Pregnancy and Sleep
Pregnancy Sleep – First Trimester
Every woman who is conceiving has a problem in sleeping. It is quiet natural that pregnancy and sleep doesn’t click as one. Actually, you may sleep more than usual during the first trimester of your pregnancy. It’s normal to feel tired as your body works to protect and nurture the developing baby. The placenta which is the organ that nourishes the baby until birth is just forming, your body is making more blood, and your heart is pumping faster.
Here are some tips to overcome the sleeping problem during pregnancy. This will help you in the initial stages of pregnancy.
Sleeping is Important
On first trimester of your pregnancy, you’re likely to be very tired and very sleepy as well regardless how many hours you slept earlier. This is purely because of huge changes to your body physically and your body is surged with an increased of progesterone hormone which is thought to induce feelings of sleepiness.
The tiredness which is sometimes a bit too much experienced by pregnant women during their first trimester will likely to continue until the development of the placenta, which will produce the progesterone in which are normally done by corpus luteum. With this event starting on second trimester of pregnancy, the progesterone hormone level will start to fall.
You will not feel relaxed
The early stage of pregnancy is the best period to begin practicing the lying pose while you sleep. Sleeping during pregnancy on the left side is highly recommended during the second trimester of your pregnancy. While lying with pillow providing support on the lower back, bent the knees slightly and this will give you a slightly more comfortable sleeping posture. With added help from L shape pillow on your head will make you feel even more cozier.
Plus, left side sleeping may assist to reduce the feeling of nausea and also pressures on growing breasts. The sooner you get used to this position, the better you’ll be able to sleep when your belly is bulging.”
You need to face urinary problems
On the first trimester, the progesterone hormone which assist with sleeping will starts surging throughout the body.You may go to the toilet numerous times each night with the extra fluid surging in your body, and it will be tough to be relaxed.
There is a companion for you
Fatigue is a problem which will make you feel uneasy and tired all the time. Try to take short nap during the afternoon or maybe after work to help battle the fatigue even if you have a good night sleep the day before. Also try not to take longer nap or late nap as this might disrupt your night time sleep patterns.
One may found that she start to experience some vivid, weird dreams on the first trimester pregnancy. This is normal and is probably caused by the combination of progesterone and estrogen hormones. One may also experience waking at night as well.
Pregnancy Sleep – Second Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is a fun time! Feeling your baby move, starting to wear maternity clothes and of course, the end of morning sickness make this a very special time. It’s also the time of a lot of prenatal testing and growing questions about birth and parenting. This free guide will help you along the way.
The delightful feeling
A lot of pregnant women will feel much better during the second trimester. The vomiting sensation and feeling nausea all the time will wear off, mood swing will stabilize and also feel more energetic as well. This is one of the best time to deal with the many task required before the arrival of the baby.
During this stage, you will likely to gain weight faster and for the rest of the pregnancy period, which means you will need to shop for some maternity clothes.
To have normal sleep
Once you reach mid-pregnancy, many care givers recommend that you avoid sleeping on the back and sleep on your side especially on the left side, which may improve blood flow to your placenta and reduce swelling. To make side-sleeping more comfortable, you may want to place a pillow between your legs, under your hip, or behind your back.
Have good routines like exercise, healthy food and regular sleep. These will help in your child’s growth.
Work out properly
Do some mild exercise which include walking as this will greatly improve your overall health. Drink lots of water during this time. During pregnancy, your feet will swell. So try to get more rest and lift your feet up with pillow if required.
It is important to stand and move around more frequently in order to improve your circulation. Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. It will help minimize many pregnancy-related problems, such as excess weight gain, varicose veins, problems sleeping and constipation. Pregnancy exercise will also prepare you for delivery and ensure a faster post-partum recovery.
Managing sleeping problems
Many pregnant women say it’s hard to sleep because they can’t get comfortable, need to run to the bathroom constantly, suffer from leg pain, and are excited and anxious about their baby’s arrival. With so many emotional and also physical changes happening, it’s no surprise that 8 out of 10 women suffer from insomnia and also other sleeping problems on their pregnancy.
Consult your GP if you experience some sleep disorder. But bear in mind that suffering from imsomnia is normal during pregnancy although it is frustrating at times.
Pregnancy Sleep – Third Trimester
Most women have trouble sleeping at some stage of their pregnancy, and a good night’s sleep may be a distant memory as the birth gets closer. Find out what to expect sleep-wise during your third trimester, and why it’s happening. As your pregnancy moves into its final phase, it may be hard to remember what it’s like to have a good night’s sleep.
Trouble in Sleeping
Sleeping has becomes a major issue for new mother during the third trimester pregnancy as you suffer from heartburn, leg cramps, joints pain and also frequently needing to empty the bladder, while at the same time trying to adjust the tummy into the perfectly comfortable position to sleep. There are however a few other things you can try to get a better sleep at night.
Urinary Problems in the Final Stage
The growing baby inside starts to press against your bladder, which means more frequent toilet trips during this third trimester pregnancy. You can try not to consume any water hours before bedtime to reduce the urine production. You can replenish the water intake during day time and try empty your bladder just before you settle in for the night. One tips is to lean forward when urinating as this will ensure you empty the bladder completely .
How to avoid Heart Burn
Indigestion or heartburn is often a dilemma especially in your pregnancy’s final stages. Medical expert advice not to consume spicy meals during dinner time and avoide heavy meal as well. Drink milk or consume a banana just before bed time as it may assist with the settling of your stomach. Also, have a fizzy water bottle next to you or where you can access easily during the night as this will help to reduce the acidity level.
With all that said, I hope the above tips will help you get a good sleep during your pregnancy.
