The second trimester of pregnancy is often considered the honeymoon period for pregnant women, and at this time mothers may be able to sleep more peacefully. Even so, unfortunately, mothers still won’t be able to sleep as long or as soundly as they did before they were pregnant because there will still be some sleep disturbances in the second trimester that come and go. The increase in the hormone progesterone is the main suspect in the cause of expectant mothers feeling so tired and waking up so easily at night in the first trimester.
Now in the second trimester, progesterone will increase more slowly, so it is likely that the mother will have more energy and the opportunity to sleep soundly than in the previous weeks. Apart from that, you may also have passed the morning sickness stage. If you still have difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position, try to build good sleeping habits in this trimester, while sleep disorders in the second trimester do not appear as often as in the first and third trimesters.
Try to change your sleeping position to your left side. Apart from that, you can also implement other good sleep habits that will help you sleep more soundly in the following months. These good habits include having a relaxing bedtime routine, having a regular sleep schedule, and removing the TV from the bedroom.
The second trimester is also a good time to start exercising regularly. Exercise can improve body and mind health and help mothers sleep more soundly at night. Even so, try not to do sports activities too close to bedtime because it will only make you too awake.
Some Causes of Insomnia in the Second Trimester
Sleep thieves in this trimester can include snoring and stuffy nose, sleep apnea (stopping breathing), leg cramps, restless legs syndrome (restless legs syndrome, a condition where the legs feel so uncomfortable that it causes an irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve sensations), and dreams that seem real. If you find it very difficult to get quality sleep, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. They may be able to refer you to a sleep specialist who can recommend safe treatment for pregnant women.
How to overcome insomnia in the second trimester
Entering the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women usually begin to find it difficult to sleep soundly at night. Apart from the stomach getting bigger, excessive anxiety and frequent urination in the middle of the night are also causes. Even though pregnant women need to get enough sleep, namely around 9 hours at night to form the immune system which is very important for the mother and fetus.
To help pregnant women sleep soundly during the second trimester of pregnancy, try the following steps:
- Clear your mind.
If a pregnant woman has difficulty sleeping because she is having problems at work or at home, vent your thoughts to your husband or a trusted friend, so that these problems don’t weigh on your mind when you go to bed. If there is no one with whom the pregnant mother can share it, a diary is always ready to accommodate everything that is in her heart. - Move actively.
Move or be active in the afternoon and evening. This can make pregnant women sleep better at night. However, avoid too much activity before bedtime because a body full of energy will find it difficult to fall asleep. - Sleep with lots of pillows.
Use these pillows to support the pregnant mother’s body, support certain body parts or simply equalize the mother’s position. The earlier you learn to sleep comfortably on your side during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you throughout the rest of your pregnancy. Mothers can also use special pregnancy pillows, which are deliberately designed to help mothers sleep more comfortably. - Create a routine before bedtime.
Choose calming activities before you go to sleep. For example, by reading a book, listening to classical music, doing stretching, yoga or calming relaxation, asking your husband to massage your back or maybe making love to him. - Inhale aromatherapy.
Turn on the diffuser before bed. Drop 6-10 drops of oil with lavender aroma in it. The scent of lavender can help pregnant women fall asleep at night. You can also tuck dried lavender between the pillowcase and pillow to make it easier for you to relax.
