Overcoming Sleeplessness For The Mother-To-Be
As a mom-to-be, you know that the first year or so of your baby’s life will be wondrous, tender and…sleepless. You also have discovered that major changes in your body and hormones make it difficult to keep up the pace in time with your baby’s development. In the months leading up to the big date, you need to conserve your energy and think happy thoughts — hard to do when you can’t even get a good night’s sleep! If this sounds like you, read on for ideas on handling sleeping problems during pregnancy.
By now your doctor has surely told you how important it is to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Ironically, this seems much easier said than done — many pregnant women already experience the need to urinate frequently. While there’s no way to get around the need to drink water, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a much-needed night of rest. As the day progresses into the evening, cut back on your fluid intake. If you don’t, that just means you’ll probably have to get up multiple times throughout the night to use the bathroom.
Next, assess your current activity levels during the day. Are you following a fitness program or workout plan, and if so, what time of day do you usually do so? Exercise is extremely important, but you will not reap the full benefits if you are too tired when you wake up this morning. For this reason, confine your workouts to mornings and early afternoon. This gives your mind and body plenty of time to wind down before bedtime.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time, especially if this is your first child or if you have had any complications. While it is normal to experience some anxiety, allowing your concerns to keep you awake at night is not healthy. What brings you peace? Some of the most popular, effective methods of relieving stress include prenatal massages, meditation and knitting. You can also make an appointment to speak with a counselor or therapist if you feel that your fears are taking control of your mind.
You’ve probably already made a few adjustments to your diet, but there’s always room for improvement — especially where your health and the health of your baby are concerned. Your diet is about more than the food you eat; it also applies to what you drink. Many doctors believe small amounts of caffeine are safe during pregnancy, but there’s no disputing that caffeine may make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Ideally, you should avoid caffeinated beverages, including coffee, soda and tea. If you absolutely consume caffeine, do so no later than lunchtime.
If you’ve tried every remedy and method out there with no relief, don’t be embarrassed or reluctant to discuss sleeplessness with your doctor. Set an appointment or speak with a nurse to talk about your symptoms, thoughts and well-being. You can be certain that your health care practitioner will only make recommendations that support the health of yourself and your baby.
As you prepare yourself and your home for your baby’s arrival, you need all the rest and relaxation you can get! We’ve all heard the stories of bleary-eyed new mothers awakening every few hours to feed their babies; it’s almost inevitable. This is why it is so important to stay rested throughout your pregnancy. The healthier and happier you feel, the more you can enjoy the experience of meeting your little one.
