Insomnia During Pregnancy: Causes by Trimester

Insomnia during pregnancy is a sleep disturbance in a pregnant woman: difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, feeling worn out during the day. The causes at different stages are generally the same as with insomnia in general. Below is what is known about these causes and when a doctor is needed.

What insomnia during pregnancy is

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person complains of difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings or early awakening, and feels worn out during the day. For a diagnosis, sleep disturbances are noted at least three times a week for a month, and they cause distress or interfere with daily life. Insomnia lasting less than three months is considered short-term, and lasting three months or longer is considered long-term. The absolute number of hours of sleep varies among different people, and relying on it alone makes no sense: what matters is how you feel during the day.

Insomnia in the first trimester

In early pregnancy, sleep is often disturbed by stress, anxiety and depressed mood, as well as an uncomfortable room temperature and noise. Insomnia lasting less than three months is called short-term; sleep disturbances are discussed with a doctor if changing sleep habits has not helped.

Insomnia in the second trimester

In the second trimester, physical factors may be added to psychological ones. Insomnia can be caused by conditions with pronounced pain syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, such as reflux. Restless legs syndrome is mentioned separately.

Insomnia in the third trimester and in the last weeks

The causes of insomnia at different stages are generally similar: stress, anxiety, pain, an uncomfortable bed and noise. Specific features at each stage are best discussed with a doctor. If sleep does not restore energy, and fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating increase during the day, this should be reported to a doctor.

Other causes of poor sleep in pregnant women

In addition to the stage of pregnancy, general factors affect sleep. Among them:

• stress, anxiety or depressed mood;
• noise, a room that is too hot or too cold, an uncomfortable bed;
• caffeine, alcohol and nicotine;
• snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep;
• taking certain medications.

Sometimes insomnia turns out to be a symptom of another condition, and then the doctor looks for and treats its cause.

When to tell a doctor

You should see a doctor if changing sleep habits has not helped, if sleep problems last for months or interfere with coping with daily tasks. The doctor will ask about your sleep history, including sleep habits, medication use, consumption of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, perform an examination to rule out other causes, and if necessary suggest keeping a sleep diary or undergoing a sleep study. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps change thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.

Insomnia during pregnancy by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 for life-threatening conditions, such as signs of stroke or heart attack.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if sleep is a concern, discuss it with your doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer