What changes during pregnancy
Hormonal shifts, mechanical changes from a growing uterus, and increased nighttime urination disrupt sleep at every stage. New-onset restless legs syndrome and gestational sleep apnea both peak in the third trimester. The postpartum period brings its own distinct sleep patterns.
Common presentations
- First trimester — pronounced daytime sleepiness, frequent nighttime waking
- Second trimester — relatively better, though insomnia can begin
- Third trimester — restless legs, gestational sleep apnea, position-related discomfort
- Postpartum — sleep fragmentation, mood-sleep interactions, recovery patterns
Conditions we treat
- Restless legs syndrome — often iron-responsive; we coordinate ferritin testing with obstetrics
- Gestational sleep apnea — when symptoms warrant, CPAP can be safely titrated during pregnancy
- Insomnia — CBT-I is safe and effective; medication is rarely needed
- Postpartum sleep deprivation — sleep architecture strategies for new parents
Coordination with obstetrics
Every treatment plan is reviewed with the patients obstetrician. We do not prescribe pharmacology in pregnancy without obstetric concurrence — and most of what we do involves no medication at all.
Pregnancy is one of the times non-pharmacologic sleep treatment matters most. CBT-I and proper iron management cover the great majority of cases.— Seoul Sleep Center pregnancy pathway