What causes insomnia during the second trimester of pregnancy?

May 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, insomnia during the second trimester of pregnancy may be related to fetal growth, hormonal changes, anxiety disorders, hyperthyroidism, depression, or sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. It is recommended to adopt measures that improve sleep quality, such as ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment and maintaining regular sleep schedules. These approaches can help reduce the occurrence of insomnia at night.

Generally, insomnia during the second trimester of pregnancy may be related to fetal growth, hormonal changes, anxiety disorder, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Fetal Growth

As the fetus gradually develops, the uterus enlarges, maternal weight increases, and abdominal protrusion can affect sleeping posture, causing physical discomfort and disrupting sleep, potentially leading to insomnia. It is recommended that pregnant women adopt a left lateral position when sleeping to reduce pressure of the abdomen on the bladder.

2. Hormonal Changes

During mid-pregnancy, secretion of estrogen and progesterone in the pregnant woman's body undergoes changes. These fluctuations may alter autonomic nervous system function, making insomnia more likely. Pregnant women can be guided to learn muscle relaxation techniques to reduce physical tension and promote sleep onset.

3. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is a common psychological condition characterized by excessive worry under normal daily circumstances. If a pregnant woman suffers from severe anxiety, her sleep may be affected, resulting in insomnia, often accompanied by irritability. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Shugan Jieyu Capsules or Risperidone tablets for treatment.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by overactive thyroid gland leading to excessive production and secretion of thyroid hormones. If a pregnant woman has hyperthyroidism, she may experience systemic excitation and high metabolic activity, which can disrupt neurological balance, causing insomnia during mid-pregnancy, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as excessive sweating and dizziness. Medications such as Propylthiouracil tablets, Methimazole tablets, or Levothyroxine Sodium tablets may be used under physician guidance for treatment.

5. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. If a pregnant woman has epilepsy, her sleep quality and sleep architecture are easily affected by abnormal electrical discharges associated with seizures, potentially leading to insomnia and feelings of fatigue or weakness. Medications such as Carbamazepine tablets, Lamotrigine tablets, or Sodium Valproate tablets may be taken under medical supervision to aid sleep.

For insomnia occurring in late pregnancy, it is recommended to adopt measures that improve sleep quality, such as ensuring a comfortable sleep environment and maintaining regular sleep schedules. These approaches can help reduce the occurrence of nighttime insomnia.

View All

Can you get braces while pregnant?

In general, it is possible to wear braces during pregnancy, but the sensitive periods of the first and third trimesters should be avoided, with the second trimester being the preferred time to begin orthodontic treatment. Pregnancy itself does not affect the effectiveness of orthodontic correction; however, there are special physiological changes during pregnancy. The first trimester is a critical period for fetal organ development, and pregnant women often experience nausea, vomiting, and other early pregnancy symptoms. Wearing braces at this stage may exacerbate oral discomfort.

View Full Answer

Can pregnant women use Ma Ying Long hemorrhoid ointment?

If a pregnant woman is in the second trimester and experiences mild hemorrhoid symptoms such as minor rectal bleeding and slight swelling, and if the benefits outweigh the risks as assessed by a physician, the medication may be cautiously used under medical supervision. At this stage, fetal development is relatively stable, and short-term, low-dose use of the medication may have minimal effects on the fetus. However, medical instructions must be strictly followed to avoid self-medication, and close attention should be paid to any bodily reactions.

View Full Answer

Can pregnant women eat mint?

In general, pregnant women can consume mint, but should do so in moderation. Mint is cool in nature and has a pungent flavor; it functions to疏散风热 (disperse wind-heat), 清利头目 (clear the head and improve vision), and 疏肝理气 (soothe the liver and regulate qi). During the second trimester of pregnancy, if headache or sore throat occurs due to external contraction of wind-heat, or if mild abdominal distension and loss of appetite result from slowed gastrointestinal motility, small amounts of mint may help alleviate these discomforts. Its volatile oil components can also provide a refreshing effect through their aromatic scent.

View Full Answer

Can pregnant women eat loquats during the second trimester of pregnancy?

In general, pregnant women can consume loquat in moderation during the second trimester. Loquats are rich in nutrients such as vitamin B, vitamin C, citric acid, iron, calcium, and sodium, which can provide various essential nutrients for pregnant women. The sweet and sour taste of loquats can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, enhance appetite, and promote digestion and absorption, making it suitable for relieving symptoms of decreased appetite during mid-pregnancy.