Insomnia and Pregnancy

You can experience insomnia if you struggle to fall or remain asleep. Insomnia can occur in women at any stage of pregnancy, but it’s more typical in the first and third trimesters. You may be getting out of bed more often than you are in it due to late-night bathroom trips, unbalanced hormones, and pregnant discomforts like congestion and indigestion. The good news is that, despite how miserable it may be, your baby is not harmed by insomnia.

Pure logistics also have an impact. By the end of a pregnancy, many women struggle to even find a comfortable position for sleep.

Will insomnia during pregnancy harm my baby?

It’s understandable to assume that if you don’t sleep well, your baby won’t either. But relax—your baby will sleep even when you’re wide awake.

However, your baby’s health is at risk if your insomnia during pregnancy interferes with your ability to function. If you fall asleep while driving or you trip or fall from exhaustion, your baby could pay the price.

In addition, research has found that women with chronic insomnia during pregnancy are at higher risk for gestational diabetes, premature birth, depression, prolonged labor and caesarean section. So it’s worth doing everything you can to get a good night’s sleep.

What causes sleeplessness during pregnancy?

Insomnia can be attributed, in part, to hormonal changes, like many bothersome pregnancy-related symptoms. However, there are a number of additional elements that could work together to keep you awake at night in addition to this traditional suspect, such as:

• Frequently visiting the restroom
• Morning sickness, constipation, or heartburn during pregnancy
• Aches and pains such as a headache, sore breasts, or round ligament pain
• Restless leg syndrome and leg cramps
• Vivid or unsettling dream images
• Being uncomfortable with your expanding tummy due to a hopped-up metabolism that keeps the heat on even when it’s off
• Your child is moving around on board, kicking, flipping, and rolling.
• Worry and concerns before to birth

How Long Does Pregnancy Insomnia Last?

Because insomnia and sleep disorders can occur at any point during pregnancy, you may find yourself stuck with sleep loss for weeks and months with no real end in sight. But instead of letting this sleep disorder weigh you down, consult your doctor at your next prenatal appointment for help and guidance.

Is Insomnia Harmful During Pregnancy?

A lost night during pregnancy isn’t usually a big deal here and there, but sustained or chronically insufficient sleep has been linked to gestational diabetes, stress and depression. Insomnia and frequent snoring have also been linked to an increased risk of having a baby who is too big or too small for his age, and sleep problems late in pregnancy have been linked to longer labor and a greater need for a cesarean section. 

How can I manage my insomnia during pregnancy?

• Try new sleeping positions.
• Prepare for bedtime with a warm bath or a soothing massage.
• Set up your room for a comfortable sleeping environment. Try setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and playing relaxing or natural sounds that can make you sleepy.
• Try relaxation techniques like you might have learned in a childbirth class.
• If you still can’t fall asleep, you can consider getting up. You can try reading a book, eating a small snack, or drinking some warm milk.
• Get regular exercise during the day.
• If you have the opportunity to sleep during the day, you should use it. However, long naps can disrupt your sleep pattern at night.
• Talk to your doctor if insomnia persists. Your doctor can prescribe medication if needed.