Sleep is a delicate luxury for new mothers- it is valued and essential for people’s overall well-being. Sleep is a crucial component of one’s well-being, but during pregnancy, it becomes even more vital to ensure a safe delivery and experience for mothers and newborns.
Inefficient sleep has been correlated with numerous negative consequences. Sleep disturbance and insomnia are rising factors in pregnancy, due to the hormonal and physical changes that new mothers undergo.
As new mothers move farther along in their pregnancy, sleep becomes more and more difficult as there are numerous hormonal shifts, physical discomfort, and heavy stress or anxiety. New studies have depicted a correlation between neonatal disorders, increased risks of pregnancy complications, and prolonged labour.
Sleep deprivation is a common issue for pregnant women with “more than 75% of pregnant women experience[ing] some form of sleep problems” (Hajipour et al.). The majority of these women struggle with sleep deprivation due to rising levels of hormones which leads to fluctuations throughout the mother’s body and immense discomfort during the night and day. It is crucial to understand the impacts sleep has on mothers and newborns to accurately ensure a safe birth and pregnancy for the mother.
A study done by Christine HJ Won, MD, an Associate Professor in Sleep Medicine, describes that “Sleeping less than 6 hours during the last month of pregnancy has been associated with longer labour and greater risk for Cesarean deliveries”.
Cesarean deliveries or a “C-Section” are conducted with surgery and an incision made in the mother's abdomen.
Numerous reasons affect sleep disturbances during pregnancy, the main being constant hormonal fluctuations within women's bodies. However, the amount of sleep disturbance tends to vary depending on the time of the pregnancy, the size of the fetus, and the current trimester the mother is in.
In the first trimester, increased progesterone levels often lead to daytime sleepiness and nighttime awakenings. As the second trimester approaches, sleep has been documented to improve slightly; however, increased abdominal pressure and frequent urination often lead to frequent disruptions during the night. Finally, in the third trimester, back pain, shortness of breath, and an active fetus often make it difficult for women to find a comfortable sleeping position. Many professionals recommend women sleep on their backs for the most comfort in the night. Some women may even develop RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome and sleep apnea becomes more common.
As the body undergoes significant change, sleep is often overlooked as a non-important emergency. Poor sleep should not be ignored because it could lead to a more risk-filled birth with more complications, like high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. Understanding the underlying causes of sleep deprivation is going to be vital to ensure a safe birth and pregnancy experience. Some strategies new mothers could attempt are using proper sleeping positions, consistent bedtime routines, and managing stress are going to be essential to improving sleep quality.
Sleep plays a vital role in supporting the overall development of pregnancy. Sleep allows for the regulation of hormones, ensuring baby growth and development inside the womb, and supports the immune system functioning. Through sleep, the body can release growth hormones which allows for tissue repair and regrowth, along with fetus development in the womb. Furthermore, sleep is heavily recommended by doctors and researchers as it helps the mother better prepare for pregnancy and can ensure an easier, safer birth.
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