Early pregnancy insomnia is primarily caused by the shift in hormones and the symptoms women experience as a result, such as nausea, vomiting and increased urination. All of this disrupts the body's regular sleep and wake cycles, Mustaleski says.
The growing belly, the aches, the pains, the heartburn — many women experience sleepless nights long before there's a hungry, crying infant in the picture. Having trouble sleeping is common during pregnancy, says Grace Pien, M.D., M.S.C.E. , assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center .
Taking melatonin supplements helps some people with sleep difficulties fall asleep more easily. Providers may suggest melatonin supplements during pregnancy for people who continue having trouble falling asleep even after trying non-medication alternatives.
If you're pregnant, not getting an adequate amount of sleep can put you at risk for some serious conditions. Lack of sleep can also complicate your delivery. In one research study, pregnant women who slept less than six hours at night late in pregnancy had longer labors and were more likely to have cesarean deliveries.
It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks. Hormonal changes at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous and emotional. The only answer is to rest as much as possible.
Dr. Zanotti reassures expectant mothers not to stress if they accidentally find themselves on their backs for a brief spell. “We do know that short periods of time ― even if you were on your back for an hour or two ― probably do no harm to your child,” she says.
It's normal to have trouble sleeping at any point during pregnancy, but many expectant women experience insomnia starting in the second to third trimesters, as other pregnancy symptoms increase, and a burgeoning baby belly makes it harder than ever to get comfortable in bed.
Background. Many physicians advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. Previous studies have linked back and right-side sleeping with a higher risk of stillbirth, reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, a life-threatening high blood pressure disorder that affects the mother.
It's best to avoid lying on your back, especially in late pregnancy, when the weight of the heavy uterus can press on the large blood vessels in your belly. When lying on your side, keep your body in line, with your knees bent slightly, and avoid twisting.
Sleeping for more than nine hours per night, without disturbance, during pregnancy may be associated with late stillbirth, according to US researchers. Their study suggested that maternal sleep habits, including lengthy periods of sleep without waking more than once in the night, may be associated with foetal health.
Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new baby. And, although people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.
Hardening is mostly due to excessive stretching of abdominal muscles. This generally happens around weeks 7 and 8. It is normal for the lower abdomen to appear more swollen and harder than when you were not pregnant.
Pregnant women carrying girls have a greater chance of experiencing nausea and fatigue, according to the results of a study from the USA's Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
When Does Pregnancy Insomnia Start? Pregnancy insomnia can start at any point after conception, Mitchell says, but it typically peaks in the later half of pregnancy, once symptoms intensify. However, Mustaleski says some women may start to experience insomnia during pregnancy as early as 6 to 7 weeks.
Feeling hot, tired or faint is quite common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes taking place in your body at this time can make you feel nauseous and emotional. Being tired and run-down can also make you feel low.
If you usually get 8 hours of shut-eye, you may need 10 when you're pregnant to feel rested. But if you're too busy to squeeze in 10 hours, aim for 8 hours of sleep at night and nap during the day.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives
Back sleeping is no longer safe after 28 weeks gestation, but there are a few other comfortable positions for you to safely doze in.
Background. Many physicians advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. Previous studies have linked back and right-side sleeping with a higher risk of stillbirth, reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, a life-threatening high blood pressure disorder that affects the mother.
It's best to avoid lying on your back, especially in late pregnancy, when the weight of the heavy uterus can press on the large blood vessels in your belly. When lying on your side, keep your body in line, with your knees bent slightly, and avoid twisting.
Most experts agree that once the abdomen starts to expand, it is best to sleep on the left side with knees bent. Not only is side sleeping more comfortable, it also helps improve blood flow for the pregnant person and the fetus.
What pregnancy trimester is the hardest? For many women, the first trimester of pregnancy is often the hardest. During this period, your body is going through a major transformation and needs time to adjust to the changes.
As labor gets closer, hormonal shifts and pregnancy-related discomforts can worsen insomnia. However, while insomnia may signal that labor is drawing closer in some cases, the absence of insomnia does not mean a person will not go into labor soon. Not everyone will experience this symptom.