What is the Importance of Sleep During Pregnancy?

Nearly 80 percent of pregnant women struggle with sleep problems during pregnancy. Causes of sleep problems include trouble breathing, restless legs syndrome, and frequent urination. But they can also be caused by a range of emotional difficulties.

So, what is the importance of sleep during pregnancy?

Sleep deprivation is an inevitable reality for new parents. Unfortunately for many, sleep problems begin long before the baby is born. Changing hormones, changing body systems, and stress levels cause many physiological changes during pregnancy that can compromise sleep in unique ways.

The Importance of Quality Sleep During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a strange experience, but your sleep schedule may not be what you expected. During the first few weeks, as progesterone rises and the placenta develops, you may feel sleepy during the day or feel too nauseous to sleep at night.

In the second trimester, you may have a little more energy, or at least be less inclined to nap. But for some, the fatigue persists. However, your body pumps more blood during pregnancy, which can increase your heart rate and make it more difficult to sleep. In the third trimester, as your belly grows and your body retains more water, you may have trouble finding a comfortable position and staying asleep for more than a few hours.

Essentially, you will feel sleepier than usual with changing hormones, a placenta to build, and a heavier load to carry. Raising a person is no easy task, and fatigue is your body's way of saying it needs rest.

Not getting enough sleep during pregnancy can put you at higher risk for serious pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes. Lack of sleep is also closely associated with labor difficulties and higher cesarean rates.

Tips for Quality Sleep During Pregnancy

In this process, you can use the following tips for a better-quality sleep:

• Limit caffeine. Try not to drink coffee, tea, or a variety of caffeinated beverages in the afternoon.
• For lots of water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but limit your water intake a few hours before bedtime so you don't have to wake up and go to the bathroom.
• Do an average of half an hour of exercise daily. Exercising helps you get quality sleep. But you shouldn't exercise within four hours of bedtime.
• Do not neglect relaxing activities. A warm bath, foot or shoulder massage will help you relax.
• A peaceful bedroom is important. Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and at the ideal temperature at night will help you fall asleep and stay asleep.