Sleep Is Important During Pregnancy: Bed Rest And Your Emotional Health

It may be extremely difficult for some women to get enough sleep during pregnancy.  As the pregnancy progresses, it may become increasingly more difficult for the mother-to-be to get comfortable at night.

Hip and back pain, heartburn, anxiety and excessive amounts of energy are just a few reasons why some pregnant women find it almost impossible to fall asleep at night

Many women sleep excessive amounts during the first trimester of their pregnancy, but as the pregnancy progresses, sleep may be a distant memory.  It 19s very normal to feel more tired than usual as your body works to protect the growing fetus and provide your new baby with everything he or she needs to grow and develop.

Often times, women find it difficult to sleep during pregnancy for a few reasons.  Frequent urination is probably one of the number one reasons.  Your kidneys are suddenly working harder to filter the increased volume of blood that is now moving through your body.  As your baby grows, your uterus gets bigger and puts more pressure on your bladder.  If your baby is particularly active during the night, you may be making even more night time bathroom visits.

An increased heart rate is another reason some women find it difficult to fall asleep at night.  Your heart rate increases in order to pump more blood.  An increased heart rate may make you feel unsettled and uncomfortable.  You may feel extremely tired, but be unable to sleep, which can be frustrating and confusing.

Many women also experience leg cramps and back pain during pregnancy, specifically towards the end of the pregnancy.  These pains are usually caused by carrying around excess weight.

Shortness of breath, heartburn and constipation are also reasons why you may find it difficult to fall asleep (or stay asleep) at night. 

If you 19re not getting enough sleep, your emotional wellbeing and overall physical health might not be in tiptop shape.  This can be detrimental to both you and your baby 19s health. 

You don 19t have to be pregnant to suffer from sleep deprivation and when we are pregnant, our bodies aren 19t entirely feeling normal or necessarily comfortable to begin with.  That 19s why it 19s so very important that you make sure you 19re getting enough sleep.  If your nights are restless, make sure you are taking naps during the day. 

Avoid a lot of activity late at night and make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable.  If you lay down to go to bed and are not asleep within a half an hour, get up and find something else to do until you feel sleepy.