengthy winks in the middle of the day. Any of these activities, or a combination, can help you fall asleep again when it's time for bed.

    Muscle cramps in the legs

    A leg cramp is one of the few things that may force you out of bed in an instant.

    These cramps, sometimes known as charley horses, are caused by a sudden and painful contraction of the muscles at the back of the calf. Happening less often, they can also manifest in the foot or thigh.

    In pregnancy, they can occur when you don't get enough of certain minerals, like calcium and magnesium.

    Similarly, dehydration increases the likelihood of these symptoms. So to avoid cramping in your legs during pregnancy, it's important to keep up with your prenatal vitamin regimen and drink lots of fluids throughout the day.

    Effective Sleep Habits

    As placed above, white sleep aids, including herbal cures, are not suggested for pregnant women, despite how enticing they may appear once you're upset to get some sleep.

    Instead, try implementing any of these strategies to increase the likelihood of a restful night:

    Finding a Relaxing Spot

    As your body expands, it gets more difficult to sleep, particularly during the third trimester.

    Setting up a cosy routine is difficult. It's more hassle to get out of bed and change positions. It's challenging to switch to side sleeping if you've always slept on your stomach or back.

    When pregnant, the left side of the body is the most comfortable. This increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your unborn child.

    Experiment with resting on your left side, your knees bent, and a pillow tucked in between them. If you need more support, try putting a cushion under your tummy.

    Use a pregnancy pillow if you're pregnant.

    The pregnancy pillow can be helpful if you tend to sleep on your back or can't find a comfortable position.

    Try to Fix the Real Issues.

    Is the prospect of giving birth filling you with dread or panic? Is your mind occupied with something else that prevents you from sleeping? You can obtain a better night's sleep if you deal with the difficulties that keep your thoughts awake.

    Regular physical activity is highly recommended.

    Exercising has been linked to better sleep, which is a major plus. In addition to preparing your body for the labour and delivery of your baby, a regular exercise routine can provide you with more energy for your daily tasks.

    Obtain a Massage.

    Being gently touched before bed can be incredibly relaxing. It can also boost your mood and ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy.

    Develop healthy patterns of sleeping.

    Good sleep can be encouraged by establishing a regular sleep habit (i.e., going to bed at the same time each night after engaging in similar activities).

    Make a cosy spot for slumber.

    Investing inside a new mattress, ensuring your room is spotless, and setting the thermostat to the ideal temperature can all help you get a good night's rest.

    Factors to Think About

    The importance of sleep to human well-being cannot be overstated. For example, sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, overweight, anxiety, or cardiovascular disease.

    Sleep deprivation during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of serious health problems. In addition, a lack of rest can significantly increase the difficulty of giving birth.

    According to one study, women who slept less than six hours per night late in their pregnancies were more likely to have a caesarean section and experience prolonged labour.

    Another study found that how well you slept in the first trimester of pregnancy could affect your well-being later in pregnancy.

    Preeclampsia is roughly ten times more common in pregnant women who do not get enough sleeping (less than five hours each night) during the first trimester.

    Preeclampsia is characterised by high blood hypertension, swelling of the hands and feet, and protein levels in the urine, all of which can occur during pregnancy.

    Pregnancy might aggravate sleep problems if you already have them. If you have a history of sleep apnea, you may find that your snoring becomes even more severe while you're expecting a child.

    If you were overweight before getting pregnant, it's even more important to watch your weight during this time. If you suffer from RLS, seeing your symptoms worsen is a bad moment. Acid reflux symptoms will also worsen.

    When You Should Visit a Physician

    Tell your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping because of insomnia, sleep apnea, or anything else. Pregnancy-related problems like hypertension, preeclampsia, and premature birth have been linked to sleep deprivation.

    You may not notice signs when your blood pressure is consistently high.

    At your prenatal checkups, your doctor will take your blood pressure. Still, if you experience severe headaches or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, you should seek medical attention immediately.

    Preeclampsia manifests itself through the following signs and symptoms:

    • Major head pain.
    • Vision impairments and other anomalies.
    • Feeling sick to one's stomach or sick to one's stomach.
    • Decreasing the frequency with which you have to go to the bathroom.
    • Experiencing difficulty in breathing.
    • Discomfort on the right side of your upper abdomen.

    Conclusion

    Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been linked to preeclampsia, highlighting the importance of making sleep a top priority. The fatigue that often characterises the first trimester of pregnancy should subside as the baby grows. Individual sleep needs and routines dictate how much sleep one person may consider excessive. The average woman becomes pregnant between the ages of 35 and 40 when she should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Science has established that sleep is necessary for a variety of functions, including the restoration of worn-out cells and the consolidation of new information learned throughout the day. Chronic sleep deprivation has been related to serious health consequences.

    Most women experience increased weariness during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy as their bodies adjust to the changes brought on by pregnancy. Trouble sleeping can be brought on by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Women who slept for more than nine hours straight without interruption and had a typically restful sleep pattern in their final month of pregnancy were more likely to experience a stillbirth, suggesting that excessive slumber during this time could be hazardous. Some researchers have cast doubt on this study, arguing that the longer, less restless nights were actually a result of decreased foetal movement and not the cause of the stillbirths. While it is recommended that pregnant women get no more than 8 hours of sleep every night, there may be exceptions in the later stages of pregnancy.

    Animal studies have shown a negative correlation between sleeping and the health of the baby, so if you find yourself waking up several times during the night, it's best to schedule extra time for sleep in the nights and mornings. Recent research suggests that sleep-disordered breathing may increase the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

    Pregnant women are more likely than the general population to suffer from insomnia or excessive napping due to the effects of pregnancy. Hormonal shifts, itching, hurting legs, acid reflux in the oesophagus, frequent urination, and sleep apnea are just some of the factors that might disrupt your night's sleep. It can be challenging to adjust to a new sleep pattern during pregnancy, and the growing growth of the foetus is a major contributor to sleep difficulties. Sleep apnea should prompt a visit to the doctor because it may be a symptom of a more serious condition.

    Aches in the back and legs, nausea, leg cramps, a racing heart, difficulty breathing, acid reflux, regurgitation, and obstructed bowel movements are just some of the pregnancy-related physical symptoms that might keep you up at night. Concerns about the baby's health, parenting abilities, or the impending birth can all cause stress and impair sleep. The intensity of your dreams, which can be frightening, maybe the cause of your sleeplessness when pregnant. Pregnant women should sleep for a few more hours each night, or a combination of nighttime sleep and daytime naps, according to the National Institutes of Health. Many pregnant women struggle to get the full recommended amount of sleep (8-10 hours) each night, particularly as their pregnancies continue for both psychological and physiological reasons.

    Anxiety over parenting or having children has been linked to heartburn, nausea, and insomnia. Heartburn can be avoided by avoiding hot foods and limiting fatty foods, especially before bed. Although prenatal vitamins, which typically contain folate and iron, may not be the best solution for managing RLS, they may assist with other symptoms. For women, the best way to combat insomnia is to shut their minds off and record their worries in a diary. They need to cut back on caffeine and get some nap time in the middle of the day to avoid crashing in the afternoon. An abrupt and painful contraction of the muscles in the rear of the calf is the root cause of leg cramps, also known as charley horses, as described in this article. The best way to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy is to take all of your prenatal vitamins as directed and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Pregnant women should avoid the use of any over-the-counter sleep aids, including herbal remedies; instead, they should try to implement any of the following strategies in order to increase their chances of getting a good night's sleep: finding a relaxing spot, using a pregnancy pillow, addressing the underlying problems, engaging in regular physical activity, getting a massage, and establishing healthy sleeping habits.

    If you're having trouble nodding off, try committing to a regular sleep schedule, upgrading to a more comfortable mattress, keeping your bedroom clean, and adjusting the temperature. Poor sleep quality during pregnancy has been related to an increased risk of major health problems and to labour and delivery complications. Late-term pregnant women who slept less than six hours per night were more likely to require a caesarean section and have a longer labour, according to one study. Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of preeclampsia. Pregnancy can also exacerbate preexisting sleep issues.

    Sleep deprivation has been connected to pregnancy complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and early birth. There is some evidence that sleep apnea patients experience a worsening of their snoring during pregnancy. Be especially careful about your diet and exercise routine if you were already overweight before becoming pregnant. Experiencing a worsening of RLS symptoms is a frustrating and distressing event for anyone with the disorder. Seek emergency medical assistance if you develop severe headaches or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet. Major headaches, visual problems or other abnormalities, nausea, vomiting, decreased urination, difficulty breathing, and pain on the right side of the upper abdomen are all symptoms of preeclampsia.

    Content Summary

    • The length of time it takes you to go into labour can be affected by how much sleep you get while pregnant, and not only for you and the baby.
    • Lack of sleep has been linked to a number of pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia.
    • This illness can cause premature birth.
    • There is no time like the present to start making sleep a top priority after all your excuses.
    • Extreme weariness is a common presenting symptom of pregnancy.
    • Because of how tired you will be, going to bed will be a huge relief.
    • It's possible that your pregnancy-related rise in progesterone is to blame for these erratic mood swings.
    • Since blood pressure and blood sugar normally decline during pregnancy, fatigue is a frequent early pregnancy symptom.
    • After the first trimester, you should start to feel more like yourself again.
    • However, by the third trimester, fatigue will return.
    • The mental and physical toll of carrying a child likely had a role.
    • However, the fact that you're so weary indicates that you're not getting enough sleep.
    • Even if you've never had difficulties getting asleep before, pregnancy can make it nearly impossible.
    • Whether or not a person has slept too much is highly individual, depending on their sleep needs and routines.
    • The average woman becomes pregnant between the ages of 35 and 40 when she should get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
    • While factors like genetics and sleep quality might affect the precise amount of sleep required, this is a fantastic general rule to follow.
    • Even if you're getting a great night's sleep, you may get too much if you routinely snooze for more than 9 hours straight.
    • Increase your bedtime if you have difficulties falling or staying asleep, or if you wake up frequently during the night.
    • Science has established that sleep is necessary for various functions, including the restoration of worn-out cells and the consolidation of new information, learned throughout the day.
    • Most women experience increased weariness throughout the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.
    • During the first trimester of pregnancy, your blood volume and progesterone levels both increase.
    • Depending on the circumstances, this could make you feel really exhausted.
    • With the growing baby and the emotional anticipation of labour, many women in their third trimester of pregnancy want to spend as much time as possible in bed.
    • Insomnia could result from hormonal and physiological changes that make it difficult for you to get asleep and stay asleep.
    • Pregnancy-related sleep disruptions can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort.
    • This could make you more tired than normal or increase your need for sleep.
    • One study suggests that sleeping too much during the third trimester of pregnancy may be hazardous, but further research is needed.
    • The study found that in the last month of pregnancy, women who slept for more than nine hours at a stretch without waking up and who had a typically restful sleep pattern were more likely to have a stillbirth.
    • While it is recommended that pregnant women get no more than 8 hours of sleep every night, there may be exceptions in the later stages of pregnancy.
    • You may have heard that getting adequate sleep during pregnancy is beneficial.
    • A prior study found that women who obtained less than 6 hours of sleep per night near the end of their pregnancies were more likely to have a caesarian and had longer labours.
    • Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has been associated with unfavourable consequences in animal studies.
    • If you wake up several times throughout the night, you may want to give yourself additional time to sleep in the evenings and on weekday mornings.
    • You should not just evaluate the quantity of sleep you are getting, but also the quality.
    • Lastly, snoring is more prevalent in pregnant women than in the general population, and it has been linked to complications, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
    • Pregnancy-related sleep problems and their root causes.
    • Sleeping patterns might shift in several ways during pregnancy.
    • Indicators like:
    • Fatigue is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when blood pressure drops and glucose levels drop.
    • It's possible that your increased progesterone levels will make you feel sleepy and increase your need for rest during this period.
    • Most pregnant ladies will tell that the continual desire to stretch out one's legs (also known as restless leg syndrome) can lead to some sleepless nights.
    • Possible causes include an imbalance in hormones like oestrogen or a lack of the nutrients folic acid and iron.
    • Oesophageal acid reflux (Gerd) occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus after food has been swallowed and has passed through the muscular ring at the bottom of the oesophagus.
    • Women with GERD have a permanently loosened ring, which causes them to regurgitate both solid and liquid foods.
    • Due to the increased strain on the stomach that occurs during pregnancy, the ring may not close completely, resulting in GERD.
    • Insomnia:
    • It's common to spend much time in bed during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, but struggle to fall or stay asleep.
    • Sore muscles and joints are typical pregnancy complaints that can make it difficult to get comfortable at night.
    • Another common symptom of pregnancy, labour, and postpartum anxiety is insomnia.
    • An examination of the literature reveals that sleep apnea occurs in certain pregnant women.
    • It may go away when the pregnancy is over, but it's still necessary to check it out just in case.
    • The best baby nursery storage options may be found here.
    • View them here if you're interested.
    • Nighttime excursions to the bathroom are common in the third trimester.
    • The increased frequency of your bathroom trips can be attributed to your growing uterus.
    • The solution is simple: don't guzzle water straight before bed.
    • Sleep disturbances can also be caused by a number of different health problems, including:
    • The constant need to go to the bathroom:
    • Since the kidneys need to work harder to filter the increased blood flow, you may urinate more frequently.
    • Also, your bladder will feel increasing pressure as your uterus grows larger throughout your pregnancy.
    • This will necessitate more frequent trips to the bathroom at all hours of the day and night.
    • Last but not least, if your infant is predominantly a night owl, you may find that you make a disproportionately large number of trips during the wee hours of the morning.
    • To ensure that the rest of your body receives enough blood as more of it is diverted to your uterus, your heart rate increases rapidly.
    • Problems During pregnancy, your body's hormone levels will cause you to breathe more deeply than usual.
    • As a result, you might need to work harder to maintain your typical breathing pattern.
    • Later in pregnancy, the uterus's weight can pressure the diaphragm, making it hard to breathe.
    • This is because the hormone relaxin, which is produced naturally by the body throughout pregnancy, helps the body get ready for labour.
    • Heartburn, the regurgitation of food and the impeding of bowel movements that result, happens when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, a common occurrence for pregnant women.
    • Furthermore, pregnancy slows the digestive process, keeping food in the intestines and stomach longer than usual and increasing the risk of side effects, including heartburn and constipation.
    • In the later stages of pregnancy, when the growing uterus presses on the stomach or even the large intestine, these symptoms may become more severe.
    • Perhaps the source of your sleeplessness lies elsewhere.
    • For example, many women report having vivid and sometimes terrifying dreams while pregnant.
    • Recent research suggests that stress may also interfere with sleep.
    • Whether it's about your own parenting abilities, the impending birth, or the health of your unborn child, you're bound to have some worries.
    • Pregnant women should sleep for a few more hours each night, or a combination of nighttime sleep and daytime naps, according to the National Institutes of Health.
    • Sleeping the usual 8-10 hours per night can become increasingly difficult for many pregnant women as the pregnancy continues.
    • There are a lot of emotional and physiological obstacles to sleep right now.
    • Concerns about childbearing and childrearing are a major cause of sleepless nights.
    • In addition, you'll have to get up and go to the bathroom every few hours.
    • Finding a comfortable sleeping position can also be challenging, especially for those who are used to lying on their stomachs when they go to sleep.
    • If any of the following prevent you from getting a good night's sleep, try one of these strategies.
    • Most pregnant women have heartburn, a kind of acute indigestion that presents as a burning sensation in the chest and neck, at some point during their pregnancies.
    • Heartburn is a common problem that can keep you up at night.
    • Cutting less on spicy foods is one way to lessen the danger.
    • Cut back on your nighttime fatty food consumption as well.
    • Involuntary leg muscle contraction syndrome
    • Restless legs syndrome is one of the most annoying sleep disturbances (RLS).
    • Pregnancy prevents you from taking the typical RLS medicine, but a good prenatal vitamin containing folate and iron may assist.
    • If you find yourself unable to get comfortable in the middle of the night due to feeling ill, try snacking on some crackers before bed and keeping a box close by.
    • Insomnia
    • Insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, has multiple potential causes.
    • However, in many cases, it is sufficient to switch off your thoughts simply.
    • Do not use sleeping pills if you are expecting.
    • You should keep a journal in which you record your worries instead.
    • Then, write down your concerns and leave them there for the night.
    • One of the few things that could get you out of bed immediately is a leg cramp.
    • Sometimes referred to as "charley horses," these cramps occur when the muscles in the rear of the leg suddenly and painfully spasm.
    • The foot and the thigh are less common sites of appearance.
    • Caused by insufficient calcium and magnesium intake, they are a risk during pregnancy.
    • Dehydration also raises the incidence of these symptoms.
    • Pregnant women who don't take their prenatal vitamins as prescribed and don't drink enough fluids are more likely to get leg cramps.
    • Despite how appealing it may seem when you're sad, and just want to sleep, it's not recommended that pregnant women take any sleep aids, including herbal treatments, as stated above.
    • It's recommended that you attempt one of the following methods to improve your chances of sleeping through the night:
    • During the third trimester, your growing belly makes it especially hard to get comfortable in bed.
    • It's tough to settle into a comfortable habit.
    • When you've only ever slept on your stomach or back, it can be difficult to make the transition to sleeping on your side.
    • Most pregnant women report feeling most at ease lying on their left side.
    • As a result, more oxygen and nutrients will reach your unborn child.
    • Try sleeping with a pillow tucked in between your knees and on your left side.
    • Put a pillow beneath your stomach if you feel like you need more support.
    • To get some rest while pregnant, you need to use a special pillow.
    • If you have trouble finding a comfortable sleeping posture or tend to sleep on your back, the pregnancy pillow may be of assistance.
    • Make an effort to address the underlying problems.
    • By addressing the issues that keep your mind active, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling refreshed.
    • Exercise on a consistent basis is strongly advised.
    • There is strong evidence that regular exercise improves sleep quality.
    • Establishing a consistent sleeping routine can help you get better sleep (i.e., going to bed simultaneously each night after engaging in similar activities).
    • Create a comfy bed to rest in.
    • Get a good night's sleep by upgrading to a new mattress, keeping your bedroom tidy, and adjusting the temperature to your liking.
    • We can't stress enough how crucial sleep is to our health and happiness.
    • Lack of sleep has been connected to a variety of health problems, including but not limited to: type 2 diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and heart disease.
    • Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been linked to various negative health outcomes.
    • Additionally, not getting enough sleep might make labour much more challenging.
    • One study found that women who slept less than six hours a night in the later stages of pregnancy were more likely to need a caesarian section and have a longer labour.
    • Another study discovered that pregnant women's health could affect their sleeping habits during the first trimester.
    • During the first trimester of pregnancy, women who receive less than five hours of sleep every night are almost ten times more likely to develop preeclampsia.
    • Signs of preeclampsia include elevated blood pressure, swelling of the hands and feet, and protein in the urine.
    • Existing sleep issues may become worse during pregnancy.
    • It's possible that sleep apnea sufferers will see a worsening of their snoring symptoms during pregnancy.
    • It is especially crucial to keep your weight in check if you were already overweight before becoming pregnant.
    • Experiencing a worsening of RLS symptoms is a frustrating and distressing event for anyone with the disorder.
    • Also, your acid reflux symptoms will get much worse.
    • If you're experiencing difficulties sleeping due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or anything else, you should talk to your doctor.
    • Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been linked to complications like high blood pressure, eclampsia, and early delivery.
    • Signs of chronically elevated blood pressure are often difficult to detect.
    • Your doctor will check your blood pressure at each prenatal appointment.
    • However, you should contact a doctor immediately if you get a severe headache or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
    • The following are some of the symptoms of preeclampsia:
    • Discomfort in the brain to an extreme degree.
    • Disabilities in sight and other abnormalities.
    • Experiencing nausea or sickness in the stomach.
    • Lessening the number of times you have to get up and go to the bathroom.
    • Having trouble getting enough air in one's lungs.
    • Struggle in the upper right quadrant of your stomach.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy

    During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone increase and your metabolism is running high. This can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If you have another child or children to care for, you might be even more tired.

    Sleep is a necessity — especially when you're pregnant! In answer to the question, “How many hours should a pregnant woman sleep?” most doctors recommend eight to 10 hours per night.

    The researchers concluded that sleeping position during early and mid-pregnancy does not appear to affect the risk of complications.

    Controlling for infant birth weight, women who slept less than 6 hours at night had longer labours and were 4.5 times more likely to have cesarean deliveries. Women with severely disrupted sleep had longer labours and were 5.2 times more likely to have cesarean deliveries.

    Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues (incompetent cervix) might increase the risk of miscarriage. Smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs. Women who smoke during pregnancy have a greater risk of miscarriage than nonsmokers. Heavy alcohol use and illicit drug use also increase the risk of miscarriage.

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