Pregnancy is an unusual and significant period in a woman’s life. The body of the expectant mother is being rebuilt, sometimes unexpected changes occur in it, which are explained by the influence of hormones. Therefore, drowsiness during pregnancy, like many other “symptoms” of this condition, is most often the norm.
Causes of sleepiness in pregnant women
Sleepiness during early pregnancy is a common physiological phenomenon. Sleep during this period can be considered as a protective reaction that protects the nervous system from irritants and excessive stress. During pregnancy, a good rest is necessary for the body, since it carries a double load, and, in fact, is in a stressful state. If sleep is of poor quality or insufficient, then this can lead to disturbances during pregnancy and adversely affect the well-being of the woman and the condition of the fetus.
What causes fatigue and increased sleepiness during pregnancy? This is due to an increase in the level of progesterone – a hormone that maintains pregnancy. Under the influence of this hormone, a woman becomes calm, up to the appearance of drowsiness and even some apathy. Therefore, do not fight with sleep; on the contrary, you should increase its duration, and if possible, also sleep during the day.
How to deal with this condition?
Excessive drowsiness, weakness and fatigue during pregnancy is difficult for working women to endure, especially in light of the fact that they do not want to drink tonic drinks (tea, coffee, energy drinks), and usually there is no opportunity to lie down and relax. In this case, doctors recommend taking frequent breaks from work and regularly ventilate the room. Movement, light exercise and breathing exercises will also help to cope with daytime sleepiness.
Pathological sleepiness
Drowsiness and fatigue during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is not always a variant of the norm and may indicate anemia, which most often appears during this period. An alarming sign is the combination of this symptom with nausea, vomiting, headache and visual impairment, this indicates a possible severe form of preeclampsia. Such symptoms are a reason for immediate medical attention.
When does sleepiness go away during pregnancy?
Usually in the second trimester, the state of health improves significantly, and lethargy, fatigue and the desire to sleep noticeably weaken. However, in the last months of gestation, sleep may worsen again, which is caused by the inability to take a comfortable position of the body, back pain or increased activity of the child.
If the expectant mother has persistent sleep disorders (disordered sleep, frequent awakenings, insomnia), she needs to consult a somnologist for examination and treatment. The Center for Sleep Medicine at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki employs the best specialists dealing with such problems.