Part 2 - Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful but challenging experience. Many women experience different states of discomfort for nine months
as they face the challenges and rewards of being pregnant. One thing that many
women suffer throughout the stages of pregnancy is lack of sleep. As women
progress through each trimester, sleep becomes almost a distant memory. Between
waking up from a kicking baby, to not being able to get comfortable, to the
constant need to use the restroom, there are many factors that may keep a
pregnant woman awake at night.
According
to the National Sleep Foundation’s 1998 Women and Sleep poll, 78% of women reported
more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times. Depending on the
trimester, feelings of fatigue, restlessness, and other hormonal imbalances can
become more pronounced. BabyCenter.com breaks down what you may be feeling in
each trimester and how this affects your sleep.
In
the first trimester, the need to nap may be overwhelming. This is due to high
levels of progesterone being pumped throughout the body which causes drowsiness
and ultimately affects sleep at night, making you more tired during the day.
BabyCenter also cites the need to urinate as a big disturbance of sleep.
Because of the constant pressure of a growing uterus, a full night’s sleep is
not always possible. It is best to not drink too many fluids too close to bed
time.
In the
second trimester, pregnant women should be aware of common sleep problems that
aren’t necessarily tied to pregnancy, but may become heightened during this
time. The National Sleep Foundation lists insomnia, restless leg syndrome
(RLS), sleep apnea, and nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) to name a few.
Also during the second trimester, snoring and congestion, leg cramps and tossing
and turning to find comfortable positions may be what’s keeping you (and your
partner) from a peaceful night’s sleep.
The
third trimester probably takes the most sleep away from any woman than other
stages of pregnancy. With the belly getting bigger, and the excitement and
anxiety over the birth and the baby’s activeness inside of you, falling asleep
and staying asleep is made even more difficult. Similar sleep symptoms can be
expected along with more pronounced feelings of discomfort on the bladder, in
finding a comfortable position, and other sleep stealers.
The
best way to work on getting a good night’s sleep is to set a sleeping schedule
and let sleep be a priority. Here are some other things that you can do as a
mommie-to-be to help get a better night’s sleep:
·
The National Sleep Foundation suggests sleeping
on the left side during pregnancy as a beneficial position to improve blood
flow and nutrients to the uterus.
·
Drink fluids throughout the day but not as much
at night.
·
Eat small, healthy meals throughout the day to
avoid heartburn later on.
·
Exercise!
·
Take naps but don’t take advantage of them.
Sleeping too much during the day can keep you up at night.
Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, but can
lead to many restless nights. Follow these tips and work on getting a good
night’s sleep for you and your baby.
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