10 Reasons Why You Aren’t Sleeping At 8 Months Pregnant

As pregnancy sets in, your body will slowly undergo various changes owing to the constant change in your hormone levels. One major area that will get affected the most during your pregnancy is your sleep cycle. At times you’ll feel an extra dose of fatigue making you sleep more than the usual amount of sleep you take. On other occasions, you will find it difficult to catch a decent sleep altogether. Add to it the morning sicknesses and vomiting that accompanies pregnancy, screwing with your sleep cycle all the more.

When you’re pregnant, you’ll probably hear several people telling you how you won’t get a good night’s sleep after the baby arrives. It’s one of the million things that other parents warn you about. They tell you to get as much sleep as possible during your pregnancy because after your baby is born, it’s nearly impossible to catch some shut-eye. But it’s not all that simple. As much as you need the rest, when you’re in your third trimester of pregnancy, it becomes a herculean task to get that sound sleep. If you’re wondering why you cannot sleep during your eighth month of pregnancy, you’ve come to the right place. Here are ten reasons:

1. Your Baby Loves To Move It Move It

Towards the final weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is very close to being fully developed. Around this time, it already can do some light moving and kicking. Don’t we all love and adore when we feel those kicks as we put our ears on the mother’s tummy. As the movements become more and more, mothers can, at times, get overwhelmed too.

You might want to get a good night’s sleep, but your baby has other plans. Your little one probably loves to bust out some moves in the middle of the night, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The leg workouts are intense at 2 a.m., and you cannot help but feel all of it in your belly. At times like these, a gentle belly massage with minimum or no pressure will make you feel better.

2. Did Someone Say Pee?

You make so many trips to your bathroom at night that you’re practically spending more time in there than in your bed. You probably haven’t made that many trips to your bathroom in eight hours ever, but thanks to your baby, your bladder function is giving up on you.

3. You’re Drowning In Pillows

The pillows on your bed take up more space than you and your partner do. You take time to get comfortable with the one dozen pillows on your bed, and by the time you fall asleep, you might want to change your sleeping position again. It’s easier not to sleep!

4. You Cannot Shut Your Brain Off

We bet everyone can relate to this one — pregnant or not! Your brain remembers your biggest fears, worries, and insecurities just when you get into bed for a peaceful night’s rest. And just like that, your sleep goes right out the window.

5. Where’s Your Food Going?

Food cravings during the final weeks of pregnancy can be enormous to the point of wanting it then and there. After all, the food you’re eating is also used by your growing little one inside of you. And the raging hormones make you crave spicy and exciting food.

You’ve had a satisfying dinner followed by your favorite flavor of ice cream. But it’s 4 a.m, and you’re lying in bed craving those spicy chicken wings from the cafe across town. There’s no way you can get your hands on those treats during this time of the night, so you just lie awake in bed dreaming about it.

6. Heartburn (But Not With Love)

No, we aren’t talking about your heart burning with love for your little one. We are talking about the disastrous heartburn that comes with pregnancy. It’s a common symptom caused by hormonal changes and the growing fetus pressing against your stomach (1), which decides to show up at 3 a.m when you’re trying to get some sleep.

7. Legs Cannot Stay Still

Do you have this annoying and uncontrollable need to move your legs every two minutes? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one! You cannot lie still in bed because your legs refuse to get some rest. They are just restless and move around like they are preparing to run a marathon! It’s a condition called Restless Leg Syndrome that is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. The symptoms are relieved automatically after delivery (2).

8. Scary Dreams Fest

Boo! Your pregnancy not only affects your physical body but also plays a part in your subconscious function. Scary dreams are common during pregnancy and might make it difficult for you to fall asleep. If you do end up sleeping, frightening dreams may disrupt that sweet restful sleep and leave you feeling anxious (3).

9. Body Aches

By this time, you’re bearing the weight of a fully formed baby. This takes a huge toll on your body muscles. Chances are you’re already accustomed to these pains in different parts of your body. However, every now and then, you’ll face a back ache or a sprained ankle that will bother you more than usual. Sleeping is difficult with a pained body and you wish you could just get rid of them.

10. Bearing A Heavy Weight

At eight months pregnant, this is the highest extra weight you’re carrying. You probably have never carried such a big mass on you. Every little activity starts feeling like a drag and gets you tired. Even when trying to sleep, it becomes difficult to adjust to a good resting position. All you can do is try to catch a little nap and wait for the time your baby is ready to be welcomed.

Apart from the reasons listed here, there are numerous other reasons why you probably cannot sleep during your pregnancy. It might be difficult but remember that you’ve survived for so long and have reached the third trimester. That’s huge! So hold on, it’ll be over before you know it. Did you have trouble sleeping during your pregnancy? Comment below and share your experience with us!

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Bency Sebastian

Writer, dreamer and a moon child. Bency believes that music, words, and little precious moments of life add color to a world that is black and white..

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