
Or maybe you wake up with a start, feeling like someone just shot a nail gun into your skull. You're at work, plodding along, when all of a sudden you feel a throbbing in your temples. has videos and written articles of people talking about their symptoms and feelings in the early weeks of pregnancy, including tiredness.We've all been there. If you have any of the other symptoms of depression, such as feeling hopeless and losing interest in the things you used to enjoy, speak to your doctor or midwife. Occasionally, sleeplessness – when accompanied by other symptoms – can be a sign of depression. Medical reasons for insomnia in pregnancy Read about preventing insomnia, including daytime habits, such as exercising, and bedtime habits, such as avoiding caffeine. If lack of sleep is bothering you, talk to your partner, a friend, doctor or midwife. Exercise can help you feel less tired, so try to do some activity, such as a walk at lunchtime or going swimming, even if you feel tired during the day. Make sure the instructor knows you're pregnant. You could join an antenatal yoga or pilates class. Your antenatal classes may teach you some techniques, or you could use a pregnancy relaxion CD or DVD. Relaxation techniques may also help, ask your midwife for advice. Try to relax before bedtime so you're not wide awake. If you can, nap during the day and get some early nights during the week.Īvoid tea, coffee or cola drinks in the evening, as the caffeine can make it harder to go to sleep. Try not to let it bother you if you cannot sleep, and do not worry that it will harm your baby – it will not. The baby charity Tommy's has a video about safer sleeping in pregnancy. You can try supporting your bump with pillows and putting a pillow between your knees. If you wake up on your back, you can just turn over and go to sleep again on your side. This may be to do with the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.ĭo not worry if you wake up on your back – the research looked at the position pregnant people fell asleep in, as this is the position we keep for longest. Research suggests that, after 28 weeks, falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth. The safest position to go to sleep is on your side, either left or right. Relaxation and breathing techniques may be helpful in reducing any anxiety you might be feeling.

Remember, just because you dream something, it does not mean it's going to happen.

Talking about them with your partner or midwife can help.

You may have strange dreams or nightmares about the baby, and about labour and birth. You might find that lying down is uncomfortable or that you need to use the loo a lot.įeeling tired will not harm you or your baby, but it can make life feel more difficult, especially in the early days before you've told people about your pregnancy. Make sure you get plenty of rest.Īs your bump gets bigger, it can be difficult to get a good night's sleep. Later in pregnancy, you may feel tired because of the extra weight you're carrying. Try to look after your physical health – make sure you eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of rest and sleep. Make time to sit with your feet up during the day, and accept any offers of help from colleagues and family.īeing tired and run-down can make you feel low. The only answer is to rest as much as possible. Hormonal changes at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous and emotional. It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks.
