A common problem for expectant mothers is sleepless nights. Insomnia, which occurs in the first three months due to changes caused by hormones, becomes distressing in the last months due to the pressure of the baby’s growth. Apart from this, fears about birth cause insomnia.

Sleep is as important a need as eating and drinking. Everyone’s sleep habits and sleep duration vary, but there is a common point that many expectant mothers suffer from serious insomnia during pregnancy. Because the changes experienced in the expectant mother’s body during pregnancy also have reflections in the psychological field. There are many reasons for insomnia during this period, but the result is always the same. The expectant mother feels more tired and becomes more irritable.

Another reason is dizziness. Especially when lying on your back, the blood returning to the heart decreases as a result of the uterus pressing on the main vessels. For this reason, experts recommend that expectant mothers lie on their left side. In this way, dizziness is prevented. Frequent urination and urinary incontinence are also prevented. It is also a fact that it will cause restlessness in sleep. Karaosmanoğlu says that the baby may go to the toilet many times throughout the night due to pressure on the bladder, and adds: ”Heartburn is one of the factors that makes expectant mothers uneasy. It occurs as a result of increased stomach acid passing into the esophagus, especially in the lying position, and causes discomfort. Expectant mothers should adopt the usual sleeping position in the last months of pregnancy. They also lose. Due to the growing uterus, it becomes difficult to sleep face down. Especially for those who are used to sleeping face down, the most missed thing in the later months of pregnancy is being able to lie face down. Changes in sexual habits and baby movements also affect the sleep pattern. Ultimately, as the expected birth approaches, increasing fear, concerns about baby care, Fear of losing your job because of baby care and anxiety during sexual intercourse due to weight gain and body shape are among the reasons for insomnia in recent months.

Some Precautions Regarding Napping Issue

* Never resort to sleeping pills. You will be endangering the health of both you and your unborn baby. You should only take sedative syrups with the advice of your doctor.

* Try to solve your insomnia problem naturally. Before going to bed at night, drink a glass of milk, herbal tea such as linden, or eat an apple.

* You should avoid heavy meals that are difficult to digest in the evening. Because heavy meals cause unnecessary bloating and discomfort in your stomach, increasing your restlessness. Remember that eating too much can cause insomnia as well as hunger. Because the desire to sleep occurs after the stomach is emptied of food.

* Do not go to bed immediately after dinner, because in pregnant women, the emptying of the stomach is completed after at least 2 hours. Therefore, go to bed at least 2 hours after eating.

* You should stay away from drinks containing caffeine such as tea and coffee. If you are a heavy drinker and cannot give up, try not to go beyond at least one glass. Short walks before going to bed will increase the amount of oxygen going to your body, making it easier for you to sleep. It is also beneficial for digesting what you eat.