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Understanding Pregnancy Sleep Problems
Why do sleep problems suddenly begin or increase in severity for pregnant women? There are many physical and emotional factors that may contribute to sleep difficulties during pregnancy. Learn why you might not be enjoying the sweet slumber that you need now more than ever.
According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 78 percent of women reported more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times. Physical and emotional changes account for most of the difficulty. These are some of the reasons you might be losing sleep:
- As your body grows and changes, your old sleep positions might not feel so comfortable anymore.
- You might be feeling the aches and pains of a normal pregnancy, such as heartburn, nausea, or hemorrhoids, and these can tend to keep you awake at night.
- Your bladder holds less fluid as your baby grows. You might need to get up several times a night to urinate.
- Emotions and anxiety about birth, becoming a mother, work, and your changing relationship with your partner might also play a part in keeping you tossing and turning between the sheets.
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For all of those saying that you will get even less sleep when the baby comes, I really dont see how that can be when i am either get less than 3 hours due to my heartburn, having to pee, and the insomnia I seem to have aqcuired at least after the baby comes the heartburn and the peeing issues will get better. Besides you expect to not get alot of sleep when the baby comes but why doesnt anyone tell you about all the sleep issues while your pregnant?
8/25/2011 03:35:33 PM Report AbuseSleep number beds r the way to go! But it also helps to wedge a pillow behind u against ur back
7/18/2011 02:30:36 PM Report AbuseI'm having the issue of extreme RLS. Let's just say for the last 3 weeks getting 3-4 hours of sleep is a miracle in and of itself. It's quite simply a nightmare. I've tried every natural remedy out there and that's done diddly squat. The only thing that somewhat helps is for some reason laying on a couch where I can prop pillows just so and keep at least one leg really elevated. I'm personally counting the days (27 more days!!!) until my c-section so I can get back to normal!
4/19/2011 07:22:44 PM Report AbuseWhat ever makes you comfortable I say, G-D only knows its not worth spending all that money for bed when it can be used for the baby.
1/10/2011 04:29:52 PM Report Abuseto those who say what til the baby comes sleep will be even scarcer....i despise being pregnant and i am on number two....i always slept on my stomach or back so that sucks now plus getting up to pee or because of heartburn every two to three hours is way worse than sleeping for a four hour chunk between feedings when the baby arrives...plus it is way worth the trouble of pregnancy once the baby actually shows up the key is to nap when your baby naps
12/19/2010 12:00:41 AM Report Abusei hate it when people say ha you think its bad now wait till its after its born, these people don't seem to be very helpful, supportive, or greatful to be a parent. Just remember the lack of sleep is all for that little miracle...its worth it.
11/6/2010 07:02:08 AM Report AbuseWe have a sleep number bed and I love it because its adjustable. But they are pricey. I still needed a pregnancy pillow to keep me comfy but I slept with a body pillow before pregnancy so I wasn't completely surprised I needed some pillow assistance while pregnant.
6/8/2010 03:14:55 PM Report AbuseTo ilpzama, I went to WalMart and got their double layer foam egg crate mattress topper, like $30 for a full size, and it's been wonderful. That should save you the expense of the new mattress, and for me it's been a lifesaver. That and two pillows has been doing the trick. Don't get the cheap thin one at Target, though, the double layer one at WalMart is better. (I can't believe I'm recommending that store over others...) And I've never tried the more expensive memory foam ones.
5/28/2010 04:55:05 AM Report AbuseHa, if you think you're not getting enough sleep now, wait til the baby is born!!! A full night of sleep is going to be a distant memory... and you will be craving the thought of lying in bed all night, even if you did have to get up to pee a few times. Much less sleep disturbing to pee than do a full feeding! Sigh.
5/28/2010 04:51:00 AM Report AbusePurchasing our Tempurpedic mattress is one of the best buys we've made. No other bed will ever be as comfortable. We've had it for for almost 2 years. I am currently pregnant with our first child (28 weeks tomorrow) and as much as I love my Tempurpedic I still have uncomfortable nights (it seems I'll have a bad one and then a normal one and that's the pattern. I was a back sleeper so having to make the switch to my side has simply not been easy. I still 100% recommend the Tempurpedic!
5/15/2010 11:26:28 AM Report Abusewhat kind of mattress is recommended during pregnancy? I've been told that Temperpedic is a good mattress option during and after pregnancy. Any suggestions?
4/20/2010 10:07:12 PM Report Abuse