Herbie Murray
Sleep is incredibly important during pregnancy, but it can be difficult to get a good night's rest. Most studies suggest that you need more sleep when you're pregnant, but many of the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy can make it hard to get a full night's sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for a healthy pregnancy, but it can be difficult to get the rest you need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need for sleep | Increased |
| Sleep disturbances | Common |
| Sleep deprivation | Linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including longer labour, higher rates of C-sections, and higher serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers |
| Sleep position | Lying on your back during the later stages of pregnancy can cause health issues for the baby |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Pregnancy-related symptoms can affect your sleep
- Lack of sleep during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy complications
- Sleeping on your back during the later stages of pregnancy can restrict your baby's oxygen supply
- Snoring during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and unplanned Caesarean deliveries
Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes
Pregnancy-related symptoms can affect your sleep, especially during the first and third trimesters. For example, you may feel especially tired at the beginning and end of your pregnancy, and you may wake up more often throughout the night.
Research suggests that getting less than six hours of sleep over 24 hours during pregnancy may lead to longer labours and higher rates of caesarean sections. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has also been associated with increased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6.
Snoring is reported in up to 35% of pregnant women and is associated with a greater than two-fold increase in adjusted odds for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and unplanned caesarean deliveries. Having OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea) increases the risk of low birth weight, pre-term birth, caesarean section, and preeclampsia.
Additionally, lying on your back during the later stages of pregnancy can put pressure on your major blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to your uterus and restricting your baby's oxygen supply and heart rate. This can cause a higher risk of stillbirth.
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Pregnancy-related symptoms can affect your sleep
Research suggests that getting less than six hours of sleep over 24 hours during pregnancy may lead to pregnancy complications. These include longer labours and higher rates of caesarean sections. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has also been associated with increased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6.
Pregnancy-related symptoms that can affect your sleep include restless legs syndrome (RLS), an uncontrollable urge to move your legs while at rest. RLS is usually associated with older adults, but it is also one of the most common reasons for sleeplessness during pregnancy.
Additionally, lying on your back during the later stages of pregnancy can put pressure on your major blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to your uterus and restricting your baby's oxygen supply. This can also affect their heart rate and cause a higher risk of stillbirth. To reduce this risk, doctors recommend sleeping on your side.
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Lack of sleep during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy complications
Sleep disturbances during pregnancy have been associated with a multitude of negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Getting enough sleep is important for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a time of serious sleep disturbances. Most studies suggest there is an increased need for sleep during pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, your sleep might be less deep or refreshing than usual. You may also wake up more often throughout the night. You may feel especially tired at the beginning and towards the end of your pregnancy.
Research suggests that women who don't get enough sleep during pregnancy may have higher risks of developing pregnancy complications. Sleeping less than six hours during the last month of pregnancy has been associated with longer labour and a greater risk of Caesarean deliveries. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has been associated with increased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6. Snoring is reported in up to 35% of pregnant women and is associated with a greater than two-fold increase in adjusted odds for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and unplanned Caesarean deliveries.
The position in which you sleep is also important. Lying on your back during the later stages of pregnancy puts pressure on your major blood vessels. This can reduce the flow of blood to your uterus and restrict your baby's oxygen supply. This can also affect their heart rate. Research suggests that this causes a higher risk of stillbirth.
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Sleeping on your back during the later stages of pregnancy can restrict your baby's oxygen supply
It is important to get enough sleep during pregnancy. Sleep disturbances during pregnancy have been associated with a multitude of negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Sleeping less than six hours during the last month of pregnancy has been associated with longer labour and a greater risk of Caesarean deliveries. Lack of sleep can also cause restless legs syndrome (RLS), an uncontrollable urge to move the legs while at rest.
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Snoring during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and unplanned Caesarean deliveries
Sleep is incredibly important during pregnancy. Most studies suggest that there is an increased need for sleep during pregnancy, and that sleep disturbances can be linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Pregnancy can cause sleep disturbances, and many women experience snoring during pregnancy. Snoring during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and unplanned Caesarean deliveries. Research has shown that snoring during pregnancy is associated with a greater than two-fold increase in adjusted odds for these complications.
Sleep disturbances during pregnancy have also been associated with longer labour and a greater risk of Caesarean deliveries. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has been associated with increased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6.
Getting enough sleep during pregnancy can be difficult, especially with other responsibilities such as work or other children. It is important to prioritise sleep during pregnancy, as it is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Most epidemiologic studies suggest there is an increased need for sleep during pregnancy. The high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone that are required to maintain pregnancy are also soporific and thermogenic, promoting daytime sleepiness and early sleep onset.
Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been associated with a multitude of negative maternal and fetal outcomes, including longer labour, higher rates of Caesarean section, and increased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
Doctors recommend that you sleep on your side during the later stages of pregnancy, as lying on your back can put pressure on your major blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to your uterus and restricting your baby's oxygen supply.
Sleep disturbances during pregnancy can include snoring, restless legs syndrome, and daytime sleepiness.
