Pregnancy and Sleep: A Contradiction in Terms? - Reston Hospital Center | Reston, VA
Campus Under Construction. Read Details Below.
Back to Previous Page

Pregnancy and Sleep: A Contradiction in Terms?

Image for pregnancy and sleep article Pregnancy is an exciting and physically demanding time. There are so many changes happening in your body all at once. But while many mothers-to-be anticipate the sleepless nights that will come once the baby is born, many are unprepared for the sleeplessness they experience during the pregnancy itself. The truth is, several conditions unique to women, like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause , can all affect your ability to sleep. One reason for this is that changing levels of hormones (primarily estrogen and progesterone) can affect your sleep patterns.
Hormonal swings during pregnancy aren’t the only culprits. Physical symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, leg cramps, fetal movements, and heartburn, as well as emotional changes, like depression , anxiety , and worry can interfere with sleep. And unfortunately, these sleep–related problems may become more prevalent as your pregnancy progresses.

First Trimester (Months 1-3)

During the first trimester, your body is working hard to protect and nurture your developing baby. The placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus until birth) is forming; your body is making more blood; and your heart is beating faster. High levels of progesterone are also produced, increasing feelings of sleepiness. Indeed, many women sleep more than usual during their first trimester of pregnancy. Unfortunately, more doesn’t necessarily mean well. There are three common sleep stealers during your first trimester:
  • Frequent urination —This is because your body produces 30%-50% more blood while you are pregnant, and your kidneys need to work harder to filter the additional volume. Also, as your baby grows, there is increased pressure on your bladder, causing you to need to go more frequently.
  • Napping —While progesterone makes you sleepy, it can also disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling more fatigued during the day. So, indulge your busy body and take catnaps whenever you feel the need.
  • Getting comfortable —Always been a stomach sleeper? Tender breasts during your first trimester may make you reconsider. If possible, try learning to sleep on your left side. This allows maximum blood flow to the fetus, improves kidney flow, helps reduce swelling, and reduces the amount of pressure on your liver. Another reason to avoid sleeping on your stomach is to avoid putting pressure on the fetus.

Second Trimester (Months 4-6)

During your second trimester, progesterone levels continue to rise, but more slowly. This allows for better sleep than during your first trimester. Your growing baby moves above the bladder and decreases the pressure on it, thereby decreasing your need for frequent visits to the bathroom. You still may not be sleeping as well as you did before you became pregnant, but you’re less exhausted and many women report having a general sense of well being during their second trimester. Enjoy it!

Third Trimester (Months 7-9)

The third trimester is when you will be most likely to experience sleep disturbances. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll likely find that lying on your left side with your knees bent will be the most comfortable sleeping position. Indeed, many doctors recommend you begin learning to sleep on your left side early in your pregnancy, so that by the time you are in your third trimester, the position feels more normal for you. Other common causes of sleep disturbance in the third trimester include:
  • Frequent urination —It’s back. Your baby is growing, as is the pressure on your bladder, requiring you to run for the bathroom once again.
  • Leg cramps and backache —Aches and cramps in your back and legs are often the results of the extra weight you are carrying.
  • Shortness of breath —Your growing baby may also increase pressure against your diaphragm. This may cause you to feel slightly short of breath, and therefore uncomfortable when you are trying to sleep.
  • Heartburn —Many women experience heartburn during pregnancy.
  • Dreams —Some women experience very vivid dreams, even nightmares during their pregnancy.
  • Stress —Stress (of course) can interfere with sleep as well. If you are feeling worried about your baby’s health, or the changes having a baby will bring to your life, remember that these feelings are completely normal.
  • Snoring/sinus congestion —Many women who have never snored before may begin doing so at some time during their pregnancy. This is the result of increased congestion/swelling in the nasal passages. If you develop symptoms of sleep apnea (loud snoring and periods of stopped breathing during sleep), you should talk with your doctor.
  • Restless leg syndrome (RLS) —Some women may develop restless leg syndrome (RLS) during their third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms of RLS include crawling or moving feelings in the foot, calf, or upper leg.
If you have any concerns about symptoms you are having, make sure you talk to your doctor to see if they are normal or a sign of a problem.

Sleeping Tips

Because you’re pregnant, over-the-counter sleep aids, including herbal remedies are not recommended. However, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep:
  • Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages.
  • Drink lots of fluids during the day, then taper off before bed.
  • Try to avoid eating a large meal just before bed.
  • Avoid foods that cause heartburn. These depend on the individual, but may include fried foods, dairy products, and spicy foods.
  • If heartburn is a problem, elevate the head of your bed.
  • Use your bed only for sleeping.
  • Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.
  • Exercise regularly if allowed by your doctor, but avoid rigorous exercise just before bed.
  • If you’re having trouble with nausea, try eating frequent bland snacks (like crackers) throughout the day.
  • Be sure to get enough calcium. This will help you avoid leg cramps.
  • Learn relaxation techniques.
  • Nap as needed, but keep them short. Long naps during the day may ruin your night’s sleep.
  • Try putting pillows either between your legs, at the small of your back, or both.
If you still can’t sleep, try reading or catching up on correspondence. Eventually, you should feel drowsy enough to fall back to sleep.

RESOURCES

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org/publications/patient%5Feducation/bp103.cfm

The National Sleep Foundation http://www.sleepfoundation.org

The National Women’s Health Information Center http://www.womenshealth.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Sleep Society http://www.css.to/

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org/index%5Fe.asp

References

Healthy pregnancy. The National Women’s Health Information Center website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/ . Accessed September 8, 2003.

Sleeping and pregnancy. Saint Joseph’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.stjosephs-marshfield.org/ . Accessed September 8, 2003.

Sleep during pregnancy. KidsHealth for Parents website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/ . Accessed September 8, 2003.

Women and sleep. The National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ . Accessed on September 8, 2003.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.