Insomnia: Just One of the Many Symptoms of Pregnancy
Insomnia is as common a symptom in pregnant mothers as nausea/vomiting and swollen ankles. There is no reason to think that your insomnia during pregnancy is affecting or will affect your baby. The reality is that the baby might be just what is keeping you awake. Insomnia is common enough during pregnancy that nearly 2/3 of mothers suffer from it at some point during the three trimesters, for some it may even come and go at random.
Causes of Insomnia during Pregnancy
- A Lot to think About: What mind is more occupied than that of the pregnant mother? Her mind is always on the growing life inside her, whether she’s thinking about the future of her child, the anxiety of the coming birth, or asking herself what sort of mother they will be to their child. The trouble is that an active mind is a mind that has trouble relaxing, which makes it harder to fall asleep and stay there.
- Restlessness: There are many new changes to your body several of which leave you aching and uncomfortable when you lie down. Leg cramps, swollen ankles, an aching back or the never ending urge to empty your bladder are all distractions from getting the rest you need.
- Strange Dreams: It is common for a mother to experience strange or particularly vivid dreams during her pregnancy. The trouble is that this can make it harder to fall asleep as you wonder what you’ll dream about when you do. It’s not clear what causes this particular symptom but the hormonal shift experienced at this time could be more than enough to cause insomnia during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Insomnia during Pregnancy
- Difficulty in getting back to bed once awakened for whatever reason
- Waking up several times during the night
- Tossing and turning, unable to sleep
Easy Changes that Can Help Insomnia during Pregnancy
- Start a Routine: If you do not have a particular routine before bed this can be the best way to tell your body it’s time to relax.
- Take a Warm Bath: The soothing sensation of warm water (not hot this can be too much for you and the baby) can help you and the baby relax before bed.
- Mediation and Massage: Meditation can help your mind relax and can be as simple as closing your eyes, focusing on each part of your body and imagining it falling asleep. Massage helps you work out all of those aches and pains and gives you the comfort of your partner’s skin on skin contact.
- Exercise: If you get some exercise during the day it can help you work out some of the anxiety and stress it also relaxes your body, making it easier to fall asleep. 3 30 minutes exercises can be good for you and the baby and need not be any more strenuous than a good walk.
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