Does my lack of sleep effect my baby? 24 weeks pregnant?

Question

I am 24 weeks pregnant tomorrow. For the past two nights I haven't got any sleep. And I also haven't felt much, if any movements from my little one. Is it possible, that my lack of sleep is effecting her? My hubby thinks shes probably resting a lot and sleeping a lot. And that's why I haven't felt her... What do you think? Should I call my doctor? Or wait and see how today goes?

Answer 1

Actually, it's the other way around. You're worrying about not feeling any movements from the baby is keeping you awake. I did not feel any movements from my first baby until about week 25-26. and then it was only very sporadic. Only close to the end of the pregnancy does the movements become constant. Pregnancy anyway has the side affect sometimes of keeping you up all night, and that does not have affect on the  baby at all.

Answer 2

Your lack of sleep won't hurt your baby but it will affect you of course. Your baby rests in its own time so don't let your lack of sleep worry you.  

Answer 3

As long as when you're trying to sleep you're resting and relaxing, it won't affect your baby too much. I remember the days of insomnia around 20 weeks and didn't feel my son moving too much either, but now he's an energetic little thing. Resting and relaxing as much as possible will help keep some energy in you. Your husband is probably right too. Babies have their own periods of sleep and rest and of activity throughout the day, and at this point, it starts to gain more of a pattern. Also, other times, your baby could be very active, but kicking and punching inwards rather than outwards.

I've noticed that my son becomes most active after eating an apple or drinking a glass of orange juice, and then laying on either side afterwards. Within 10 minutes, he's hardcore dancing to his Daddy's metal music. I've also noticed that he is most active at night, as I'm trying to lay down and go to sleep. Thus begins a 3-hour bout of insomnia every night, dead smack in the middle of the night.

Try eating a sweet, but healthy, snack and then laying on your side for a bit. Another thing we try when we haven't felt from Isaiah for a while is my husband begins to talk to him through my belly and give him kisses. He also rumbles my belly a little bit, but usually all it takes is the sound of Daddy's voice to get him moving.

In the day time, if you can, try and get a nap, or at least an hour or two's rest on the couch. Sometimes resting or sleeping in the day can help you to sleep at night. An alternative is to exercise in the day. The exercise can help tire your body enough to help you sleep at night. Even if this means a half hour walk mid-day, just don't do it too close to bed, or the jolt of energy can keep you awake at night as well. And don't eat too close to bedtime either. Your body's slowed disgestion can also aid in a lack of sleep.

Between 24-28 weeks is when babies begin to become most active, as their big enough to be felt, but still not too squished in there, and have lotsof room to move around. If you haven't felt her at all within a 12-24 hour period, then I would call your doctor and follow his/her advice, or take a short trip up to labour and delivery and see if they'll check for a heartbeat for your peace of mind.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Some people don't even feel baby move until about 26 weeks so i don't think you have anything to worry about but for peace of mind you should maybe go and see your midwife anyway. All through my pregnancies i have found it very difficult to sleep and a common thing throughout pregnancy is a bit of insomnia so i don't think it will harm your baby no. Just remember to eat and drink regularly to give yourself some energy. Hope you get a good night sleep soon i can sympathize completely x

Answer 5

i doubt it