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Why do I have trouble sleeping while pregnant?

107 Answers
Last Updated: 02/24/2020 at 4:39pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
wonderfulParadise33
October 28th, 2015 5:29am
There are so many beautiful things about pregnancy, but unfortunately, some discomfort isn't one of them. It's a good start to figure out what it is that's exactly stopping you from sleeping, whether it be uncomfortable positions, hunger, heart burn, nausea or any other blessing that comes along with pregnancy. After you narrow down on a possible cause, you could contact your doctor on ways to cope with the discomfort.
Anonymous
October 28th, 2015 8:47pm
Many people have trouble sleeping whilst pregnant. Many of these problems could be by worrying if the baby is ok. . Is it hurt or not. Other times it could be sickness a craving or your thirst. Whatever it is within a few month you'll have a bundle of joy in your arms and it will be worth it.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2015 1:27am
It might have a lot to do with the baby and its hormones that are keeping you awake. The new comfort of a child can be exciting and even though you don't feel excited the baby does c:
LunaDesireeFuller
October 29th, 2015 12:24pm
Maybe it's because you are uncomfortable and your body is still adjusting to having a new life growing inside of you!
SeeTheBeautyInEverything
October 29th, 2015 2:04pm
Maybe because you are having a hard time figuring out on what position you would be able to sleep. Just relax and take a deep breath and just lay straight.
slowTime
October 31st, 2015 12:51am
Which month? Is your baby moving a lot? Do you sleep on your back or sides? Is there any position that you feel more comfortable with?
electricHeart49
November 1st, 2015 4:00am
I believe the reason could be that you are anxious for your upcoming child. It is normal to have these feelings based on the fact that it is a new thing (very important) that is about to change your life. Some ways you can help yourself is doing relaxing things before bed. Such as taking a bath, receiving a foot massage or falling asleep to soothing music.
energizingFireworks50
November 4th, 2015 1:46am
The baby can make mom uncomfortable by kicking and moving around. Also for belly sleepers and side sleepers mom can't be in a position that is comfortable for her
friendlyWaterfall77
November 4th, 2015 10:43am
hyperthyroidism, cramps, strange dreams, are all disruptive to sleep during pregnancy. In later stages of pregnancy the belly grows and becomes a bit awkward making it difficult to find a comfortable position, and the extra weight of the baby, and other effects combine to make sleep more difficult.
activelistener56
November 4th, 2015 7:06pm
it is often uncomfortable to sleep in a different position than you usually would. Pregnant women often sleep on their backs. This position can be difficult to sleep in if you normally sleep on you sides or stmoach.
lovelyLove58
November 5th, 2015 1:23am
When you are pregnant your body is changing and growing. As you get bigger you will get more uncomfortable and once the baby starts to move it can be distracting. But it's the best feeling in the world.
Rayofsunshine94
November 5th, 2015 6:49am
could be many things. Added hormones cause odd and sometimes very real and scary dreams. And a growing belly makes finding a comfortable position hard and sometimes impossible. But if you do find sleep, try to embrace it as much as possible in preparation for your new baby. Rest up!
Kha1eesi
November 6th, 2015 12:08am
I know you've heard this before, but your body is going through so many confusing hormonal experiences! It's absolutely normal to have trouble sleeping while you and your brain adjust to all this.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2015 4:04am
It depends, you might have too much on your mind so you could try relaxing while listening to music.
happypanda70
November 6th, 2015 10:27am
you may also suffer from indigestion or heartburn, or leg cramps. You may be too anxious or excited to sleep. Or you may simply ache from carrying around extra weight or struggle to find comfortable support for your big belly. Once you do get comfy, a few well-placed kicks from your baby can easily wake you up.
iflowat
November 7th, 2015 6:29pm
your body is undergoing changes and pregnancy is stressful. Its good to try some relaxation to help sleep better. May be drink a calming tea or take a warm bath.
Thehealer88
November 7th, 2015 7:19pm
You may have trouble sleeping due to a hormone imbalance. Also, sometimes it can seem uncomfortable at times due to body changes. You could try to use a few different relaxation methods or consult your doctor.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2015 6:27pm
While pregnant your hormones change a lot. You could be having trouble sleeping due to that or due to many other factors such as the baby moving around, etc.
sweetRainfall12
November 12th, 2015 10:49am
well it is very normal in pregnancy as when we face biological changes definitely it effect our sleep and appetite. so there is nothing to worry as its medically proven that due to pregnancy we feel dull and low and it results either in over sleep or less sleep.
LuwUrZelf
November 14th, 2015 7:13pm
If nausea, back pain, fetal movement and constantly running to the ladies' room aren't enough, some women develop restless legs syndrome (RLS), snoring, wild dreams and insomnia.
Michelle90
November 15th, 2015 7:14am
Because of the way your baby is positioned. It mostly happens in a later trimester, when your big tummy is in the way.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2015 8:07pm
This is because the baby may keep you up by moving around or kicking. or for new parents you may be worried about the position you are laying in
AdamHunt
November 18th, 2015 1:06am
Not being able to fall asleep while pregnant is normal so don't worry! It could just be you can't get comfortable with the new stomach or exercising before bed will cause you to stay up. You could also just be worried about being pregnant these are all some reasons why, there are numerous others but those are the three main ones I know about! Hope I helped!
Anonymous
November 18th, 2015 2:51am
There are lots of reasons you might have trouble sleeping while pregnant. Physical discomfort, dreams and worry are all pretty common experiences while pregnant. When I was pregnant I found that physical discomforts were the most frequent disturber of my sleep and I took those on one at a time. Added pillows, nose strips, humidifier, sleeping propped up, all those things helped me. As for worry and dreams, I used breathing exercises and music to calm myself. I hope you are able to find some rest :)
RedComet42
November 18th, 2015 10:20pm
The baby has begun to grow, which means it willl have more room to stretch its legs against your back or bladder.The baby's space is shrinking and it is hard for them to get comfortable too. Plua, you probably have a healthy case of prgnancy hormones that are wreaking havoc on your "normal" cycle.
Anonymous
November 19th, 2015 12:05pm
Coz it aint planned ? I dont know. I have seen pregnant women depressed and saddened, mostly teens.
Leanyon777
November 20th, 2015 2:12pm
because you are scared of having any problem with your child so you get in a stage of anxiety, causing a sleep problem
soulrespiteproverbs3125lady
November 20th, 2015 11:59pm
Sometimes it may be the anxiety of knowing you are pregnant, and the anxiety and racing thoughts regarding how you will prepare for your bundle of joy!
Sudibee22
November 21st, 2015 3:38pm
When one becomes pregnant the bofy u dergoes numerous changes. These changes can be a combination of both physical, mental and emotional changes. For many people this may be uncomfortable since they are not used to it. Yiu now have to live for two persons i stead of one. Yiu shouldn't sleep on your stomach, so if that is your favorite sleeping position then you will have a hard time sleeping. Also pregnancy alters the body's hormones, which may also pose sleeping problems. Not to worry though, having a child can become a very precious gift that will be worth it in the long run. Just be patient and understanding. It won't last forever.
wakemeupx
November 22nd, 2015 2:44pm
As early as your first trimester, pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus can send you scurrying to the bathroom more often than usual. (So might nausea.) Later in pregnancy, you may also suffer from indigestion or heartburn, or leg cramps. You may be too anxious or excited to sleep. Or you may simply ache from carrying around extra weight or struggle to find comfortable support for your big belly. Once you do get comfy, a few well-placed kicks from your baby can easily wake you up. In addition, while the best sleep position during pregnancy is lying on your left side, if you're used to sleeping on your tummy or back, it may take some getting used to.