Getting enough sleep during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and fetus. Sleep helps reset the body’s functions and restores blood vessels under more pressure due to pregnancy. It also boosts the immune system and regulates insulin levels. Without enough sleep, your blood sugar levels can increase and cause a high risk of gestational diabetes. A maternity pillow can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Insomnia during pregnancy is not a cause for alarm, but it can lower the quality of life for both mother and fetus. However, the problem is not as easy as many believe, and it is important to discuss it with your doctor if you have insomnia during pregnancy.

Having Problems Sleeping During Pregnancy? These Might Be The Causes

You may be having trouble sleeping during pregnancy. But the good news is that there is help. A sleep expert can explain why women experience insomnia and how to manage it. Read on to find out what causes sleep issues during pregnancy and how you can prevent them. Pregnancy is a time of change, so sleeping problems are bound to occur.

Hormonal Changes

In pregnant women, hormonal changes can lead to sleep problems. Researchers have linked sleep problems to increased preterm birth rates and the risk of C-sections. Lack of sleep has also been linked to increased levels of C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood. Additionally, it has been found that sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced levels of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes maternal well-being.

Changes In Sleep Habits

Pregnancy can disrupt sleep patterns, and many women complain that they can’t get a good night’s rest. This is because progesterone levels in the body increase dramatically, causing women to feel more tired. Sleepiness is not only common during pregnancy, but it can also lead to more frequent morning awakenings.

Animal studies have suggested that maternal and offspring sleep habits are related, but the relationship has not been established. One retrospective cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China, included 6236 mother-child dyads. The children’s sleep habits were assessed using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire. The researchers then used logistic regressions and linear regressions to estimate odds ratios.

Also, eating right before going to bed can also cause less sleep. Eating before bed time has many side effects.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder

Pregnancy can disrupt sleep due to various factors, including a baby pushing against the esophagus, heartburn, frequent urination, and anxiety. These conditions can also affect your digestion and can worsen GERD symptoms.

GERD symptoms are caused by stomach acid moving back up into the esophagus. The acid in the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the middle of the chest that can spread to the throat. It’s also caused by the increasing uterus size, which can put more pressure on the stomach. Symptoms usually go away after delivery.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea during pregnancy can be very serious. Unlike normal snoring, sleep apnea can affect your baby and you during pregnancy. The condition limits the amount of oxygen available to the mother and baby. It is therefore important to get treatment for sleep apnea during pregnancy to ensure the health of both mother and child.

Several factors can cause sleep apnea during pregnancy. The most common is being overweight, which increases the disorder’s risk. In addition, the increased estrogen levels can lead to nasal congestion and constrictive changes in the lining of the airway, which can cause apnea symptoms.

Tips To Sleep Better During Pregnancy

While pregnant, you might want to find ways to get a better night’s sleep. Luckily, there are many tips to help you sleep better during pregnancy. Here are a few of them:

• Avoid sleeping on your back, which stresses your back muscles and spine. Instead, use pillows under your belly and between your knees.
• You should also ensure that your bedroom is dark and quiet to get a good night’s rest.
• Another way to improve your sleep is to set a regular schedule for yourself and your baby.
• You have to reduce stress. There are many healthy coping mechanisms for stress and getting proper sleep.
• Disconnecting from electronic devices before going to bed can also be helpful.
• If you’re pregnant and having trouble sleeping, you should avoid prescription and over-the-counter sleep medicines. These medications can have adverse effects on the developing baby and should be avoided. However, herbal and natural sleep aids can help you get some rest. If you need to take prescription sleep medication, talk to your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial during pregnancy. Pregnancy can disrupt your sleeping patterns and cause leg cramps and heartburn, keeping you up at night. As your pregnancy continues, you may also experience backaches and leg cramps. You may also start to experience vivid dreams and nightmares. These symptoms are not uncommon, and you’re not alone.