When a woman becomes pregnant, she and her partner may have questions about what is happening to her body and how the baby is developing. During the pregnancy stages, first trimester, the process starts with the fertilization of the womans egg and progresses to the point that the fetus is starting to resemble the baby it will become.
The entire pregnancy takes approximately 40 weeks. This period is divided into sections called trimesters, each of which is about 13 weeks long. In the pregnancy stages, first trimester, the womans body has to adjust to the changes created by the pregnancy. Most of these changes dont occur immediately.
In the very first days of the pregnancy stages, first trimester, the fertilized egg, called a zygote, travels through the fallopian tubes and finally attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. There, the zygote becomes an embryo and the embryo starts the process of differentiation so that the individual cells become different parts of the body. During this time, the basics of the spinal column, the head, heart, digestive system begin to develop. Little nubs that will become the arms and legs also begin to grow. Facial features are not readily evident, though a rudimentary eye can be seen by the end of the first month. At this stage, the embryo is only about an inch long.
During the second month of the pregnancy stages, first trimester, the embryo becomes a fetus. The organs of the fetus begin to work and it begins to produce its own hormones. These hormones, together with the hormones of the mother, can cause morning sickness to develop since the mothers body is not accustomed to the changes. Generally, it is after the fetal hormones begin to develop that the mothers menstrual periods stop. Even though all of these changes have taken place, the fetus is only about an inch long.
During the third month of the pregnancy stages, first trimester, the fetus completes the basic developmental processes. The mothers morning sickness will have stopped, and she will have started a noticeable weight gain. The fetus will have obvious arms and legs. Tiny little fingers and toes become evident. Teeth will begin to develop. The facial features are now distinct and the fetus would be recognizable as a human. The internal organs are much more advanced. The liver and the digestive systems will have begun working. The gender of the fetus has been established, though it may not be noticeable yet on ultrasound. At four inches long, the fetus is applying increased pressure on the bladder. It will apply pressure to the bladder and the woman will become aware of an increased need to urinate. This is natural and should not be a concern to the woman.
The Figures
78% of pregnant women experience insomnia during pregnancy. Although some may not experience this sleeping problem throughout pregnancy, at least 97% of pregnant women experience temporary pregnancy insomnia near the end of pregnancy or at the last trimester. Aside from common pregnancy insomnia, 30% of pregnant women also develop snoring habits that could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Pregnancy Insomnia
Pregnant women may experience pregnancy insomnia because of pregnancy induced pains and discomforts. A woman may have trouble sleeping simply because a big tummy makes nearly all sleeping positions uncomfortable. Pregnancy insomnia is more commonly experienced during the last trimester because the swollen uterus presses against body parts and organs and creates pressure in some parts. This results in common pregnancy complaints like nausea, cramps, heartburn, body aches and the need to frequently urinate. Fetal movement and psychological anxieties may also contribute to the incidence of pregnancy insomnia.
Other Sleep Problems
Aside from pregnancy insomnia, sleep apnea may also be a harmful condition that may develop during pregnancy. Nasal passages may increasingly swell in pregnant women which may block airways. Snoring which may accompany this kind of apnea may result in high blood pressure. The lack of oxygen could also potentially harm the fetus. In some women, this sleep apnea may also be the cause of pregnancy insomnia since a pregnant woman may wake up suddenly because of gasping which may follow snoring.
Tips
There are several ways to fight back insomnia. The following may be helpful tips:
- Experiment with sleeping positions like sleeping on your side. Avoid sleeping on your back to avoid pressure on your diaphragm and bladder.
- Drink a lot of water in the morning but reduce fluid intake before bed time to curb frequent urination.
- Perform pregnancy exercises to reduce painful night leg cramps.
- Sleep with comfortable pillows. You can hug a long body pillow or use special pregnancy pillows for your head and back.
- Have a warm bath and soft massage before sleeping.
- Before sleeping, take warm milk with honey.
- Sleep only in a comfortable room with a right temperature and ventilation for sleeping.
- You can turn the TV to a boring show or play soft music in the background.
- To avoid heartburn that accompanies insomnia, stay away from acidic or spicy foods.
- Eating bland crackers to reduce nausea associated with pregnancy insomnia would also help.
- Regulate your breathing.
Find What Works
Different pregnant women may experience different pregnancy aches. You may therefore need to find your own personal solution to pregnancy insomnia by experimenting on which of the above mentioned tips will work for you. One thing is certain though; you should consult your doctor if you plan to take anything for your insomnia. What you put in your body could be harmful to your baby. It is generally a bad idea to take alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives and other sleep medication while you are pregnant. Ask you doctor for a safe sleep supplement.
Both Azzam & Patricia Hammond are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Azzam has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Miscarriage and Pregnancy Problems. Azzam SheikhFacilitator 'Strengthening families, strengthening communities' parent programme.. Azzam's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
Patricia Hammond has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control, Hair Care and Cellulite. Can affect the baby? Learn more info on sleep disorders from. Patricia Hammond's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.