Feeling sleepy and wanting to sleep during late pregnancy

Drowsiness in the late pregnancy is a very common phenomenon, which is mainly caused by hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. It may also be caused by excessive calorie consumption and insufficient blood sugar in the body. Although it is a normal physiological phenomenon, pregnant women also need to use some effective methods to alleviate this phenomenon. So, what should you do if you always feel sleepy in the late pregnancy? The following article will give you a detailed answer!

1. Is it normal to always want to sleep during the late pregnancy?

The reason why pregnant women are sleepy may be related to the changes in hormones in the body after pregnancy, such as increased progesterone. In addition, the increased basal metabolism of pregnant women, rapid heat consumption in the body, and insufficient blood sugar are also causes of drowsiness.

In addition, in the early stages of pregnancy, the mother's expectations and anxiety about the health of the fetus can easily make her feel exhausted.

Pregnant women's sleepiness occurs 6 weeks after menstruation and usually lasts until 3 months of pregnancy. Around the 14th to 15th week of pregnancy, when the placenta is fully formed, you will not feel sleepy anymore. If the symptoms of drowsiness are severe or if there is still obvious drowsiness in the second trimester of pregnancy, you need to go to the hospital for treatment.

2. What to do if pregnant women are sleepy

1. Take more naps

If you feel sleepy, you can take a short nap, similar to a nap, for about half an hour. It will improve your memory and usually relieve symptoms of fatigue. Expectant mothers may take a short nap when they are tired, but it is best not to exceed an hour to relieve fatigue, maintain sufficient physical strength, eat small meals frequently, and maintain a certain blood sugar concentration.

2. Good rest space

A good sleeping environment can make people fall asleep more easily. During pregnancy, body temperature rises and pregnant women may feel hotter than usual, so keep the room cool, which is more conducive to sleep.

3. Give up bad habits

Develop a regular schedule, rest when you need to, and don't stay up late to affect your rest. Before going to bed, you should forget your worries, don’t worry about this or that, and relax your mind, so that your sleep quality can be improved.

3. Precautions in late pregnancy

1. Frequent uterine contractions: If the expectant mother stands or sits in the same posture for a long time, she will feel her abdomen hardening from time to time. This is called "false uterine contractions." This phenomenon is more likely to occur when the expectant mother feels tired or excited. It is one of the signs of approaching delivery, but unlike the regular uterine contractions before real delivery, it will often occur within 2-3 weeks before delivery. If false labor occurs frequently, expectant mothers should not take medication on their own, as taking medication generally cannot relieve the symptoms. At this time, pregnant mothers should pay attention to rest, especially avoid stimulating the abdomen. If uterine contractions are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, such as pain to the point of being restless and affecting your work and life, you need to go to the hospital for treatment.

2. Engagement in the pelvis: After the fetus enters the pelvis, you will have more obvious uterine contractions, and some people may also feel frequent urination. The time of engagement of the pelvis is usually between the 36th week of pregnancy and before the onset of labor pains. Most primiparas engage the pelvis two weeks before the expected date of delivery, while most multiparas engage the pelvis before the onset of labor pains. However, some women complete the entire process within a few days.

3. Prenatal check-up: After entering the late stage of pregnancy, you should go to the hospital for prenatal check-ups more often. After the 28-week check-up, the check-ups will be changed from once a month to once every two weeks. After the 36th week, you should go for prenatal check-ups every week until the baby is born.