I Keep Waking up at 4:00 a.m.

I've had three children - what you are experiencing is perfectly normal! A bit of insomnia and tender breasts are very normal in the early weeks of pregnancy. Congratulations!!

H.,
I experienced the same sleeping issues when I was expecting. Most people sleep more often when prego, not me! I think walking will help you sleep. I would walk for at least 20-30 minutes in the later evening. Our bodies are so busy making that baby it keeps that blood pumping. This will help burn off that fatigue some. Best wishes!

It sounds like you are stressed about everything that is going on. Which is, of course, normal since you've never been through it before. Maybe you could talk to your husband or your mom or a close friend about all that you're feeling and experiencing. Sometimes just opening up to someone who loves and cares about you can make you feel better. Good luck and congratulations!

H.,

I'm not giong to be much help, since with all of my pregnancies (this is our fourth child) I have done the same thing. You just have to find your "trigger" - whatever soothes you. Laying there with my eyes closed and even praying for sleep don't ususally work for me. (Although it is ideal prayer time since no one is interrupting me!) ;) I typically have to get up, drink a glass of water (sometimes grab a snack, too), and plop down on the couch with the t.v. on. Any show I don't have to focus on will knock me out. I hope you can get some rest!
Blessings!

Try taking a 10-15 minute hot bath.. it helps your body relax. unless you are one that it wakes straight up....BUT, It always helps me go right back to sleep... I always take a hot bath right b4 bed.hotter the better for me....but you might only just need a few minutes in there just to loosen those muscles and stuff...The bra is the best thing for the boobs. Good luck with your pregnancy.

don't drink any cokes, teas with caffine, or anything sugary. try just drinking water after 6pm. hope it helps

Dear H.:

I kept waking up at 4:00 too! Your body may need something (water, food, vitamens, exercise). I was ravenous. As soon as I had a bit of food in my tummy, I slept just fine. Perhaps like me, you are starting out a bit underweight (don't look at yourself, look at average weight charts - we don't have perspective sometimes).

I put on 17 lbs. in the first 4 months (to 130 lbs. - I am 5'6"). My doctor was furious, but I think my body needed an "extra cushion". After I had it, I slept fine.

As for your breasts, they are just making one of many adjustments. It is amazing what your body can do.

Good luck!
Jen

A nursing or maternity or sports bra will help the pain and keep them immobile at night time. As for waking up, I used to do the same thing, I would get up have a piece of cheese or half a banana and a glass of milk and go back to sleep. Good luck!

Hi H.,
Congratulations on your first baby. Being a mom is the most fantastic blessing you will ever know. Your sleep issues during pregnany are often related to the changing hormones in your body. But getting good rest is as important to your baby's health and yours - as eating well is. My doctor said to take Benadryl throughout the pregnancy whenever I needed it. I found that the first and last trimester were the worse - with a bit of a break in the middle. But every person's body responds differently. If you are also suffering from lots of breast pain, you might do better to take Tylenol PM because it has the Tylenol in it plus Benadryl to help you sleep. Take care of yourself - it will all be worth it when you hold your beautiful baby.
D.

I hear your pain! I am about 4 weeks, and do the exact same thing! My breast hurt so bad that I dono't even want my husband to hug me, and it wasn't this way with my first child. AS far as waking up, I lay there and pray until I fal asleep! (or take phenergin!)

This is the stuff they don't tell you about! This will soon pass. The tender breast is one of the first signs of pregnancy, as you already know. Also when you take a shower, face away from the shower head, don't let it hit your breast, (very tender). As far as waking up so early, and not getting back to sleep, maybe you are having some anxiety from the hormones racing through your body. this will soon pass, enjoy this time, and get plenty of rest, as you will need it for the upcoming months, and RELAX. Maybe take a warm bath, if you can't go back to sleep, (if you don't work in the mornings) Also talk with your O.B/Gyn about taking some Tylenol for the tenderness, not really much you can take, this early in the pregnancy, this is a very crucial time for the fetus.

I hate to say it but the worst is still to come.I had a lot of sleep issues while I was pregnant.My doctor told me I could take tylenol pm.Just a not on the positive side it makes it a little less of a shock when the baby comes cause you will experience a lot of early mornings then.I tried to just look at it as my body preparing for the baby.I promise everything you go through now will be so worth it when you see your little angels face.being pregnant makes you tough!

Hi H.,

You could try some tea, that should calm you down. For your breasts, can you take Vitamin B? It works for those not pregnant and a heating pad works too. I feel your pain, I had it once so bad it absolutely hurt to touch them. A great fitting bra is always good too. Good luck and Congrats Mommy!

When this happened to me I got up and used that time to read my bible. I would then ask God to put me back to sleep and it was the sweetest sleep I had. Now, whenever I wake in the early morning I take that as His invitation to come and sit alone with Him. It's precious quiet time. Blessings to you and your gift.

Hi H., I heard one time if you wake up at the same time every night that it's God trying to talk to you.So listen and pray and ask him what it is that He is trying to tell youand if that does'nt help get up and go eat a small bowl of cereal.[ha-ha] I used to get up and wash my face or sit up and put nightcream on my face, you know pamper myself.Well after all that time I have very nice skin

I have the same problem. Unfortunately it only gets worse as you get bigger for different reasons. I am now 32 weeks. Sometimes we wake up because the baby is kicking, you're hungry, it's time to go to the restroom (again!), or your body aches and is uncomfortable. Sometimes if you accidently roll on your back, your baby lays on your major veins and can't breathe so you get short of breath and that causes you to wake up so you can roll back onto your side. It's only going to get worse... You could take Tylenol PM to help you sleep through the night, but only if you are in dire need of sleep. That's what my OB told me. I now wake up at least 4 times a night.

H., this is God's way of preparing you for nighttime feedings. :-) I did this with three pregnancies, mostly having to use the restroom during the night. If you have to get up, don't turn on lights or do anything that makes your brain engage (like thinking about some problem or reading). Keep a nightlight on in the bathroom so you don't have to turn on lights in there. Lights signal your brain that it's time to wake up. If you just can't fall back asleep, try some milk or a cup of decaffeinated orange spice tea. Orange tea is supposed to be relaxing. If I drink it at night, I go right to sleep. If your mind is racing, keep a notebook, a pen, and a flashlight beside your bed. Write down what you are thinking about so your brain won't keep replaying it all, afraid of forgetting it. But don't turn on big lights!!!

Another person mentioned taking very hot baths. I don't think that's a good idea. The developing baby is very sensitive to extreme heat. Docs say not to get in a hot tub in early pregnancy, or go to mineral spas and things like that. I'd avoid that much heat. A warm bath would be okay, but don't make it extremely hot.

As for the breast pain, that's pretty normal. They are changing, and this is literally Growing Pains. Wear a supportive bra in the daytime, and if they bother you at night, get a comfortable sports bra to wear to bed.

Neither of these symptoms is unusual, but nobody tells you that until after you get pregnant! It's not the easiest time of your life, and you will wonder sometimes what you are doing. When it's all over, though, you will be so, so glad. Our kids are such a joy now (14, 12, and 7), and the memories of pregnancy symptoms are faint. Enjoy this time, because your life is about to change forever -- for the better!

Blessings,
P.

I agree with one of the other readers that said to pray until you fall back asleep. Pray about the baby, his or her help, you being the mom he or she needs, family, etc. It's a good thing at any time of the day! :)

And congratulations!

When I was pregnant - I had really sore breast - that is very normal - I found that sleeping with my regular bra on(no matter how uncomfortable it sounds) gave me support and they stopped hurting as bad. I usually only last for the 1st trimester. Good Luck! Hope this helps.

Hello! Congratulations on your first baby! I have had 3 babies. I understand about your breasts. Let me tell you, I had to wear a bra to bed to help with the pain. I have not gone back to bed without a bra since my first pregnancy. Sleep patterns will get screwed up during your preganancy due to hormone changes, etc. I would get up and read a book and eat a snack and fall asleep until it was time to get up. You will go through different stages of fatigue during your preganancy. Walking helps gives me more energy during the daytime. Good luck!

I had insomnia with one of my pregnancies during the first trimester only. It was strange, but temporary.

Maybe you are waking up that early because of anxiety over the new baby? I get anxiety a lot at night that sometimes keeps me up, so I will tak a little journal on my bedside table, and will jot down a list of things I need to do or whatever is on my mind. Once I have it written doown, my mind wil help me relax.

Sorry about the breast pain, that goes with the territory. I never experianced it much with my two pregnancies, just after delivery. This article has some helpful info:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_breast-changes-during-pregnan...

Just wait till you are later in the pregnancy and wake every hour to go pee or b/c of heartburn and leg cramps!

One of the first signs that told me I was pregnant was the sore breasts! And "sore" doesn't even come close to describing the pain! It hurt to even walk, to wear a bra, to not wear a bra...you know how it is! All I can say is that it does get better. I found that wearing a well fitting supportive bra does help. You might need to buy a new one because they've probably gotten bigger. And about waking at 4 am, well, I guess that's probably your body's way of preparing you for motherhood! When your belly starts getting bigger, I would recommend a body pillow (they make special ones for pregancy to also support your legs and back). That was my only comfort at night!
Yes, pregnancy is difficult, and sometimes very uncomfortable! But it is also the most AMAZING thing I have ever felt!!!!! I can't wait til my next pregnancy so I can feel all those kicks again! Enjoy this time, and concentrate on the wonderful feelings that you will have in the next 9 months, b/c there's nothing else like it!

I think it's your body trying to get you used to when the baby arives b/c you will be up at all hrs., not just 4am. Maybe try to catch up on any magazines, books, etc..you will not have much time for magazines later!

Unfortunately, there are a lot of changes your body is going through now and will go through throughout the pregnancy. Taking warm showers will help with the breast tenderness and wearing a comfortable, well fitting bra at all times...Yes, even when you sleep. The light pressure of the bra will help with the pain. You may even want to invest in a comfy nursing bra if you are planning to nurse.
As for the night wakings, I started that during my pregnancy and unfortunately now that my twins are 9, I still do that sometimes. I usually get up and read the Bible and pray or take a walk. Then, I can usually lie back down and go to sleep. If this does not work, then try to squeeze in short naps during the day, as your body will need it's rest. This could also be your bodies way of preparing you for night wakings to feed the baby.
You might ask your Dr if you can take Melatonin which is found naturally in your body, that induces sleep. It might help you make it through the night...but only if your Dr. says it is okay. I don't know what the rules are on taking it during pregnancy.
Good luck and congratulations!

I did the same thing during both my pregnancies. I finally started getting up and eating a bowl of cereal. It would put me right back to sleep. I hope this helps.

I suggest you get the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting." It actually covers such topics as this. The waking up is not unusual during pregnancy. It is sort of "practice" for when the baby arrives. I had the same thing. It will probably go on for a few weeks; I seem to remember that it stopped (for me) in the second trimester.

Hmmm. That is a hard one. I have never slept well so I feel your pain. I'm thinking you should go ahead and get up. You will be tired but the next night I'm thinking you will probably sleep much better. You could also try warm milk. Because you are pregnant I wouldn't suggest taking any medication.

Welcome to pregnancy! Yes, I too felt like my boobs were going to fall off. Just power through it, it does get better. The first few weeks they will be very sore. I also kept waking up in the middle of the night, 3am for me. It happened all through the pregnancy. It turned out to be the time I would get up to go to the bathroom...every night. It also turned out to be the time that my water broke. I woke up and looked at the clock, 3am, thought, "Oh, my nightly trip to the potty", got up and WHOOOSH! My water broke all over the bed and floor! Getting back to sleep was never a problem for me cause I was just so tired, but some suggestions are: keep a notebook by your bed to write down things that are keeping you awake like your "things to do list". Make sure the temp in your bedroom is about 68-72 degrees. Your body is getting warmer due to all the energy being used to not only make a baby right now, but your also building a placenta (that's why your so tired). Wear socks to bed, will make you feel "cozy". Cuddle a pillow, a body pillow works best. Get a white noise machine. They really help to block out the noise from outside and trick your brain into a calm state. Hope this helps! You're entering into a wonderful journey...enjoy it!

welcome to being pregnant, this is just the begining of the many discomforts of being with child but it is a wonderful thing. I would wake up all the time during my first trimester and part of the whole process is your breasts will hurt. I recommend the book What to expect while expecting, this will let you know the process and all the changes your body will go through. Congrats on the baby

i did the same with my second (girl) i would wake up at like 3:30/4 and be starving!!! and i would always have some stupid song stuck in my head!!! drove me nuts so i would just get up and eat something light and try to go back to sleep, hopefully it will stop soon it was only the first tri-mester that it happened!! good luck! :)

H.,

I would get a really supportive bra to wear during the day and a night time nursing bra to wear at night. It should help with the discomfort.

J.

I used to wake up and not be able to go back to sleep. I would look at my alarm clock and think I only have a few hours left to sleep and then not go back to sleep. Before I go to bed now I cover the numbers on my clock so I can not see them. If I wake up before the alarm goes off I go to the bathroom and get back in bed. I do not look at the clock. It is still dark outside so I tell myself it is not time to get up and do not worry about if I only have an hour before it's time to get up. It usually works for me since I know it is still dark and I can convince myself that it is not time to be up in the dark.
P.

Years ago I read in Reader's Digest there is an atmospheric change that takes place around 4am and that we are sometimes sensitive to it...waking at that time. They say there are lots of people awake at that time of the morning, all over the world. You may be more sensitive to that change now that you are pregnant.

I'd suggest eating a least a half a banana and drinking a full glass of milk just before bed or when you wake at 4. Milk is calming and the banana contains a nutrient that is a natural sleep aid. The potassium would be good for you and the baby, too. See if that relaxes you enough to sleep the night through or get you back to sleep. It's worth a try.

I'd speak with the doctor for suggestions about the extremely sensitive breasts. Might be you could take an over the counter pain medication. But check with the professionals to be safe.

Good luck and God Bless....