How To Deal With Sleep Problems During Pregnancy

A woman faces many challenges while pregnant. Each day, her body adjusts because of so many hormonal and bodily changes that she undergoes as her fetus continues to grow.

3 Sleep Problems That Often Affect Pregnant Women

It’s also common for her to experience physical discomfort, as well as emotional and mental anxiety. Truly, each day and each month during pregnancy brings unique challenges to females, and all of these issues could affect the quality of sleep.

1. Frequent Urination during pregnancy

Once you get pregnant, you’ll notice that your need to go the bathroom increases. This happens even while you’re still in the first trimester. There are generally two main reasons for this. First, as the fetus in the womb grows, the uterus pushes down on the urinary bladder.

Because there is pressure on the bladder, it needs to eliminate excess fluids more often than usual. Second, since your body is accommodating and growing a baby, it will require more blood. Thus, blood flow increases, which means that more fluids are processed and then eliminated by your body.

How to Deal

There are a few things that you can do in order to reduce frequent trips to the bathroom. When urinating, for instance, bend forward a bit in order to empty your bladder completely. Also, avoid drinking lots of fluid near bedtime.

2. Insomnia during pregnancy

Yes, being pregnant will make you feel sleepy even during the daytime. But sleeping can be a problem for some women, and insomnia can be due to feelings of anxiety or excitement about the baby’s arrival.

How to Deal

Before going to bed, try to let go of all your worries. Employ relaxation techniques if possible. In case your anxiety gets to the point where you become too worried, maybe you should talk to your partner or doctor about the things that are bothering you mentally and emotionally.

A warm bath and some milk before bedtime can help you to sleep as well. Also, do something that makes you feel drowsy too, like listening to mellow music or reading a book.

Also Read: Top 5 Exercises to Perform Post-Pregnancy

3. Discomfort in bed during pregnancy

As you go through the second and third trimesters, you’ll experience discomfort in bed more and more. Even if you’re tired and sleepy, finding a position that you’re comfortable in becomes a challenge. Mainly, this is because the baby becomes heavier as the pregnancy progresses.

So, if you love to lie on your back, this may no longer be very comfortable for you, especially during the last few months of pregnancy.

How to Deal

Your mattress plays a huge role during pregnancy. This can either help you to become more comfortable or it can be the thing that adds to your discomfort. A lumpy bed, for instance, can be a source of distress because it won’t provide you with the support that your body needs.

A mattress that’s too firm can be uncomfortable as well because its surface will further put pressure on bony areas, such as the back and spine or the shoulders and hips. If you are finding it very difficult to sleep on your bed, maybe it’s time for you to purchase a new mattress that will offer you better support.

Also Read: 6 Natural Ways To Prevent Constipation In Pregnant Women

Maternity pillows also contribute to comfort, so maybe you can get one too. Or you can also use smaller pillows to support your belly and legs. Remember that the best position for you when sleeping while pregnant is lying on your left side as this encourages better blood flow to the fetus.