Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Why Sleeping Can Be Difficult The first and most pressing reason behind sleep problems during pregnancy is the increasing size of the fetus, which can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Other common physical symptoms may interfere with sleep as well: the frequent urge to pee: Your kidneys are working harder to filter the increased volume of blood moving through your body, and this filtering process creates more urine. And, as your baby grows and the uterus gets bigger, the pressure on your bladder increases. This means more trips to the bathroom, day and night.
The number of nighttime trips may be greater if your baby is particularly active at night. You might feel like you're working harder to get air. Later on, breathing can feel more difficult as your enlarging uterus takes up more space, resulting in pressure against your diaphragm the muscle just below your lungs.
During pregnancy, the body also makes a hormone called relaxin, which helps prepare it for childbirth. One of the effects of relaxin is the loosening of ligaments throughout the body, making pregnant women less stable and more prone to injury, especially in their backs. During pregnancy, the entire digestive system slows down and food stays in the stomach and intestines longer, which may cause heartburn or constipation. These can both get worse later on in the pregnancy when the growing uterus presses on the stomach or the large intestine.
Page 1 Finding a Good Sleeping Position Early in your pregnancy, try to get into the habit of sleeping on your side. Page 2 Tips for Sleeping Success Although they might seem appealing when you're feeling desperate to get some ZZZs, remember that over-the-counter sleep aids, including herbal remedies, are not recommended for pregnant women. Instead, these tips may safely improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep: Cut out caffeinated drinks like soda, coffee, and tea from your diet as much as possible.
Restrict any intake of them to the morning or early afternoon. Is it Safe While Pregnant. Diarrhea in Pregnancy Diarrhea during pregnancy is one of the unfortunate discomforts that may be experienced. Pregnancy Concerns. Remedies for Migraines During Pregnancy How a pregnancy might affect your migraine and how you will manage is a common question for women who have…. Pregnancy Health and Wellness.
The cause of…. Subscribe to our week-by-week Pregnancy Newsletter. What week is your pregnancy in? Facebook-f Twitter Instagram. Pregnancy Tools. Pregnancy Journeys. The specialists also note that even in women who sleep on their backs, the risk of stillbirth remains low. A woman who is concerned that she frequently awakens on her back can try using pillows to support her body and help her remain on her side.
Different strategies can help a pregnant woman sleep better. Women finding it difficult to sleep can try:. Learn other tips on how to improve sleep quality here. Women who do not get quality sleep during pregnancy may experience physical and emotional fatigue. This fatigue can make it difficult to work, go to school, or accomplish daily tasks. Some research suggests that a lack of sleep can also lead to mood disorders , such as depression , and potentially result in negative pregnancy outcomes, such as growth restriction of the fetus and preeclampsia.
It can also cause secondary problems, such as fatigue-related accidents. If a woman is experiencing ongoing difficulties with sleep during pregnancy, she should speak to a doctor about how to improve her sleep.
Sleep can prove challenging at every stage of pregnancy. While there are no perfect solutions, various strategies can help with pregnancy-related sleep difficulties. A doctor can offer advice if a pregnant woman is struggling to get enough sleep or is sleeping in excess. Learn more. Fetal macrosomia is a condition wherein a baby is born at a heavier birth weight than usual. Learn more about fetal macrosomia here. A study links air pollution to almost 6 million premature births each year.
Indoor air pollution is responsible for two-thirds of these perinatal…. She holds a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Nevada. Wright, M. She has a decade of experience in the study of disease. Are pregnancy dreams keeping you up? Learn about why some women experience more vivid dreams during pregnancy, and what it…. For many women, sleep can be evasive during pregnancy.
Physical discomfort, changing hormones, and excitement and anxiety about being a…. The third trimester of pregnancy brings a host of sleep-related changes as the weight gain and pressure of the growing….
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It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Updated June 15, Written by Sarah Shoen.
Medically Reviewed by Heather Wright. Find a Comfortable Position As the unborn baby grows larger, a pregnant woman might have difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. These techniques can make side sleeping more comfortable: Related Reading. Sign up below for your free gift.
Your privacy is important to us. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Heather Wright Pathologist MD. Mindell, J. Sleep patterns and sleep disturbances across pregnancy. Sleep Medicine, 16 4 , — Chang, J. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy and maternal and fetal outcomes: Is there a relationship?. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14 2 , —
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