Sleeping While Pregnant: First Trimester

How Does Sleep Change During the First Trimester?

Sleep in the first trimester is largely influenced by rising levels of progesterone, which is necessary to support pregnancy but can make you feel more tired and uncomfortably warm. You may also notice a shift in your body clock, prompting you to adopt an earlier bedtime.

Paradoxically, many pregnant people report feeling fatigued during the day while also having trouble sleeping at night. For those who do manage to nod off, research suggests that pregnant people tend to get poor-quality sleep Trusted Source Elsevier Elsevier is a publishing company that aims to help researchers and health care professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. View Source in the first trimester, leading to daytime tiredness. Around 25% of pregnant people Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source experience sleep disturbances in the first trimester.

The term “morning sickness” is a bit of a misnomer. Nausea and vomiting can persist all day and through the night in the first trimester. Frequent headaches, bloating, excessive bathroom breaks, and other symptoms can make it difficult to get comfortable to get a full night of sleep. It is also common to experience heartburn and sleep apnea, which can worsen by the third trimester.

The Importance of Sleep During the First Trimester

Poor sleep during the first trimester can lead to various health complications. Sleep deprivation and insomnia in the first trimester has been tied to gestational diabetes mellitus Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and high blood pressure in the third trimester Trusted Source Taylor &Francis Online View Source , as well as self-reported stress and depression. Some research suggests sleep-disordered breathing may be a risk factor for miscarriage Trusted Source Elsevier Elsevier is a publishing company that aims to help researchers and health care professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. View Source .

The first trimester of pregnancy can be difficult, but practicing good sleep habits may help you sleep more soundly and increase your total sleep time.

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What Is the Best First Trimester Sleeping Position?

You can sleep in any position that feels comfortable during the first three months of pregnancy, but it is beneficial to practice side sleeping. A wealth of research shows that left side sleeping Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source is the healthiest sleeping position during later pregnancy. As the baby grows, this position improves circulation by preventing the pressure of the uterus from resting on the veins, back, and internal organs. Opting for this position early on may make the transition easier for those who tend to favor stomach or back sleeping.

Sleep is a good thing to aim for in general during the first trimester. It is unnecessary to worry excessively if you cannot drift off on your side. You can also keep sleeping on your back or stomach until this becomes uncomfortable. 

Supplements to Help With First Trimester Sleep

Prenatal vitamins are very important to ensure the fetus gets enough nutrition to develop properly. Prenatal vitamins may help prevent conditions like restless legs syndrome, a common cause of insomnia in pregnant women. The cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown, so it is unclear whether or not this condition is caused or exacerbated by one or more vitamin deficiencies.

The first trimester of pregnancy is a very delicate stage, so exercise caution and consult your doctor before introducing new medications or sleep aids. 

How to Manage Insomnia During Early Pregnancy

The first trimester is a good time to be proactive about sleep hygiene and implement healthy habits that will stay with you throughout pregnancy.

• Avoid blue light: A good night’s sleep starts well before you get in bed. Try to avoid smartphones, TV screens, and laptops an hour before bedtime, as the blue light triggers your brain to stay awake. Instead, consider unwinding with a relaxing warm bath, a good book, or a soothing music playlist. 
• Be mindful of eating habits: You can make diet modifications and avoid eating right before bed to reduce discomfort during the night. Pregnant people who suffer from nausea in their first trimester should try to eat frequent smaller and nutritious meals instead of larger meals. To prevent heartburn, avoid spicy and fatty foods. 
• Stay hydrated: Pregnant people are advised to drink copious amounts of water. It is better to consume more water during the day if possible to avoid nighttime awakenings. Cutting down on caffeine in the hours preceding bedtime may help reduce the number of times you need to visit the bathroom at night. By installing a nightlight instead of turning on the light during each bathroom trip, you can reduce the disruption and help your body get back to sleep faster.
• Sleep someplace cool and dark: You may run warmer than usual during pregnancy, so it is extra important to keep your bedroom cool. Sleep aids such as earplugs, a white noise machine, or an eye mask can block out noise and light to ensure a calmer sleeping environment with fewer distractions. 
• Invest in high-quality sleep accessories: Consider choosing a new mattress and breathable sheets. Generally, the best mattress for pregnant people will provide good spinal support and pressure relief. 

Sometimes, no matter what you try, it just seems impossible to get a good night’s sleep. For pregnant people who find themselves constantly plagued with fatigue during the first trimester, a short daytime nap might be the solution. However, too many naps or excessively long naps may make it difficult to get sufficient sleep at night.

Mental Health Tips

The first step in caring for your baby is caring for yourself. Do not feel guilty if you have to drop some commitments to prioritize rest. Those who are working during the first trimester may have added stress from these additional responsibilities. Arranging short breaks to go for a walk or do some light stretching at work may help ease the burden.

Regular exercise can help with fatigue and make it easier to sleep soundly at night. Yoga and swimming are good forms of exercise that can be tailored to fit prenatal requirements. Some pregnant people may also find relief in journaling, meditating, guided imagery, deep breathing, or a prenatal massage.

Find a few stress-busting techniques that work for you, and reach out for help from your support system or from a professional if you feel overwhelmed. These symptoms are not permanent, and the second trimester usually brings the chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep before the final stretch.

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