Sleep During Pregnancy

During the different stages of pregnancy, you are likely to experience many different sleep disturbances.

These could include:

Frequent trips to the bathroom -In early pregnancy and late pregnancy when the bladder is compressed by the baby.

Heartburn - Usually occurs in the second trimester and may last through delivery. The uterus pushes up against your organs causing pressure on the stomach. At times, stomach acid will back-flow into the esophagus causing heartburn. Try lying in a semi upright position. Check with your doctor before taking antacids.

Graphic Dreams - Anxiety about your baby’s well being, insecurity about motherhood, and possibly anxiety about siblings will cause graphic dreams throughout pregnancy. Many women dream of water, a symbol of pregnancy in dreams. Talking about your fears and anxieties may help to alleviate your subconscious mind while sleeping.

Fetal Movement - Once the baby starts to kick and move about (usually around the 5th or 6th month) you may be awakened by a particularly feisty fetus. Try a glass of milk or a change in sleeping position.

Physical Discomfort - The bigger you get, the more difficult the task of finding a comfortable sleeping position. Your breasts may be sore in early pregnancy too. Try positioning pillows behind your back and between your knees while lying on your side. Also available in some stores are the body pillow and the pregnancy wedge pillow.

Emotional Worry - Many women feel such anxiety about their child that they lay awake in the wee hours of the morning thinking of all the things that could possibly happen. This is no time to focus on the bad, but the perfect opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques you will need for birth.

Shortness of Breath - Shortness of breath may occur late in pregnancy before the baby has dropped into the pelvis. The uterus and baby are pushing upward into the rib cage making breathing in sitting and lying positions difficult. Again, try lying on your side or propping up your shoulders with pillows.

Related Topics:
Pregnancy Topics
How much Sleep? (do babies need)
Should I Let Baby Cry It Out?

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Sleep Issues During Pregnancy