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Insomnia During Pregnancy
The Causes and the Cures of Insomnia
By Kelly Burgess
In the case of the third trimester, it's not so much inability to sleep or being out of rhythm with sleep cycles as it is sleep disturbances. For example, the bladder once again starts feeling the pressure of the enlarging uterus and the mother-to-be may find herself up and down several times a night.
Sleep disturbances are common for other reasons. Rolling over is not as easy as it once was, and for women who prop themselves with several pillows, it may involve enough readjusting to cause them to wake up. Heartburn can also be severe enough to awaken you from sleep.
Another common problem is trouble getting comfortable. Some people only get their best sleep in certain positions, so back sleepers or stomach sleepers have to adjust to sleeping on their sides. However, as Dr. Powell points out, this may actually be a good thing, as it's not good for the baby to sleep on your back.
At this point in the pregnancy, there's not a lot that can be done about some of the things causing insomnia. For heartburn, your doctor can recommend a safe antacid or other medication. Exercise may also help with insomnia.
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Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/20/2008 05:45AM
Try magnesia or a glass of warm milk.
Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/17/2008 05:37AM
I had severe insomnia with my first two pregnancies. With my third I went for biweekly acupuncture and it saved me. Not only did it help me to sleep better, but it helped with many of my other previous pregnancy symptoms ie: headaches, bloating, swollen feet, acne and much more. I just found out that I am pregnant again and plan on going back to acupuncture because the insomnia is worse this time than before.
Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/10/2008 06:40AM
To the lady who wrote she is nauseous all the time and suffering, and having insomnia too: Well it is 3:36 a.m. and I am writing this email and finding out about all my delicious pregnancy symptoms online, so you are not alone my dear. I just want to say that my heart goes out to you because I am now 12 weeks pregnant and my nausea/vomit has not eased. Misery looks for company, but that is not what I want to say here. As a mother of two I can tell you that in the end it will all be worth it. Of course you don't know that now because you don't have that perspective yet, but as you know, it all passes in life...even life itself. Try to stay as positive as you can, and remember that these are signs of a healthy pregnancy, or so they tell me.
Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by Jackie on 12/08/2008 01:44AM
I am only 8 DPO but am experiencing insomnia VERY BAD! Could this be a sign of early pregnancy already? I've been TTC for 6 months now, so every month is a new psuedo symptom. LOL! Hope this one is it!
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Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/21/2008 01:23PM
Well, I have one child and have been TTC a second time for 2 years. A very arduous journey. I just checked in to see if insomnia is part of early pregnancy as I am 9 days overdue, and the signs are encouraging. Last month and after having a blood test with being 7 days over, I got my period the next day, so am not going to rush in this time to do any tests. I had severe sickness for 9 months with my first. Only 8 vomit-free days, but still terribly nauseous, hospital visits for dehydration etc. I fear it happening again, but my little 3 1/-year-old daughter is worth every moment and another will be, too. I'm 45 going on 35 (LOL) and hope to conceive naturally, but it is soon time to quit trying, so fingers crossed and bring on the insomnia if that is what it takes. Hang in there those of you who are struggling. My heart goes out to you.