Insomnia During Pregnancy Sufferings

According to statistics, 78% of pregnant women suffer from insomnia for a certain period of time. Fear is always in their mind. They are afraid that their baby might be harmed by having insomnia during pregnancy. It might sound scary but physicians believe that insomnia during pregnancy is normal. It does not cause harm to the baby’s health. One of the symptoms that pregnant women suffering from insomnia might face is the need to drop off and get some sleep. However, they will wake up after a short while and then fail to get back to sleep again. Such sleep does not appear to refresh or restore their energy.

Causes Of Insomnia During Pregnancy

A number of reasons account for sleeping difficulties encountered during pregnancy. In many cases, the growing size of the abdomen is the main cause of sleeplessness. Pressure eon the bladder caused by increased size of the abdomen makes it necessary to urinate several times during the night. The pregnant woman feels trouble with finding a comfortable position for sleeping. Feeling the baby’s movement can also cause waking up at night. Heartburn and back pain are two main physical problems that cause insomnia during pregnancy. There might be aching in the hips, causing discomfort. Hormonal changes and psychological conditions like anxiety and/or depression are other main causes of sleeplessness.

Coping With Insomnia During Pregnancy

Avoid getting overly anxious from looking at the time and worrying about sleep. The added anxiety of not having enough sleep makes things worse. Try the following ways to handle your sleeplessness when you are suffering from insomnia during pregnancy.

1. Take a warm bath before going to bed.

2. Do some bedtime exercise. Relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation are excellent in relieving anxiety and bringing sleep.

3. If possible, get your partner to do some massage for you. You can also get a massage.

4. Have plenty of daytime exercises so that you will feel extremely tired at night. This will drive to sleep easily. Do not take naps in the day.

Drinking

If you get up several times to urinate during the course of the night, take fewer fluids after 4 pm. Avoid taking caffeine drinks such as coffee in the evening. Their stimulating effect will kill your sleep.

Temperature

Remember to keep the bedroom temperature at a comfortable level. Keep the window open for fresh air to reach you if possible. If you are in an air conditioned room, make sure it is not too cold and you have proper air filtering system. Use comfortable blankets too. These will help you when you suffer from insomnia during pregnancy.

January 26 2007 08:33 am Del.icio.us Digg Furl