Dear Mom To Be, Are You Getting All The Sleep Required In Pregnancy?

Women often don’t get the sleep required in pregnancy as the body undergoes many changes; being cautious and working through some problems can be helpful.

Women often don’t get the sleep required in pregnancy as the body undergoes many changes; being cautious and working through some problems can be helpful.

Pregnancy is an undefined feeling. We can’t express it in words. During pregnancy, our body undergoes many hormonal changes that leads to many secondary problems. Insomnia or lack of sleep is one of them.

Generally, 8 out of 10 pregnant women suffer from insomnia. 8 hours sleep is a must for any individual. Yet, many women don’t get the sleep required in pregnancy as the changes in the body affect their daily routine.

What causes the lack of sleep needed in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it is instructed by the doctor to drink plenty of water and other fluids. This leads to multiple bathroom breaks that hinder a sound sleep. It can be avoided by taking more fluids early in the day, and reducing them before bedtime.

The increasing size of the belly can also create problems during sleep. Straight postures can cause breathing issues for the fetus, so sleeping towards one’s left helps a lot. Nowadays, special types of cushions are also available in the market to help women get the sleep needed in pregnancy.

Less than optimal sleep can lead to other health issues

Due to the lack of proper sleep at night, women don’t wake up fresh in the morning. In the first trimester, the body tries to adjust itself to all changes, hormonal, psychological, and physical. This leads to constant thinking which can easily turn into stress.

Reading a book, whether physical or digital, can help women relax. It can be very relaxing for the mind as well as the body. A light massage can help women get the sleep required in pregnancy.

Leg cramps generally arise in the second half of the pregnancy. It is because the extra weight of the fetus leads to compression of blood vessels in the legs. Keeping legs downward while sitting should be avoided. It leads to circulation of blood downwards that causes the cramps.

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Leg support is very important in such times. Also, sitting for a long time should be avoided. Iron-rich diet helps a lot.

How can you ensure the sleep required in pregnancy?

Here are some tips that can help achieve the sleep required in pregnancy:

  • Avoid spicy and oily food during pregnancy as it leads to heartburn
  • Do light yoga and exercises. Consult your gynaecologist before beginning any workout.
  • Meditation helps a lot with sleeping problems.
  • Listen to soft music.
  • Avoid taking too much caffeine during pregnancy.
  • Take your meal early in the evening.
  • Take a bath before bed according to the weather.

Do not take this lack of the sleep required during pregnancy lightly. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine or pills.

My dear would-be mother, enjoy your pregnancy. The problems that you suffer from in this time just disappear when you hold your baby for the first time. All the best to expecting mothers!

Image source: StockSnap on Pixabay

Check with your doctor first

At Women's Web we try to bring you information on Fitness & Wellness topics of interest to you. This is not, however diagnostic or prescriptive information, so please do consult your doctor or therapist before using any of it.

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Rashmi Bajpai

Rashmi Bajpai is a mother of two lovely kids. She has worked as a software engineer, Now she is giving her time to her kids and also fulfilling her dreams in writing poems & blogs. She read more...

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