Nightmares and Pregnancy

Every time I get pregnant, I start to have nightmares and very odd dreams. After doing some quick research on the Internet, I have discovered that this is quite common. However, that doesn't make any of the episodes easier to cope with, especially when they wake me up in the middle of the night. Throughout the course of my pregnancies, I have discovered some ways to cope with these episodes.

Journaling

Before bed each night, I write out my thoughts for the day. Sometimes, I do this on paper and other times I do this on my computer. When I have private thoughts or concerns that I want to get out, I type out the thoughts on my computer so that I can delete them. If my thoughts are thoughts I feel should be recorded, I write them in a paper journal. I have started a new journal for each of my children so that they can each have a record of my pregnancy when they get older.

If I wake up at night after having a nightmare or strange dream, I write these in a dream journal while they are fresh in my mind. If I find that I am concerned about the dream or if I want to know about the meaning, I look up the basics of the dream online or in a dream interpretation book.

Diet

I try not to eat spicy foods after lunch. It seems like my nightmares and strange dreams get worse and more frequent when I eat spicy foods in the afternoon or evening. This is very difficult because I am a Cajun and love spicy foods. I try to compensate for the lack of spiciness by making flavorful foods.

I also make sure that I drink a lot of water and 2% milk during the day. I avoid caffeine after lunch so that the caffeine doesn't keep me awake.

Naps

My bad and strange dreams get worse if I am very tired. To help combat this, I take a nap for at least 30 minutes in the afternoon. This isn't always easy with two toddlers and a newborn in the house, but I manage to make it happen.

Bottom Line

Disturbing dreams can affect not only your sleep schedule, but also your mood and/or outlook on your pregnancy. Because of this, it is necessary to find methods to cope with the dreams so that you and your baby aren't affected.