Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Sleeping Problems

Sleep problems are common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes plus the discomforts of later pregnancy can break up a pregnant patient’s sleep cycle.
 

First Trimester:

  • The first trimester can bring insomnia (not being able to sleep well) and night waking.
  • Most pregnancy patients feel the need to take naps to fight daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
     

Second Trimester:

  • The second trimester tends to feel more normal for many pregnant patients.  This is often a period of improved daytime energy and less need for naps.
     

Third Trimester:   

  • The third trimester is a time to expect increasing insomnia and night waking.  Most women wake up 3 to 5 times a night, usually because of such discomforts as back pain, needing to urinate, leg cramps, heartburn, and fetal movement.
  • Strange dreams are also common in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
  • The need to take daily naps may return as your due date approaches. 
     
sleeping problems

Improving Your Sleep


Try to get the best sleep possible. These tips might help: 

  • Get comfy.
  • Use extra pillows to support your belly, or put one between your knees.
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule.  Go to bed at the same time every night.  And wake up at the same time too, even on weekends.
  • Stop drinking fluids a few hours before bed.
  • Pregnancy can make you have to urinate – a lot.  If you go to bed with an empty bladder, you are less likely to have to get up in the night to go to the bathroom.
  • Let yourself nap, but not for too long.  If you keep naps short, they are less likely to affect how well you sleep at night.
  • Do something relaxing before bed.
  • Try yoga, meditation, or a bubble bath.  When you get in bed, read something light rather than do something on a screen. (The light from TV or devices can activate your brain in ways that make it harder to sleep.)
  • Cut back on caffeine, or don’t drink it.  Try to have just 1 cup of coffee a day or 2 cups of tea, and only in the morning.  (And don’t forget that energy drinks and chocolate also have caffeine.)

Medicines you can try if the tips do not help: 

  • Doxylamine succinate (such as Unisom)
  • Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol)
  • Diphenhydramine HCl (such as Benadryl)
  • Melatonin 3mg each night

Take these medicines according to the package directions. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage or total duration of therapy