WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Insomnia, a pregnancy symptom

Insomnia
During pregnancy, you can experience changes in your sleep patterns, such as having trouble falling or staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Not to worry...experiencing difficulty sleeping, including insomnia, is quite normal during pregnancy.

It can affect women differently throughout their pregnancy and can change as the pregnancy progresses. Some women may experience it during the first trimester, while for others it may persist throughout the entire pregnancy.

Regardless of when it occurs, it's important to remember that it's a common and normal experience for many pregnant women.
Prevent and care
Pregnancy can bring on bouts of insomnia due to hormonal changes, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Proper management of insomnia is crucial for the health and wellbeing of both the mother and the developing fetus.
  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleep environment.
  • Limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening. 
  • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or prenatal yoga to improve sleep quality.
Although it’s common to have insomnia from time to time, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor if the lack of sleep is negatively affecting your life.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?

You should consult your doctor when you are struggling with insomnia during pregnancy if the following conditions apply:

  • Insomnia is affecting your daily life and causing excessive fatigue, decreased productivity, or difficulty with daily tasks.
  • The insomnia is persistent and has lasted for several weeks or more.
  • The insomnia is causing anxiety or depression, or worsening existing symptoms.
  • You've tried self-care measures such as establishing a regular sleep routine and limiting caffeine, but has not been effective.
It is important to address insomnia during pregnancy as untreated sleep problems can lead to more serious health problems for both mom-to-be and the baby.

Your doctor can provide you with personalized advice and recommend safe treatments to help improve your sleep.
Top Asked Questions
Why do pregnant women experience insomnia?

Hormonal changes, discomfort, and anxiety are common factors contributing to insomnia during pregnancy.

When is insomnia most likely to occur during pregnancy?

Insomnia can occur at any time during pregnancy but is often more noticeable in the second and third trimesters.

Are there any safe over-the-counter sleep aids for pregnant women with insomnia?

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any sleep aids during pregnancy, even over-the-counter options.

View Sources
All I Need to Know
B
Beatriz
28 Dec 2023

Insomnia anyone? 6weeks pregnant and I seriously can not sleep. Read that melatonin was bad. Idk.

2 comments
A
Althea
I had asked my doc about that and he said unisum is better.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
B
Beatriz
Thank you very much !
27 Mar 2024

Answer


R
Rebekah
28 Oct 2023

Bro….fuck this pregnancy insomnia bullshit……..like forreal forreal wtf?!..ughhhhhh…..😑🥱😒👎🏻🖕🏻👎🏻

2 comments
I
Imonee
I feel your pain girl. 😑
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Malique
I’m so up and pissed too🙄
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nesha
24 Jun 2023

Insomnia isn’t a gave ! My body so tired but my mind is just up.🥺🤦🏽‍♀️

1 comments

M
Maribel
25 Apr 2023

This sleep insomnia is taking a toll on me. I just want to sleep, but I am so excited for my baby girls to come. I feel them moving so I know they are awake with me 💕👧🏻👧🏻 #twingirls #27weeks #sleep #insomnia #sendhelp #mustsleep

2 comments
T
Tiffany
Twins😍😍😍
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Maribel
Yes 🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Kristen
15 Feb 2023

Is pregnancy insomnia a thing you guys? I mean seriously cannot sleep #33weeks anybody up?

5 comments
T
Tracy
Yep it's totally a thing and it sucks!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

N
Naimah Aleka
17 Jan 2023

This pregnancy insomnia is no jokeee 😩 the twins are up and activee 🥺🫶🏽

1 comments
J
Jermerica
Hopefully they will slow down soon so you can get some rest love
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

T
TaBrea
4 Oct 2022

Pregnancy insomnia is the dumbest thing ever! No wonder I’m so sleepy during the day🤦🏾‍♀️

3 comments
T
Terecia
Yes it’s so true
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Marsha
I can’t sleep at nights to so over it!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
MiaThaDancer
22 Sep 2022

Pregnancy insomnia sucks 🤣 been watching law and order every night, back to back, for HOURS!!!

9 comments
T
Taly
I didn’t even know that was a thing till like a week ago when I started getting it, I either can’t sleep or I continuously wake up. 🙄
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
MiaThaDancer
Girl be waking up every two hours just to pee 🤣🙄
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Tia
8 May 2022

Insomnia is real 😒 I’m so uncomfortable at night it’s sad! I need a pregnancy pillow

3 comments
S
Shankiria
Same here ugh
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Courtney
Go on buy buy I bought mine for 40.00
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Kat
4 Dec 2021

Anyone suffering much with insomnia!?? Tips!? I'm so tired but still can't fall or stay asleep 😪

3 comments

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms