You're not alone: At least 60 percent of women have insomnia and other sleep problems during pregnancy. Learn why this happens, and how you can get that much-needed shut-eye.
Many pregnant women say it's hard to sleep because they can't get comfortable, need to run to the bathroom constantly, have leg cramps, and are excited – and anxious – about their baby's arrival. Sleep Disorder
Unfortunately, things don't usually improve as pregnancy progresses. With so many physical and emotional changes happening, it's no surprise that two out of three women have insomnia and other sleep problems by late pregnancy. Misery may love company, but it won't provide much comfort when you're watching the numbers on your clock change in the middle of the night.
It's understandable to assume that if you aren't sleeping well, your baby isn't either. But don't worry, your baby sleeps even when you're wide-awake.
Your baby's health is at risk, however, if your insomnia during pregnancy affects your ability to function. If you fall asleep while driving, or exhaustion leads you to stumble or fall, you and your baby could get hurt.
Furthermore, research has found that women who have chronically disturbed sleep during pregnancy are at greater risk of gestational diabetes, preterm birth, depression, longer labor, and C-section birth. So it's worth doing what you can to sleep well.
When sleep doesn't come quickly, try not to worry. Becoming increasingly anxious as the minutes creep by only makes the problem worse – and leaves you feeling wrecked the next day.
If you aren't asleep 20 to 30 minutes after getting into bed, get up and go into another room. Read a magazine or listen to music until you feel drowsy, maybe have a light snack or cup of warm milk, and then get back in bed.
If you regularly have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or midwife. While it's generally better not to take sleep medication during pregnancy, your practitioner can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the safest over-the-counter or prescription sleep medication for you to take while you're pregnant. (Note: Melatonin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding isn't recommended.) In the meantime, remind yourself that insomnia may be frustrating, but it's not uncommon during pregnancy.
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