Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most important, magic, and exciting periods in a woman?s life. It is not surprising, then, that a lot of women may experience sensations that they have never experienced in any other period of their lives. While most of these sensations are pleasant, there can also be some problems, and one of these problems may be insomnia.

In fact, it has been estimated that as many as 75% of all pregnant women suffer some kind of insomnia. The main cause of this is hormonal imbalance, although this is not the only cause. Other reasons for insomnia in pregnant women might be the anxiety, or even panic, of realizing that they are moving into a different world in which they are about to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. Or it might simply be that sleep takes longer to come because they feel uncomfortable in bed due to their new body shape.

In all cases, if insomnia is a consequence of the pregnancy, it is always a good idea to visit your doctor and explain your problem. Most doctors are very reluctant to prescribe medications for insomnia during pregnancy, for obvious reasons. Moreover, it is not a good idea to begin taking strong medications ? some of them with serious side effects, and others which may be habit inducing, like sleeping pills ? for a disorder that will disappear as soon your baby is born.

So your doctor will almost certainly recommend simple changes in your lifestyle, or other, natural, remedies. However, beware of thinking that you can seek out natural remedies yourself, on the understanding that natural remedies are always mild and harmless. What may be mild and harmless for women under normal circumstances, may not be so harmless for your baby! Always consult your doctor before beginning any treatment ? natural or otherwise.

If you?re having trouble falling asleep when you go to bed, some of the following tricks might work just before you go to bed: you can try having a warm (not hot) shower; you could light some scented candles; get your husband to give you a relaxing foot massage; or you could try listening to some soothing music that reminds you of pleasant memories or beautiful places you know and have visited.

The changes in your lifestyle that a doctor might suggest will be related above all to your eating and exercise habits. Obviously, you?ll be recommended not to eat much at night ? it?s not a good idea to go to bed feeling hungry, but you should definitely have finished your digestion. And your doctor will probably recommend you to continue exercising: a good walk each day may be just what you ? and your baby ? need to get that good night?s sleep that you both deserve!

While insomnia during pregnancy is not so serious in itself, and in almost all cases will go away when your pregnancy is over, it should, however, be controlled. Insomnia ? in everyone, not just in pregnant women ? can lead to irritability and lack of concentration, which can be dangerous. Thus, any disorder that leads to drowsiness and lack of concentration should be treated, in order to avoid unwanted accidents, and this is especially important in the case of pregnant women.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about insomnia during pregnancy - and about insomnia in general - visit his Spanish-language website http://www.acercadelinsomnio.com/insomnio_durante_embarazo.htm