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Parentpedia
Sleep Changes
According to Rafael Pelayo, M.D., head of the Pediatric Service at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic, sleep changes during pregnancy are very common, especially for first-time moms in the last three to four weeks before the baby's birth.
Sleep changes include:
- vivid dreams
- insomnia
- restless sleep, due to leg cramps, the need to urinate frequently, or anxiety
Although many women find themselves exhausted during the first trimester, the myriad symptoms they're experiencing -- including hormone changes, nausea, and anxiety about the pregnancy -- may make it harder for them to sleep. In addition, the constant need to urinate means you may be getting up several times a night to empty your bladder.
As the fetus develops, some women find that they have trouble falling asleep at night (the technical term for this is "sleep-onset insomnia") because as they settle down for bed, the baby wakes up and starts doing the cha cha. Other women are lulled by all the kicking and fall asleep easily but have trouble staying asleep, finding themselves bleary-eyed and cranky in the morning.
What can you do to sleep better during pregnancy?
Exercise in the morning: Morning exercise helps set your internal clock and makes for more restful nighttime sleep.
Get a pregnancy pillow: If you're having trouble getting comfortable, a full-length pregnancy pillow can really help.
Keep a journal: If anxiety is keeping you awake, keep a reading light and journal by your bed to write down your worries. Often just acknowledging them is enough to let them go.
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The contents of ParentPedia are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on ParentPedia is at your own risk.
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