Pregnancy Tips: of pregnancy In the last stage, while the excitement of the arrival of the baby increases, many women start losing sleep at night. A distended belly, not getting a comfortable sleeping position, frequent urination, back pain, acidity and baby movements are frequent wake ups at night. Thoughts about delivery and the health of the baby also continue in the mind. So, despite feeling tired throughout the day, one does not get enough sleep at night. Experts have given some important suggestions about why this problem of sleep increases in the third trimester and what care should be taken by pregnant women to reduce it. About this Dr. Sushruta Mokadam, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune He has given detailed information.(Photo courtesy – istock)
Rabies: The dog didn't bite, just licked… but the risk of rabies? Know the shocking truth
Why does the sleep cycle deteriorate in late pregnancy?
Increasing size of abdomen: As the baby grows, it becomes difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Sleeping in the same position for a long time can cause discomfort in the back, waist, hips or legs.
Frequent urination: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and pressure from the growing uterus on the bladder can cause frequent urination at night.
Acidity and heartburn: Changes in hormones and pressure on the stomach can cause heartburn, indigestion or heartburn. This problem can be aggravated especially if you sleep immediately after eating.
Back and leg pain: Increased weight during pregnancy puts pressure on the lower back. Some women may also experience cramps in their legs at night or the constant urge to move their legs.
Baby movements: A baby in the womb is sometimes more active. The baby's movements can make it difficult for the mother to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Anxiety and constant thoughts: Thinking about how the delivery will go, worries about the health of the baby, and thoughts about becoming a mother make it difficult to calm down. So even when the body is tired, sleep does not come.
What do you do to get a good night's sleep?
Support a pillow: A pregnancy pillow or simple pillows can be used properly to support the stomach, back and knees. It can make sleeping on a pillow more comfortable.
Try sleeping on a pillow: Sleeping on a pillow is advised during the later stages of pregnancy. There is no need to panic even if you accidentally sleep on your back. Slowly turn back on the pillow.
Avoid heavy meals before bed: Adequate gap between dinner and sleep should be maintained. Especially if you have acidity or heartburn, you should pay more attention to it.
Reduce caffeine intake: Tea, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine late in the day can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Take magnesium tablets on doctor's advice: Some women may benefit from taking a magnesium supplement before bed. However, during pregnancy, any medicine or pill should be taken only on the doctor's advice.
Set a sleep schedule: Going to bed at the same time every day and waking up at the same time every day helps the body to get into a regular sleep habit.
Calm your mind before sleeping: Light stretching, deep breathing, reading a book, or taking a warm bath can relax the body and mind.
Monsoon Tips: Planning pregnancy during monsoon season? Then, don't forget to take folic acid
Although sleep loss is normal in late pregnancy, if it is excessive or persistent and affects the day's work, a gynecologist should be consulted. Loud snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, severe leg restlessness, constant anxiety or prolonged sleeplessness should also not be ignored.