Sleep in pregnancy

Dr Liora Kempler talks about sleep in pregnancy and in the first year post-partum. What changes a pregnant mother can expect. How to help them optimise their sleep and who they can turn to if they are struggling.

Patient resources

Mothers matter
Sleep on side when baby's inside
Sleep in pregnancy Health Navigator NZ
Postnatal depression and Anxiety Plunket
Postnatal depression - Mental Health Foundation NZ
Pregnancy and Sleep Sleep Health Foundation
Pregnancy and Sleep Sleep Foundation
Sleeping for Two: Complete Guide to Sleeping While Pregnant Sleep Advisor

Topics

What common changes in sleep are reported in pregnancy?
Do these changes vary throughout the trimesters?
Are pre pregnancy sleep disorders likely to worsen in pregnancy?
What ways can a pregnant woman maximise sleep?
Problematic sleep in the post-partum year
Do baby monitors help or hinder sleep?
Is sleeping when the baby sleeps a useful strategy?
When can a mother/new parent expect to get a full night’s sleep?
Assessing anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts if sleep is disrupted and problematic?

Take home messages

Prioritise sleep and mental health
Practice napping
Know yourself
Be aware of the signs of not coping
If things aren’t working, talk to someone.

Resources

The role of the primary healthcare team in pregnancy care bpacnz (2019)
Sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy Current Sleep Medicine Reports (2016)

Presenter

Dr Liora Kempler

Sleep Psychologist

Dr Liora Kempler is a Psychologist for insomnia and sleep disorders. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of New South Wales followed by her PhD at the University of Sydney. She became a psychologist specialising in sleep through the supervision program at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.

As part of her PhD, Liora examined the efficacy of a sleep intervention in helping first-time mothers better manage the changes and challenges in their sleep, both during pregnancy and as new mothers, and now welcomes mothers with babies to the clinic as well. Liora's interests include the treatment of patients with insomnia and women having difficulties in their antenatal period.