More reasons why pregnant women need sleep

According to a study by Kathryn A. Lee and Aaron B. Caughey, "Most women (78%) report that their sleep is worse during pregnancy than at any other time in their lives." Some problems related to a lack of pregnancy sleep noted in this study include:

• Maternal hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Pregnant women with snoring and daytime sleepiness are at higher risk for developing preeclampsia.
• Too little sleep during the third trimester may place women at increased risk for longer labors and cesarean births.

How little sleep is too little? In the study above too little sleep is noted as being under 7 hours per day. If you aim for eight hours or more that's a healthy pregnancy sleep goal. Why you can't sleep:First of all the reasons you may not be getting enough sleep can vary widely. That's why it's best to discuss your sleep patterns or problems with your personal midwife or doctor. Overall though following are some issues that can make it hard to get your rest during pregnancy...

• Restless leg syndrome.
• Being overweight or obese - often related to sleep apnea.
• General uncomfortableness.
• Having to change position - if you were a tummy sleeper for instance.
• Having to pee often during the night.
• Worries about your upcoming labor and birth experience.
• It's too hot - pregnant women tend to have a much warmer body temp than when they're not pregnant.

Next up we'll look at some ways that you can get better pregnancy sleep... Are you having trouble sleeping lately?