Sleepless night during pregnancy

This is very common for expected moms. You have a lot to worry about, whether you are eating the right food, what can you do and not do, doctor’s appointments, getting the nursery ready, labour anxiety etc.

Insomnia: Almost 87% of women face this problem during their pregnancy. Insomnia is when a person has problems falling and staying asleep.

Reasons:

Awaken by baby’s constant movement or urge to go to the bathroom.

Sleep apnea. Can be caused by weight gain. It is rare in young women, where breathing stops during your sleep.This is often due to swollen nasal passage.

Restless leg syndrome(RLS).Research suggested that this could be caused by insufficient folic acid or iron. What happen is your leg starts to twitch, ache or become uncomfortable at night. Luckily it will go away after child birth.

Dream. Vivid dreams about baby’s wellbeing may disrupt your sleep during pregnancy.

Other possible causes: active baby, back and lower back pain,hunger, leg pain, medication, nausea, toilet visits, nose congestions, uncomfortable sleeping positions.Signals that you are experience sleep disorder:

• Excessive sleepiness during day time
• Forgetfulness
• High blood pressure
• Night time sweating
• Obesity
• Frequent waking
• Morning headache

Complication that may occur (yikes!)

Average person needs to sleep 7-9 hours and expecting ladies should be having extra 2-3 hours of sleep. This could affect you and your baby’s health if it happens continuously. These are some complication that could happen: 

• Hypertension.causing you to get high blood pressure.
• Longer labour. If you sleep less than 6 hours you may be in labour for longer hours.
• Unexpected illness. With your immune system down, it is easier for you to contract unexpected illnesses.

Cesarean section. Women who don’t get enough sleep are 4 times likely to get a C Section.

Try these tips to make sure you get your snooze at night:

• Cut your caffeine – no soda,no tea or coffee.
• Avoid eating a full meal or drinking a few hours before bedtime.
• Avoid exercising right before bed.
• Change sleep positions. In the first trimester, try sleeping on your side, with your knees bent. Sleep on your left as you progress.
• Do not attempt to sleep on your stomach at any time in your pregnancy, as the pressure can cut off oxygen to the umbilical cord. Also, don't sleep on your right side, because it can put undue pressure on your liver.
• Take a warm bath prior to going to bed to relax.
• Join a childbirth class or parenting if becoming and being pregnant is causing you to stay up.
• Good luck!