Tips On Achieving Quality Sleep During Pregnancy

Published: 21st April 2011
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Pregnant females need more hours of sleep or rest for the duration of pregnancy, to create new body cells. However, hormonal changes and pregnancy discomforts, can have an effect on a pregnant woman's quality of sleep. As a woman goes through every trimester of pregnancy, she may also experience various discomforts which may impact her sleep pattern.

Throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman may find herself waking up in the middle of the night to urinate. This is caused by the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG, which prompt frequent urination. Women may additionally find increased sleepiness throughout the day which is also expected.

A woman may feel an improvement in her sleep pattern during the second trimester of pregnancy. This is partially due to the fact that the body has somewhat adapted to pregnancy needs. Even so, the emotional stress of pregnancy can still affect the quality of sleep that a pregnant woman gets.

Getting good quality of sleep, through the last trimester of pregnancy, can be really hard for a woman. A woman's expanding belly can be a reason for discomfort like heartburn, cramps and trouble in breathing while lying down. Frequent urination may once again disturb sleep because the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder.


However, there are means to promote sleep throughout pregnancy. Drinking a glass of milk just before bedtime may be helpful. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, that encourages sleep. It may also help if you include food items, that can promote sleep in your meals. These include tuna, halibut, artichokes, asparagus, potatoes, pumpkin, eggs, oats, avocadoes, apricots, bananas, walnuts and almonds. Foods high in carbohydrates like bread and crackers can additionally promote sleep. A light snack before bedtime can help, but a major meal just before bedtime can only make resting much more difficult. It is also essential to steer clear of foods that may cause or aggravate heartburn.

There are numerous studies with regards to the effects of caffeine throughout pregnancy. A small amount of caffeine may not harm your child, however it may be very best to cut back on it, if you are experiencing sleep problems. It may take around 8 hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off. Therefore, staying away from coffee and other foods consisting of caffeine, may help in promoting sleep.


Exercise can also promote overall health and well-being. There are workout routines suited for a pregnant woman. These may be easily done for as long as you don't have a high-risk pregnancy. Consult your physician concerning your restrictions in order to decrease the chance of any complications. Exercise when carried out regularly, can promote deep sleep. Avoid vigorous exercise four hours before your bedtime. You may find yourself with an increased energy afterwards, thus making sleep more difficult.

Relaxation techniques can be very useful because it can calm your mind and loosen up your muscles. Methods like yoga, stretching and deep breathing can assist in promoting sleep. You may also want to set the proper environment for sleep. Avoid watching tv and turn off the lights earlier to set the mood for resting.

As your baby grows inside your uterus , it may be more difficult to find a comfortable position for sleep. Sleeping on your left side is recommended because it allows optimum circulation of blood and oxygen to your baby. If you need to change positions, it is possible to shift to sleeping on your right side because it can promote comfort, as compared to lying on your back side. You may also use a cushion between your legs because it can help support your lower back.

Sleep is an important aspect in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. If any of these actions don't do the job for you, it may be best to contact your health care provider. Being pregnant after all is a delicate condition, and a woman should exert extra effort in order to stay away from any pregnancy related complications.


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