| As a woman awaits the arrival of her baby, she is | | | | in this delicate state. |
| obliged to cope with many body behaviors that are | | | | Before you go to bed, you have to make sure that |
| uncomfortable; these can include leg cramps, anxiety | | | | the temperature in your room is right for sleeping. |
| attacks, back pain and other difficulties, and can also | | | | Ask yourself whether it is quiet or dark enough. If |
| include insomnia. | | | | you have dark-colored curtains, these can help keep |
| Insomnia is not a good thing, especially if the | | | | out unnecessary light. Sound machines can also |
| pregnancy is still in its early stages. Insomnia while | | | | subside noise like traffic. |
| bearing a child can result in long nights and stressed | | | | If you're not yet drifting asleep after 20 to 30 |
| days. But do not feel you are alone - 78 percent of | | | | minutes, move to another room. Read a book or a |
| pregnant women suffer from sleep problems. | | | | magazine or listen to relaxing music until you feel your |
| Initially, try to move your focus away from the clock | | | | eyes all droopy. Just don't worry about not being |
| and the hours because the more concerned you | | | | able to sleep. If you get more worked up about this |
| become about being awake then the more anxious | | | | problem, it will only make you more anxious. |
| and stressed you will become. Focus inwards, on | | | | If necessary consult with your physician or doctor |
| yourself and your body; concentrate on each muscle | | | | about the problem. Expert neurologists suggest that |
| in each leg, one at a time, tightening it and slowly | | | | pregnant women should remedy insomnia by ensuring |
| releasing it; continue to work through the muscles of | | | | that they get good sleep all through the bearing |
| your body, all the time feeling the relaxation that | | | | child-bearing period. It is best that they get good |
| follows after release of the tension. | | | | sleep for their own benefit as well as that of their |
| But what are the causes of insomnia? | | | | child. |
| In the first trimester, many pregnant women are | | | | Here are some suggestions for pregnant women: |
| insomniac. This is because of the hormonal changes. | | | | - They should go to bed and get up the same time |
| Pregnant women have the tendency to feel more | | | | each day. This is to let their body get used to a |
| tired because of the progesterone phenomenon. This | | | | schedule. |
| is a natural sedative and a woman is so tired that she | | | | - As much as possible, they should not nap during the |
| is not aware of the sensation of keeping her eyes | | | | day. |
| open. She may be asleep a lot of the day, therefore | | | | - They should avoid cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol. |
| it is harder for her to sleep at night. | | | | - Do not drink caffeinated beverages three to six |
| Aside from hormonal changes, another reason why | | | | hours before you go to bed |
| pregnant women suffer from insomnia is because of | | | | - Steer clear of spicy foods |
| their anxiety and worry concerning miscarriage. There | | | | - Exercise regularly |
| are also financial worries if it is an unplanned | | | | - Do not watch TV or read books or magazines while |
| pregnancy. Now these emotional states greatly | | | | in bed. While lying down in your bed, there is a |
| affect the physical status of the expecting mother. | | | | tendency to be sleepy. Use the bed only when you |
| What you can do is you can remedy insomnia by | | | | are going to sleep. |
| taking a warm bath before bed. If you are in the | | | | Generally, for pregnant women suffering from |
| mood for it and your partner is willing to oblige, then | | | | insomnia, it is transient and the causes of this |
| you can ask for a massage. These pre-sleep | | | | dissipate after the birth of the baby. |
| relaxation tips have proven to help pregnant women | | | | |