Can t sleep early sign of pregnancy

Why it Happens and What to Do

Insomnia in Early Pregnancy: Why it Happens and What to Do

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jessica Timmons on January 9, 2018

Overview

For a new mom-to-be, experiencing sleep deprivation after the baby is born is a given. But you probably didn’t realize that it could also occur during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Most women experience sleep problems during pregnancy. Pregnant women tend to get more sleep during their first trimesters (hello, early bedtime) but experience a big drop in the quality of their sleep. It turns out that pregnancy can make you feel exhausted all day long. It can also cause insomnia at night.

Here are some of the most common culprits for insomnia during early pregnancy, plus a few tips to help you get a better night’s sleep.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia means you have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Women can experience insomnia during all stages of pregnancy, but it tends to be more common in the first and third trimesters. Between midnight bathroom breaks, out-of-control hormones, and pregnancy woes such as congestion and heartburn, you might be spending more time out of your bed than in it. The good news: While insomnia might be miserable, it’s not harmful to your baby.

Sheer logistics play a role as well. By the end of a pregnancy, many women have a hard time just getting comfortable enough to sleep well. During the first trimester, you might not have much of a baby belly to accommodate, but there are other issues that can prevent a good night’s sleep.

What causes insomnia during pregnancy?

Expecting? There are many reasons you might be wide awake in the wee hours. These can include:

need to urinate frequently
nausea or vomiting
back pain
breast tenderness
abdominal discomfort
leg cramps
shortness of breath
heartburn
vivid dreams

Other causes of insomnia can be stress-related. You might feel anxious about labor and delivery, or worry about how you’ll balance work with being a new mother. These thoughts can keep you up at night, especially after your third visit to the bathroom.

It can be difficult to distract yourself from these thoughts, but try to remember that worrying isn’t productive. Instead, try writing down all of your concerns on paper. This will give you a chance to consider possible solutions. If there are no solutions, or there is nothing you can do, turn the page in your journal and focus on another worry. This can help empty your mind so you can rest.

Being up front with your partner about your feelings and worries can also help you feel better.

Develop a bedtime routine

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One of the best things you can do to manage insomnia while you’re pregnant is to set up good sleep habits.

Begin by trying to go to bed at the same time every night. Start your routine with something relaxing to help you unwind.

Avoid screen time at least an hour before bed. Blue light from the TV, your mobile phone, or tablet can have an impact on your body’s circadian rhythm. Try reading a book instead.

Taking a soothing bath might also make you sleepy. Just be careful that the temperature isn’t too hot — that can be dangerous for your developing baby. This is especially true during early pregnancy.

To be safe, avoid hot tubs.

Diet and exercise

Diet and exercise can have an impact on your sleep.

Drink up

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Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but minimize drinking after 7 p.m. Try to avoid caffeine starting in the late afternoon.

Eat to sleep

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Eat a healthy dinner, but try to enjoy it slowly to reduce your chances of heartburn. Eating an early dinner can also help, but don’t go to bed hungry. Eat a light snack if you need to eat something late in the evening. Something high in protein can keep your blood sugar levels steady through the night. A warm glass of milk can help you feel sleepy, too.

Learn about more foods and drinks that can improve sleep.

Exercise

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Stay active during the day so you can rest at night.

Comfort is key

Making yourself — and your bedroom — more comfortable can result in better sleep.

Get comfortable

Share on Pinterest

Make yourself comfortable. Lie on your side, tuck a pillow between your knees, and use one under your belly as it gets bigger.

If breast tenderness is bothering you, opt for a comfortable sleep bra that fits properly.

Climate change

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Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet for optimal sleeping conditions. Use a nightlight in the bathroom for those midnight visits. The dim light will be less jarring than a bright overhead light.

Try to relax

Practice ways to feel more relaxed at night.

Distract yourself

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If you’re lying in bed and are wide awake, get up and distract yourself with something until you’re feeling tired enough to fall asleep. It’s more effective than lying in bed and staring at the clock.

Relax

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Practice meditation, or try relaxation techniques and exercises. These methods are often taught in childbirth classes.

Takeaway

For most women, insomnia during the first trimester will pass. If you’re having trouble, try taking naps during the day. But skip any sleep-inducing supplements, medicines, or herbs until you consult with your doctor.

If your insomnia is impacting your ability to function, your doctor may be able to prescribe a sedative that’s safe to take during pregnancy.

For more pregnancy guidance and weekly tips tailored to your due date, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter.

Last medically reviewed on January 10, 2018

Parenthood
Pregnancy
1st Trimester

How we vetted this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

K&imath;z&imath;l&imath;rmak A, et al. (2012). Insomnia in pregnancy and factors related to insomnia. DOI:
doi.org/10.1100/2012/197093
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Sleep during pregnancy: Follow these tips.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sleep-during-pregnancy/art-20043827
Reichner CA. (2015). Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935047/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jan 10, 2018

Jessica Timmons

Edited By

Ruby Thompson

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jessica Timmons on January 9, 2018

Why it Happens and What to Do

Insomnia in Early Pregnancy: Why it Happens and What to Do

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jessica Timmons on January 9, 2018

Overview

For a new mom-to-be, experiencing sleep deprivation after the baby is born is a given. But you probably didn’t realize that it could also occur during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Here are some of the most common culprits for insomnia during early pregnancy, plus a few tips to help you get a better night’s sleep.

What is insomnia?

What causes insomnia during pregnancy?

Expecting? There are many reasons you might be wide awake in the wee hours. These can include:

need to urinate frequently
nausea or vomiting
back pain
breast tenderness
abdominal discomfort
leg cramps
shortness of breath
heartburn
vivid dreams

Being up front with your partner about your feelings and worries can also help you feel better.

Develop a bedtime routine

Share on Pinterest

One of the best things you can do to manage insomnia while you’re pregnant is to set up good sleep habits.

Begin by trying to go to bed at the same time every night. Start your routine with something relaxing to help you unwind.

Avoid screen time at least an hour before bed. Blue light from the TV, your mobile phone, or tablet can have an impact on your body’s circadian rhythm. Try reading a book instead.

To be safe, avoid hot tubs.

Diet and exercise

Diet and exercise can have an impact on your sleep.

Drink up

Share on Pinterest

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but minimize drinking after 7 p. m. Try to avoid caffeine starting in the late afternoon.

Eat to sleep

Share on Pinterest

Learn about more foods and drinks that can improve sleep.

Exercise

Share on Pinterest

Stay active during the day so you can rest at night.

Comfort is key

Making yourself — and your bedroom — more comfortable can result in better sleep.

Get comfortable

Share on Pinterest

Make yourself comfortable. Lie on your side, tuck a pillow between your knees, and use one under your belly as it gets bigger.

If breast tenderness is bothering you, opt for a comfortable sleep bra that fits properly.

Climate change

Share on Pinterest

Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet for optimal sleeping conditions. Use a nightlight in the bathroom for those midnight visits. The dim light will be less jarring than a bright overhead light.

Try to relax

Practice ways to feel more relaxed at night.

Distract yourself

Share on Pinterest

Relax

Share on Pinterest

Practice meditation, or try relaxation techniques and exercises. These methods are often taught in childbirth classes.

Takeaway

If your insomnia is impacting your ability to function, your doctor may be able to prescribe a sedative that’s safe to take during pregnancy.

For more pregnancy guidance and weekly tips tailored to your due date, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter.

Last medically reviewed on January 10, 2018

Parenthood
Pregnancy
1st Trimester

How we vetted this article:

K&imath;z&imath;l&imath;rmak A, et al. (2012). Insomnia in pregnancy and factors related to insomnia. DOI:
doi.org/10.1100/2012/197093
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Sleep during pregnancy: Follow these tips.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sleep-during-pregnancy/art-20043827
Reichner CA. (2015). Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935047/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jan 10, 2018

Jessica Timmons

Edited By

Ruby Thompson

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jessica Timmons on January 9, 2018

First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms

Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of pregnancy at an early stage and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.

At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear

The answer to the question when the first signs of pregnancy appear is quite ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?

The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:

delayed menstruation - 29%;
nausea - 25%;
mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
breast changes - 17%;
pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
depression - 15%;
fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
decrease in immunity - 6%;
the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%.

Physiological first signs of pregnancy

What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?

The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:

Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.

Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.

Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.

Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as mild uterine cramps.

Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches, while others experience back pain.

Insomnia - another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.

Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.

Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).

Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Bloody discharge - the first signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, approximately 10 to 14 days after conception.

Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus - these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.

Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).

Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, which is a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.

Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.

Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.

Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.

Emotional first signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy before the delay (the earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.

Mood swings.
Irritability.
Vulnerability, tearfulness.
Capriciousness.
Depression.

These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.

However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.

Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine

Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, can cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:

In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports enlarged breasts.
For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
Maintain your daily physical activity for as long as it is convenient for you to perform certain activities.
Eat a balanced diet with enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Important! All these tips are advisory in nature, be sure to consult your doctor if you encounter discomfort.

What to do if you notice early signs of pregnancy

To make sure the signs of pregnancy are accurate, you can use the following methods to diagnose early pregnancy:

Donate blood for hCG. This method can be used a few days after conception. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that is analyzed in a hospital. It determines whether there is a pregnancy hormone in your body and in what quantity. Its accuracy is 99%.
Use a test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay. To determine pregnancy, dip the reagent area of the test strip into the urine. Accuracy: 99%. You can buy Evitest or HomeTest test strips in our pharmacy.
Use jet or electronic test. They can be used at home a few days before your expected period. You need to remove its protective cap, substitute the test under the stream of urine for 10 seconds, and after 3-5 minutes get the result. Accuracy: 97%. In our pharmacy you can buy Evitest or Alpe inkjet tests.
Get your first ultrasound. You can use this method at 3-4 weeks from the start of a missed period. At this time, ultrasound will show the very fact of uterine pregnancy, and the place of attachment of the fetal egg is also determined. Accuracy: 100%.

Help Doc.ua: you can make an appointment with a gynecologist on the website.

Insomnia and drowsiness during pregnancy

September 21, 2020

Healthy sleep is necessary for all people without exception. But it plays a special role for pregnant women. A woman carrying a child may want to sleep more often, because energy is spent not only on the expectant mother, but also on the growing baby. The duration of sleep for girls in position should be from 8 to 10 hours.

In a woman in the early stages, the hormonal background is rapidly changing. The hormone progesterone, which is actively produced during this period, helps to maintain pregnancy. However, the same hormone can cause sleep disturbances in a girl, a feeling of fatigue and lethargy throughout the day.
The stress that many women experience when expecting a baby also leads to sleep problems. Often, the fair sex has nightmares, tormented by disturbing thoughts, which causes insomnia.
Painful discomfort in the mammary glands, in which changes occur, can also interfere with a good night's rest. A woman has been looking for a comfortable sleeping position for a long time in order to avoid discomfort, which often unnerves the expectant mother.
As the uterus grows and enlarges, it can press on the bladder. Consequently, a woman is more likely to experience the urge to urinate, which is why she has to wake up.
During the second trimester, the uterus becomes even larger. She props up the diaphragm, so the girl may have the feeling that she does not have enough air.
Pregnant women sometimes complain of night cramps that occur due to a lack of magnesium.
In the second trimester, the child begins to be active and move, which brings a lot of joy to a woman. However, at night, this can interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.
In the later stages, a heavy fetus can crush a large vessel located between the uterus and the spine during sleep. Because of this, sleeping on your back is not possible. In the third trimester, it is best for a woman to sleep on her side to avoid discomfort, headaches, and heart palpitations.

If a woman carrying a child limits herself in her sleep and sleeps less than the prescribed 8 hours, then this will most likely lead to a number of negative consequences - a decrease in physical and mental activity, lethargy, irritability, weakening of the immune system. All this can seriously harm the baby and cause pathologies during its development.

It is therefore recommended to consult a doctor if a pregnant woman has one or more sleep problems. The specialist will give recommendations and help to cope with insomnia or, conversely, with drowsiness.

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