Becoming pregnant is an experience full of transformations, particularly in a woman’s body which needs to adapt over the course of nine months in a healthy manner. As many women would acknowledge, sleep during this time can be quite a hassle without a doubt. Setting such problems might be a little hard sometimes, especially whilst being quite busy.
Although it may be uncomfortable to experience at first, it’s normal to feel very drowsy during pregnancy. This serves the mother to stop or rest, which is quite beneficial for her body as well as the baby in the womb. However, it is very common not to adapt to this new reality.
We have gathered some important information about sleep during pregnancy. Check out tips to ensure quality rest at each stage!
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Why does sleep increase during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a variety of changes from the outside and in. Those that have to do with hormones are perhaps the most impactful. They are sometimes accompanied by feelings of tiredness and drowsiness at different times of the day.
One hormone, in specific, stands out: that of progesterone. High levels are present in pregnancy due to the critical role of that hormone for the developmental progress of the baby but unfortunately affect the mother’s CNS, bringing about reduction of brain rhythm, and consequentially, sleepiness.
It’s as if the woman’s body is adapting itself to receive the baby and maintain it healthy. Consider, for instance, the growth of the placenta; it consumes a lot of energy from the body. Thus, it’s not unusual for the pregnant woman’s energy levels to be lower.
Of course, sleepiness and tiredness may be some kind of symptoms during pregnancy, which could indicate a condition. Sometimes anemia or deficiency in some vitamins and minerals might present like these symptoms. Thus, prenatal care and check-ups are to be followed closely.
What is sleep like at each stage of pregnancy?
Sleep patterns during pregnancy change depending on the particularities of the trimesters. Therefore, it is worth taking a look at some information at each stage.
1. First trimester
Know when sleep begins at pregnant time? After days when it first happens. At conception week 1 to 12 in the pregnant female state; they become sleepier more and more because the changes increase about hormonal peaks and growth of the placenta within her.
Another reason pregnant women give way to drowsiness is simply because some women’s blood pressure drops with pregnancy. The easiest way to prevent sleepiness when one is pregnant is to try to sleep longer than usual.
It is an extra hour or two to make all the difference; moreover, worth fitting in few naps during the day as well. But what it does matter is to be responsive to your body’s signals.
2. Second trimester
The 2nd trimester refers to the period between the 13th and 24th week of pregnancy. The woman has ceased experiencing certain symptoms like sleepiness during pregnancy and nausea . So, the body has extra energy for the day.
However, with the increase in belly size, there is some discomfort when sleeping, and this can be cramps and even nasal congestion. In this case, the tip is to always focus on comfort, from the choice of pajamas to the position in which you lie in bed.
3. Third trimester
In the final phase, from the 25th week onwards, discomfort with sleep during pregnancy returns, but not because of overeating. The growing belly can become a little more uncomfortable. It is common for mothers to feel heartburn, back pain and shortness of breath when sleeping.
Another important point is that rest can be interrupted by trips to the bathroom, as the baby begins to put pressure on the bladder as it grows. Therefore, it is normal to feel very sleepy during pregnancy in the third trimester .
Women may often have some problems waking up at night and thus must depend on a supporting network. Sleep is more essential in the later stage of pregnancy. Therefore, resting by napping several times a day would be an investment.
Good night’s sleep while pregnant
Remember that each case is unique, and medical monitoring is essential. There are not many ways to learn how to reduce sleep during pregnancy , but you can get a good night’s rest with the following tips:
- avoid electronics close to bedtime, as they affect melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep;
- eat light meals at night to avoid nausea and heartburn;
- Do light exercise during the day, such as walking or water aerobics, if your doctor gives you the go-ahead. They are great for circulation and relieving cramps;
- place a higher pillow for your head and another between your legs;
- give light massages to relieve cramps, if your obstetrician allows it;
- take care of your diet with the help of a specialized nutritionist;
also read 8 tips for caring for newborn twins!
