Hello moms! The last two weeks I wake up around 2am and can't fall back asleep until maybe 4 to 5am. I start thinking of things that I normally don't care for while in this insomniac state. I go to sleep around 10pm and wake up 2 to 3 times to pi but have been able to fall back to sleep with my first pregnancy and up to now with the 2nd. I generally count sheeps and fall back to sleep, but can't the last 2wks:). I had my thyroid checked, and it's normal. Is there anything natural and safe to take for sleep during pregnancies? Anyone tried Melotonin, strength? I don't know if I can tough this one out without some assistance, I have 20wks more to go. Open to any and all suggestions. Much thanks!
My doctor recommended Benadryl while I was pregnant and it saved my life. I still use it occasionally for a good night's sleep.
This info is from a grandmother who is not pregnant. I take melatonin. The warning on the bottle says to not take it if pregnant or lactating.
I have difficulty getting to sleep some nights. When my mind is racing along I write down the things I'm anxious about. I look at my calendar to reassure myself that the things I must do are written down. I then make a list of anything else I'm concerned about. Sometimes I journal about an issue or two. For me putting those thoughts down in writing helps to get them out of my mind.
I also drink herbal tea that is said to calm one. I use various brands and combinations. I also suggest you check with your doctor or look the ingredients up on the Internet before using them.
I've also found that exercise earlier in the day helps my night time sleep. I've read and found it to be true that if one exercises before going to bed that one might find it more difficult to get to sleep.
I recently read that working on the computer can interfere with sleep. I have noticed that if I do get on the computer when I'm already sleepy I wake up. Same for reading an interesting book. To get sleepy I read a non-fiction book about a subject in which I'm only mildly interested.
In the past listening to soothing music has helped me get back to sleep. I now have an air purifier running in my bedroom and I think the sound of the fan is soothing.
If my feet are cold I can't get back to sleep. So I'm sure to wear slippers and a robe for my night time trip to the bathroom.
During my working days when I woke up worrying about work I would sometimes lay down on the sofa and soon fell asleep. A change of place seemed to help.
When my mother had difficulty sleeping to turned on her tape player and listed to a book on tape. That helped her.
Perhaps it's because she could focus on the words which kept her mind away from other thoughts. The regular smooth sound of words seem more hypnotique than actually reading the words. The sound captures your mind.
H.,
I experienced the same thing with both my pregnancies. I took unisom. It worked for me. and neither of my children had any problems because of it.
hope this helps,
N.
Before taking any thing--herbal or not--talk to your doctor.
Next, no caffeine after 3. You shouldn't be drinking caffeine any way, but if you must, no caffeine after three. Period. Warm milk before bedtime is good but not caffeine.
Go to bed at the same time every day, and wake up every day--even if you are so tired you can not move. Have your meals at the same time every day. This is called sleep hygiene.
Finally if you wake up, get up and read something really boring--like the phone book. Do not read something interesting that will intrigue your brain. You want to your brain to be occupied with something boring.
And remember the thing with insomnia, eventually you will sleep. This mat just last the first trimester. Each baby is different.
Good luck and congratulations on the new baby.
I do know that my OBGYN did not recommend taking Melotonin, it can affect the baby. I do not remember how, but I had the same problem during my pregnancy. I tried to unwind before bed with warm shower, book ect. Then when I would wake up in the night I would meditate, that would help sometimes. It was a long haul. Good Luck!
H.,
I am in my 8th month of pregnancy and still cannot sleep through the night! This is my fourth baby and the first time I am dealing with sleepless nights during a pregnancy. I wake up like you and think about things that make little difference in the morning. I guess it is hormones. So don't worry. Ask your doctor about it. I didn't bother taking anything. I just complained to my husband who would listen patiently and be extra sweet & cautious around me. ; )
I'm 16 weeks along with my second and experiencing the same thing. I have no trouble falling asleep but will often wake up between 3 and 6 am and have a lot of trouble falling back to sleep. Last night I woke up at 3 and could not fall back to sleep. I was thinking about stupid stuff, but I am not even sure that's what was keeping me awake. Last night, I finally got up and ate a bowl of cereal. That must have helped because I fell back a asleep 10-15 minutes later. I think I really need to keep a granola bar by my bed. I wonder if a little food would help you. I really prefer not to take anything to help me sleep. And in our situation it seems particularly problematic. Since we wake up in the middle of the night, taking something then might make us really drowsy come morning.
In both of my pregnancies, I used 1/2 of a Unisom several times a week to help me sleep. It is safe and can also help with nausia.
Sleep well!
Trouble sleeping is pretty normal during pregnancy. I experienced the same and as you progress and get more uncomfortable, it may get worse (it did for me). I used to joke that it's nature's way to prepare us for the sleepless nights with a newborn!
I did not use any sleep aid and would caution you to speak to your doctor before taking anything. I know there are some safe options, but I personally was very scared to take any medication or herbals during pregnancy. I happen to know some people that were affected by Thalidomide, a sleepaid marketed to pregnant women in the 60's, and were born with serious birth defects because of that. Of course todays drugs are much safer, but why risk anything...
I would recommend moderate exercise, like walking or prenatal yoga. I did both and on those days I usually slept a lot better.
Good luck!
Make sure your bedroom is dark, and use a flashlight to find your way to the bathroom. This will cut down on the amount of stimulation your brain receives and will help you go back to sleep faster.
I used Unisom to help me curb my morning sickness when I was pregnant, and it helped me sleep a little better, but I also got weird dreams when I used it (could have been the hormones too, I suppose).
Hello!
I used Tylenol PM. It is Tylenol and Benedryl I was told. Both, are safe in pregnancy per my Dr. Benedryl and vitamin B as a combo were also prescribed to me to help with morning sickness...
My doctor recommended Unisom OTC. I only needed half a tab and SAID it is safe in preg. Hope you find relief.
L
I had problems sleeping with my first and am 14 weeks pregnant with my 2nd and having the same problem. from what i understand it's from changing hormones. i don't know if there's anything you can take, but you're not alone!
Hello H.,
Today I am a Parent Coach, but I use to be a Nanny and my schoolage charge had sleeping issues which we cured with melotonin. I also often use melotonin to help me get to sleep. I like it because it's hormone your body creates naturally, so the side effects are less.
Be aware, some people have strange or vivid dreams on melotonin, I've never had this issue, but I wanted you to be aware.
I hope it helps!
R. Magby
