Insomnia during pregnancy

Breast tension, lower abdominal pain, nausea... These symptoms can be signs of pregnancy. Hypersomnia, which is characterized by a strong desire to sleep, is also one of these common pregnancy ailments. It mainly occurs in the first months of pregnancy. This hypersomnia can disrupt the rhythm of sleep, its quality, and cause insomnia. "Often during the first trimester of pregnancy, nights are more complicated because of hypersomnia. Under the effect of progesterone, which has a soporific effect, pregnant women tend to want to sleep in the afternoon and very early in the evening. The desire to sleep is strong but there is not necessarily a real need to sleep more. "If the pregnant woman goes to bed at 8 p.m., she can then have nighttime awakenings and insomnia." Insomnia can therefore also be added to this list of pregnancy symptoms.

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy can disrupt sleep, as can physical pain or anxiety. These sleep disorders generally occur at the beginning and end of pregnancy. The second trimester often offers a period of calm for the mother-to-be.

At the beginning of pregnancy, hypersomnia caused by progesterone, which acts as a real sleeping pill, can make it difficult to sleep at night. Psychologically and emotionally, this is also a period that can be very difficult for women. She may ask herself a thousand questions about the progress of her pregnancy, her desire to be a mother or not... "Under the effect of progesterone at the beginning of pregnancy, pregnant women are hypersensitive. Emotions come to the surface and this can prevent them from sleeping". The worries and stress felt manifest themselves during the day but also at night, altering the quality of sleep.

Among the sympathetic signs of pregnancy in the first trimester, we also find mastodynia, breasts that increase in volume and can be painful. This can prevent you from taking your favorite sleeping position.

Nausea, a classic symptom of the first weeks of pregnancy, can occur at any time of the day. Evening nausea can then promote insomnia.

The third trimester of pregnancy is the period when women complain the most about sleep disorders. At the end of the pregnancy, the woman has gained weight , and her larger belly can lead her to adopt uncomfortable positions . She tries to position herself well to fall asleep. You can also have back pain due to weight gain. You can also

feel muscle tension and cramps, in the lower limbs (calves, feet, etc.), but also in the abdominal wall, especially when you turn over in bed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is quite common in the third trimester of pregnancy and can disrupt sleep. "It is a thickening of the nerve sheaths at the wrist that exerts nerve compression on the carpal tunnel. This causes drowsiness and tingling in some fingers. We wait at least three months after giving birth to see if the woman recovers, otherwise we can operate." There is also water retention, edema that can cause numbness in the hands. In the middle of the night, when it is hot, the woman may be uncomfortable and need to move her hands to wake them up.

There may also be nighttime awakenings to urinate. The fetus takes up more space in the uterus and exerts more pressure on the bladder. This causes frequent urges, which become more and more intense as the pregnancy progresses.

The unborn baby can also wake its mother with its kicks.

Under the weight of the abdomen, you can also have gastroesophageal reflux punctuated by acid reflux that is more pronounced when lying down.

Added to these physical problems are questions and concerns about the end of pregnancy, and in particular childbirth, which surface and affect the quality of sleep. You can also have fears for the health of your future baby.

There are therefore many reasons for poor sleep during pregnancy!

During pregnancy, the use of medication is limited, and when it comes to sleep, it is better to turn to natural solutions. Combating insomnia during pregnancy already starts by adopting good habits.

To find sleep, during pregnancy as in normal times, it is important to respect a daily rhythm with regular bedtimes and wake-up times. To promote relaxation of the body and mind, the pregnant woman can enjoy a pleasant hot bath while relaxing in a bathroom, with subdued lighting and soft music.

Prenatal relaxation can help to practice a suitable physical activity during the day, and helps to relax to sleep better afterwards. Also favor a light dinner and avoid stimulants (tea, coffee). In all cases, we of course avoid any alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

To relieve sore and heavy breasts, a simple solution is to wear a bra at night. To limit acid reflux, you can add an extra pillow under your head.

If insomnia is caused by an uncomfortable position, it is possible to remedy it by looking for a more suitable position. To do this, you can use a bolster or a nursing pillow. "Up to a certain stage, the pregnant woman can place a bolster at chest level, between the neck and the breasts, if she wants to sleep on her stomach. If the woman sleeps on her side, she can place it between her two legs."

To fight against night cramps, you can take magnesium.

Several plants with sedative properties can have beneficial effects on sleep disorders. Orange blossom also has sedative properties. It relieves headaches and helps fight stress and anxiety, as well as nausea. A valuable ally during pregnancy.

These solutions should help you sleep better and get back to restful sleep. You need to give yourself strength for after pregnancy, when the baby is here!