


Here are some simple sleep hygiene tips to get the rest you crave in these special months while awaiting baby. It is important to listen to your body and take good care of yourself during pregnancy. Acid can also be pushed up the throat as the uterus grows and the kicking baby upsets your stomach. This is a common complaint, especially later in pregnancy, due to hormonal changes affecting digestion. Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the official term for problems with stomach acid in the esophagus at night. Nighttime HeartburnĪnother frustrating, yet common side effect of pregnancy is chronic heartburn. This occurs as she gains weight and retains water throughout the nine months, causing fatty tissues around the neck and throat to also increase in weight. Women who are overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea during pregnancy. But, it is the regular apneas and chronic sleep deprivation that can have dangerous health effects. Loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness can be embarrassing symptoms. When these soft tissues block the upper airway and hinder breathing, it is referred to as sleep apnea. This sleep disorder is caused by interrupted breathing as the tissues in the mouth, tongue and throat relax and shift at night. Some women get relief with the help of iron and magnesium supplements while pregnant. RLS is often associated with pregnancy, as well as obesity and lack of physical activity. Relaxing is a challenge as you struggle with the urge to move, stretch or rub your lower extremities. It can cause you to wake up or have difficulty falling asleep. These sensations show up in the feet and legs while the body is at rest. The feeling of RLS has been described in many different ways: If you are woken up by an irresistible feeling to move your legs while lying in bed, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS). Some of this is a natural reaction the birth of a new baby is a big change for a mom and the entire family. Then, as her due date nears, it can result from worries about labor and giving birth, stress about managing work, finances and other children, or general anxiety. In early pregnancy, insomnia may be triggered by hormonal changes. In fact, insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders. Pregnant women frequently report waking up in the early morning hours and difficulty falling back asleep. New moms often share stories about watching TV, late-night movie marathons, or dreading the sound of their husbands’ snores while they lay awake. Here are some of the specific types of sleep disorders that women can develop during this time. The majority of women experience some general difficulty resting and relaxing, especially in the later months of pregnancy. Let us take a look at the common sleep problems that pregnant women face and some tips for getting more rest before the baby arrives.

When you are already dealing with nausea, fatigue, swelling, frequent urination, heartburn and other aches and pains, it may seem like sleep disorders are just another frustrating side effect. A survey done by the National Sleep Foundation found that nearly 80% of pregnant women have difficulty sleeping. Many expectant moms struggle with discomfort and tiredness at different times during the nine months.

Pregnancy can disrupt your natural sleep patterns, or just make it more difficult to relax and rest. Yet, in this time, it is more important than ever to get the rest that her body and her baby need. Carl Rosenberg How to Get Better Sleep While Pregnantĭuring pregnancy, a mother’s body goes through many changes and she may often feel exhausted.
