Sleep Problems by Trimester
Each trimester brings its own unique changes, including changes in sleep. According to NSF, these are the most common sleep changes that may occur in each trimester:

First Trimester Sleep Problems

• You may wake more frequently to empty your bladder.
• You may experience disturbed sleep patterns resulting from physical and emotional changes in your life.
• You may feel very sleepy during some periods of the day as a result of disturbed sleep, and as a side effect of increased levels of the hormone progesterone.

Second Trimester Sleep Problems

• You may feel more sleepy during the day, and have more restful periods of sleep at night than in your first trimester. Progesterone levels are still on the rise, but they're rising more slowly than in the previous trimester.
• You'll probably find nighttime urination becoming less urgent as the growing fetus reduces pressure on the bladder by moving above it.
• Your quality of sleep is still likely worse than it was before pregnancy due to general physical discomfort and emotional factors.

Third Trimester Sleep Problems

• You'll likely experience the most sleep problems during this trimester.
• You may feel uncomfortable in general as your belly increases in size and your weight increases.
• Heartburn, leg cramps, and sinus congestion are common reasons you might be experiencing disturbed sleep during this trimester.
• You'll probably experience the return of frequent nighttime urination, as the baby's position changes to put pressure on the bladder once again.
• According to the NSF, by the end of pregnancy, 97 percent of women wake during the night.

While you may fear you won't get a decent night's sleep until your baby is born, for most women that's unlikely to be the case. You may suffer more sleep disturbances than usual, but with strategies such as regular exercise, proper diet, decreased fluid intake before bedtime, and an established soothing bedtime routine, you should be able to have sweet dreams. If you're still having occasional bad nights, daytime naps will help give you the rest you need. But if your sleep disturbances are severe, don't hesitate to ask your doctor to help you find solutions that will work for you.

Source: National Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Content courtesy of American Baby.