Sleeping during pregnancy may be difficult. During the nine-month waiting period, for various reasons, the future mother may not rest optimally: “A happy event such as pregnancy can result in some periodic disorders such as insomnia. This is in itself an annoying condition in everyday life that can arise or become more pronounced during pregnancy, when the psychophysical conditions of the woman are specific,” adds Dr. Valeriano Genovese, gynecologist at Humanitas San Pio X.
Why may it arise?
The physiology of the woman changes from the first weeks of pregnancy and can contribute to insomnia: “Among its causes – explains the specialist – are those of a physiological nature that concern the changes in the woman’s body, from breast tension to weight gain. In addition to these, there are also emotional causes such as stress and anxiety that hinder relaxation and of course hormonal causes, especially in the early days of pregnancy with the release of progesterone, a hormone that is essential for the proper growth of the fetus.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that prevents individuals from enjoying restorative sleep although they need it: “Among the main symptoms are irritability, fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Insomnia tends to occur in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy because of hormonal changes in the body, while in the second trimester, with gestation stabilizing, anxiety and stress can affect sleep,” the specialist recalls.
Many other disorders, of varying proportions, which the woman may have to deal with during the nine months of waiting time, can also favor insomnia: “Fatigue and exhaustion, the increase in body temperature, gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux or constipation can hinder a good night’s rest”.
Remedies
In order to try to sleep well at night, one can adjust one’s lifestyle but also resort to the use of medicines or natural products: “First, it is essential to avoid stress as much as possible. It is also useful not to take caffeine and take walks as regular physical activity every day, maintain a healthy and light diet in order not to unleash or accentuate gastrointestinal disorders, avoid sedentary activity, take a relaxing bath and don’t indulge in the afternoon nap if it affects the evening rest “.
Among the remedies there are also drugs against insomnia, such as melatonin supplements, available in drops or pills, which can be taken always under the instruction of the gynecologist if not contraindicated. Moreover, natural products based on chamomile, valerian, jasmine and lemon balm are considered safe for the fetus,” concludes Dr. Genovese.
