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Pregnancy is a whirlwind of emotions, changes, and challenges, but few prepare you for the irony of losing sleep long before the baby arrives. For many mums-to-be, the second and third trimesters can feel like an uphill battle against sleepless nights, aching backs, and hourly trips to the loo. If you’ve ever wondered why everyone tells you to ‘get your sleep in now’ but your body seems to have other plans, this story is for you.
Just imagine that you’ve finally found the perfect position with your trusty pregnancy pillow, only to be jolted awake an hour later by the overwhelming need to pee. You push yourself up, elbows aching under the strain, only to shuffle to the bathroom half-asleep. Back in bed, just as you start to drift off, your mouth is dry. You reach for water, knowing full well it’ll mean another bathroom trip soon. It’s a cycle that repeats itself all night, leaving you utterly drained by morning.
This isn’t just one mum’s experience; it’s a shared reality for so many pregnant women. As @Shannon commented, ‘I got worse sleep when pregnant than I do with a newborn. Like, it’s still hard, but pregnancy tired is so much worse.’ This sentiment echoes through countless pregnancy forums and TikTok comment sections. It seems pregnancy fatigue isn’t just about the physical changes; it’s also about the mental toll of interrupted rest.
@ellaa_amber Please no hate comments that I need to get used to no sleep - genuinely want to know if anyone has advice?! #pregnancytiktok #sleep #secondtrimester #pregnancysymptoms #momtobe #feelings #pregnancyproblems ♬ original sound - Ella Amber ✨
The body undergoes incredible changes during pregnancy, and many of them conspire against a good night’s sleep. For starters, the growing baby places pressure on your bladder, leading to those frequent night-time trips. Add in hormonal shifts, back pain, and general discomfort, and it’s no wonder sleep feels out of reach.
@Martel shared their struggle: ‘Since I’m pregnant, I’m not able to have one good night’s sleep. My whole body is hurting just by switching sides.’ This simple act of rolling over can feel monumental when your muscles ache and your belly adds extra weight. And let’s not forget the mental load of preparing for a baby—anxiety and excitement often work overtime when the lights go out.
The physical discomfort doesn’t stop there. Many mums-to-be experience rib pain, particularly if they have a smaller frame. The pressure from the growing bump can make lying down unbearable, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Dry mouth is another common issue, prompting a vicious cycle of drinking water, waking to pee, and struggling to fall asleep again. As @Lou, 32 weeks pregnant, puts it, ‘I wake up every 1-2 hours and have done that for the last few months. Honestly, I think I’ll get more sleep once the baby is here.’
One of the most striking ideas shared in the TikTok video was the suggestion that maternity leave should start earlier, perhaps in the first and third trimesters. The first trimester brings its own set of challenges, like nausea and overwhelming fatigue, while the third trimester is marked by physical exhaustion and sleeplessness.
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with many mums. The idea of giving pregnant women the grace to rest when their bodies need it most feels long overdue. Early maternity leave could allow mums-to-be to focus on their well-being without the added stress of juggling work and pregnancy symptoms. Imagine being able to truly listen to your body and give it the rest it deserves, instead of pushing through exhaustion for the sake of deadlines.
Research has shown that rest during pregnancy not only benefits the mother but also contributes to the baby’s development. Quality sleep, though elusive, is vital for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. By advocating for earlier maternity leave, society acknowledges the immense physical and emotional labour of pregnancy and gives mums the support they need to thrive.
Pregnancy fatigue isn’t just a physical battle, it’s an emotional one too. When you’re running on fumes, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to spiral into frustration or sadness, especially when your body feels like it’s working against you. These sleepless nights can make you question how you’ll cope when the baby arrives, adding an extra layer of worry to an already intense experience.
But you’re not alone in feeling this way. Countless mums share similar struggles, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Hearing stories from others who’ve been there—and made it through—can be incredibly reassuring. As one mum commented, ‘It’s okay to have bad days. Pregnancy is hard work, and you’re allowed to feel exhausted.’
While there’s no magic wand to wave away the sleeplessness of pregnancy, there are ways to make those restless nights a bit more bearable. If you’re wrestling with discomfort every night, these thoughtful strategies might just be the support you need:
Pregnancy can feel like a marathon at times, but these small, nurturing steps can help transform your sleepless struggles into moments of care and resilience.
Reading through comments on the original TikTok post, it’s clear that this struggle is universal. Mums from all walks of life chimed in, sharing their experiences and advice. @Shannon’s honest take on pregnancy tiredness resonated deeply with others, while @Martel’s candid description of body aches brought empathy and solidarity. These shared stories remind us that while pregnancy can feel isolating, there’s a community of women ready to offer support and understanding.
One mum wrote, ‘The exhaustion feels never-ending, but remember, you’re doing something amazing. Give yourself grace on the hard days.’ Another added, ‘I thought I was prepared for pregnancy, but nothing could have prepared me for the sleep deprivation. Knowing others felt the same made it easier to cope.’
Interestingly, many mums find that their sleep improves once the baby arrives. While newborns have their own unpredictable schedules, the exhaustion of pregnancy often overshadows the fatigue of early parenthood.
As @Lou suggested, the shift to parenting a newborn might bring a different rhythm—one that, while challenging, feels manageable compared to the physical toll of late pregnancy. Of course, every experience is unique, and some mums find themselves grappling with new sleep challenges in the postpartum phase. But one thing remains constant: the resilience and adaptability of mums are nothing short of remarkable.
Despite the exhaustion and frustration, there’s a strange beauty in the sleeplessness of pregnancy. It’s a reminder of the incredible work your body is doing, growing a tiny human from scratch. Every ache, every trip to the loo, and every restless night is a testament to your strength and resilience.
These sleepless nights may also be nature’s way of preparing you for the unpredictability of parenthood. While it’s not the preparation you would have chosen, it teaches you patience, flexibility, and the ability to function on less rest than you ever thought possible. And when your baby finally arrives, the love you feel will make every sleepless night worthwhile.
© Mindsmaking 2024
