Common Obstacles To A Peaceful Sleep While You Are Pregnant

A night of peaceful slumber, once taken for granted, becomes a sporadic luxury while you’re pregnant. Be grateful when it happens. Most women develop minor sleeping issues during the first few months of their pregnancy. For all but a few lucky ladies, these issues unavoidable. Below, we’ll describe the three most common obstacles to enjoying a full night’s rest during your first trimester.

Constant Urination

You might think your bladder is smaller than the average woman’s, but wait until you become pregnant. Your trips to the bathroom will become so frequent, you’ll wonder if your bladder hasn’t suddenly become even smaller.

During your pregnancy, your kidneys are processing a much higher volume of fluid. Making matters worse, your uterus is expanding, placing more pressure on your “already under siege” bladder. The result? A stronger relationship with your bathroom. Improve your chances for enjoying a good night’s rest by avoiding drinking a large volume of liquid before going to bed each evening.

Unable To Get Comfortable

Your body goes through a number of changes when you’re pregnant, not all of them related to your growing belly. For example, your breasts may feel more sensitive or tender, making it uncomfortable to lie on your stomach. Now’s the time to adopt a side-sleeping habit. As your baby continues to grow and your second trimester approaches, you won’t be able to continue sleeping on your back. A lot of expecting women have difficult making the transition. Build the habit now before your expanding stomach forces it upon you.

The Urge To Nap

Feeling sleepy? It’s not the weather. Nor is it the busy day you’re having (though that’s probably contributing). A portion of your drowsiness is due to a hormone called progesterone, which your body produces at higher levels during pregnancy. A lot of women look back on their day and wonder why they’re so tired. They usually attribute their exhaustion to the extra weight they’re carrying. In truth, the increased levels of progesterone are making them feel drowsy.

You can either fight the urge to take a nap or indulge yourself. Just remember that a 2-hour slumber might prevent you from getting to sleep in the evening. That said, a 20-minute catnap can rejuvenate your mind and body without causing a major disruption in your sleep when you go to bed later.

Being pregnant is a special time filled with excitement and joy. But, it comes with a few frustrations, including an occasional inability to sleep restfully at night. Expect it and plan for it. By the time you finally give birth to your new baby, you’ll look back on your pregnancy with fond memories and few regrets.