Many pregnant women struggle with sleep problems - and by no means only insomnia, as some experience excessive sleepiness, for example. How do you deal with these anomalies? We suggest.
Table of contents:
- Proven sleep problems
- The best sleeping positions
- What positions should be avoided?
- Insomnia during pregnancy
- Excessive sleep and feeling tired
- Constant observation by a gynaecologist
Many pregnant women ask themselves what practices to implement to achieve better sleep. Sleep problems during this time are common, but they become most troublesome around the third trimester. In addition, there is the stress of knowing that certain positions may affect the health of the baby.
Proven sleep problems
Research by the National Sleep Foundation has shown that as many as 78 per cent of pregnant women have sleep problems, and additionally, in the third trimester, 15 per cent of those surveyed have what is known as RLS, or restless legs syndrome.
In addition, increasing body weight, nausea, increased appetite, rising progesterone levels and general fatigue can also negatively affect sleep quality.
Best sleeping positions
Many women fear that they will damage the foetus or the baby during sleep, which also negatively affects a healthy and good night's sleep.
It is recommended that women in the second and third trimester sleep on their left side. This is because staying in this position increases blood flow to the uterus. Women who complain of back or hip pain can additionally place one or two pillows between their knees.
Please note that these are only recommendations. If a woman is more comfortable sleeping on her right side during this period, she can of course do so. This is because there are no scientific studies confirming the ill effects of this position on the baby's development.
Which positions should be avoided?
Experts say that certain positions are less advisable during pregnancy.
Sleeping on the stomach generates a lot of debate and opinions are divided on this issue. While the uterus protects the foetus well and there is no reason to avoid sleeping on the stomach during the first trimester of pregnancy, at a later stage - if only because of the size of the abdomen - this position becomes uncomfortable or even impossible.
In the third trimester, sleeping on the back puts pressure on the main blood vessels supplying blood to the uterus. In addition to the dizziness or heartburn experienced by pregnant women, this position can also reduce the oxygen supply to the foetus.
Insomnia in pregnancy
Women who struggle with sleep deprivation during pregnancy may consequently experience physical and mental fatigue. This, in turn, can make it difficult to perform daily tasks. In some cases, insomnia can lead to depression and even restrict the growth of the foetus.
Resting during pregnancy, photo: panthermedia
Excessive sleep and feeling tired
In addition to the fact that pregnant women may have problems sleeping, there are also cases of excessive sleepiness and feelings of fatigue. This is particularly noticeable in the early stages of pregnancy. This is a completely natural phenomenon and should not arouse suspicion. The culprit for such a condition is progesterone and hormonal swings.
During the first trimester, the placenta is also being produced and this involves a great deal of effort on the part of the body.
Constant observation by the gynaecologist
Whether women suffer from insomnia or excessive sleep persists for too long, pregnant women should observe their condition closely and consult their gynaecologist about any doubts. There are many completely natural 'symptoms' of pregnancy, but carrying a baby under the heart is an extraordinary event for every woman, so it is no wonder that many women seek information about emerging ailments. The most important thing during pregnancy is to listen to one's own organism and to find the right health care provider who will pass on all the information properly.
