insomnia in pregnancy; A comprehensive review of causes, complications and home remedies
Insomnia during pregnancy is one of the most common challenges that many expectant mothers face.... This disorder usually starts at the beginning of pregnancy and continues until the last days.... Statistics show that about 25% of women suffer from insomnia in early pregnancy and 80% of them suffer from insomnia by the end of the third trimester.... Many women experience great physical, hormonal, emotional and psychological changes during this period of pregnancy.. Worry.... Since insomnia during this period both affects the quality of the mother's daily life and may threaten the health of the fetus, it is necessary to treat it with correct and controlled methods. Night 3- Nausea and constipation 4- Anxiety and worry 5- Cramps and physical muscle pains Sleep in different months of pregnancy
- Insomnia in early pregnancy
- Insomnia in the second month of pregnancy
- Insomnia in the third month of pregnancy
- Insomnia in late pregnancy
- home treatment of insomnia in pregnancy
- traditional pregnancy treatment
- medical treatment of insomnia in pregnancy
- behavioral and psychological interventions
- use of prescription drugs
The cause of insomnia in pregnancy or sleep disorder in pregnancy
Insomnia is one of the most common problems during pregnancy, which occurs due to various changes that occur in the body... Remember that if insomnia during this period is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or painful pains, it is better to consult a specialist as soon as possible.... If you do not know what is the cause of fever in pregnancy and how to treat it, it is better to click on the link of this article.
In the rest of this section, we will answer the question of what is the reason for insomnia during pregnancy and why it is more severe in some people.
1- Hormonal changes
The sudden increase in pregnancy hormones such as progesterone and estrogen affects the quality of sleep.... Progesterone may cause sleepiness during the day and disturbed sleep at night.... On the other hand, an increase in estrogen causes an increase in body temperature and discomfort during sleep.
2- Frequency of nocturnal urination
With the enlargement of the uterus and the pressure on the bladder, the need to urinate increases and this causes the person to wake up several times during sleep to urinate.
3- Nausea and constipation
Morning sickness, especially in the first months of pregnancy, can cause frequent awakening.... On the other hand, constipation in pregnancy, which is very common, causes abdominal discomfort and sleep disturbance.
4- Anxiety and worry
Worrying about the health of the fetus, childbirth and life changes in the future can also be anxiety-provoking for young mothers and keep the mind active even during sleep. This anxiety is one of the most important causes of sleep disorders in pregnancy.
5- Muscle cramps and physical pains
Cramps in leg muscles, back and hip pain, and changes in sleeping position due to an enlarged abdomen cause insomnia and frequent waking up during the night.
Reasons of insomnia in different months of pregnancy
Insomnia occurs in different months of pregnancy for different reasons.... If you do not know what the symptoms of insomnia in pregnancy are and in which months it is more severe, it is better to stay with us.
Insomnia in early pregnancy
Insomnia in the first weeks of pregnancy is one of the common complaints of women in the first trimester of pregnancy.... During this period, the body is rapidly changing and adapting to the new conditions of pregnancy.... In response to the question of whether insomnia is normal in early pregnancy, we must say that insomnia is completely normal during this period and most women experience it, but it is better if this severe condition continues.>
The increase in progesterone hormone in the first trimester causes sleepiness during the day and insomnia at night.. Nausea, discomfort in the digestive system, frequent urination and anxiety are the main causes of insomnia in early pregnancy.. During this period, the body feels tired, but the mind is often active and this disharmony of the mind>.
Insomnia in the second 3 months of pregnancy
The second trimester of pregnancy is usually associated with relative calmness, but some women still complain of insomnia.... This problem may worsen in the fifth and sixth months.... Insomnia in the fifth month of pregnancy usually occurs due to the enlargement of the uterus and increased fetal movements.... On the other hand, sleeping on the side and muscle cramps are also among the most important causes>..
Insomnia in the sixth month of pregnancy is usually due to heartburn, Cramps in the leg muscles and muscle pains disturb sleep. In this month, the fetus is more active and its movements at night may cause the mother to wake up frequently.
Insomnia in the third month of pregnancy
In the third trimester of pregnancy, sleep disorders reach their peak.... This period is associated with weight gain, body space limitation, and anxiety before delivery.... Insomnia in the seventh month of pregnancy is usually caused by the growth of the fetus and more pressure on the internal organs.... During this period, breathing becomes more difficult and many pregnant women suffer from insomnia.
Insomnia in the eighth month of pregnancy is also caused by heartburn, Braxton Hicks contractions, strong fetal movements and difficulty finding the right position to sleep.
Insomnia in late pregnancy
At the end of pregnancy and near the time of delivery, most mothers usually experience severe anxiety.. On the other hand, the pressure of the uterus on the lungs and stomach prevents a good night's sleep.... Insomnia in late pregnancy may lead to persistent sleep disorders.
What are the symptoms of insomnia in pregnancy?
Insomnia during pregnancy can appear in different forms.... In the rest of this section, the most important symptoms of sleep disorders during this period are mentioned.
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Frequent awakening during the night
- Light and poor quality sleep
- waking up early in the morning
- Feeling very tired during the day
- Decreasing concentration and bad mood
Treatment of insomnia in pregnancy
There are various methods to treat insomnia during pregnancy, which can be used depending on the cause, physical and mental conditions of the mother.... The most important effective methods for treating insomnia during pregnancy are listed below.
Home treatment for insomnia during pregnancy
Using relaxation methods such as yoga, deep breathing, massage, taking a warm shower before bed, reducing caffeine consumption and having a regular sleep schedule are very effective for treating insomnia... Also, sleeping in a quiet, dark and cool environment can help improve sleep quality.
To relieve morning insomnia during pregnancy, you can use relaxing teas as well as some ginger or mint to reduce your morning sickness.
Treatment of insomnia in pregnancy with traditional medicine
In traditional medicine, teas such as chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and hyacinth are used as sedatives to treat insomnia... Aromatherapy and acupressure can also be useful for improving the quality of sleep... Remember that you must consult a doctor before taking any type of herbal medicine.
Behavioral and psychological interventions
If anxiety is the cause of insomnia, getting help from psychological counseling can help a lot in managing stress and improving sleep disorder.
Use of prescription drugs
In severe cases, a specialist doctor may use safe sleeping pills during pregnancy... Remember that self-administration of medication during this period is not recommended at all.
Complications of insomnia in pregnancy
Chronic insomnia during pregnancy can affect the health of the mother and the fetus and cause complications for them. In this section, the complications of sleep disorders during pregnancy are mentioned.
- Increased risk of pregnancy depression
- Decreasing concentration and increasing the likelihood of an accident or injury
- Increased blood pressure and possibility of preeclampsia
- Premature birth
- Adverse fetal growth
- Increasing fatigue and inability to do daily tasks
Is there a relationship between sleep disorder in pregnancy and the gender of the fetus?
Some non-scientific theories believe that the gender of the fetus can affect the mother's sleep pattern.... In some beliefs, insomnia is more indicative of a girl fetus... But there is no valid scientific research in this field and sleep changes are mostly related to physiological and psychological factors.
Final speech
Insomnia during pregnancy is one of the common problems that must be controlled by proper planning and making smart changes during this period.... Using natural techniques and traditional medicine along with medical care if needed can be effective in reducing sleep disorders.... If you have any questions about insomnia during pregnancy and its treatment methods, you can refer to