Ep116: Sleep and Pregnancy - How to Make Journey of Motherhood Light and Easy - With Dr. Wu

OVERVIEW

Pregnancy is considered the most important event in a woman’s life but also the most difficult one. During this period there are numerous challenges that a woman encounters and one of those is having sleep disturbances before and after pregnancy. If you are a first-time mom hearing these myths about pregnancy can make you a bit scared but also can prepare you for what is coming. But is it really true that sleep is impossible before and after giving birth?

In this week's episode, I am so honored to have on the show Dr. Jade Wu a Board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist and researcher at Duke University School of Medicine. In this interview, she will share with you the importance of sleep during and after pregnancy. Dr. Wu will also give tips on how to sleep better while you are on this journey of motherhood. So if you are currently and planning to get pregnant this episode can help you prepare your body physically and mentally to make your pregnancy light and easy.

WHAT WILL WE LEARN

02:18 How Dr. Wu got interested in the field of sleep during pregnancy
05:52 What are the sleep disturbances that women should expect before deciding to get pregnant
09:15 Sleep is an involuntary activity
10:05 What are the sleep changes women experience during pregnancy
11:44 Listen to your body: How to overcome sleepiness during pregnancy
14:37 What are the physical changes during pregnancy that can affect sleep
16:10 Mental and Psychological changes during pregnancy: The Nesting Drive
19:08 How to maintain physical and mental health during pregnancy: See a therapist
21:44 Prenatal sleep: Things you can do to boost your circadian health
24:08 Knowing what to expect during and after pregnancy helps
26:09 Can you have enough sleep after pregnancy
27:33 Severe Circadian Disruption: What you can do to avoid it
30:12 Advantages of breastfeeding during pregnancy and having more kids
33:28 Sleep deprivation during pregnancy: Don't sleep every time the baby sleeps
36:00 How to reach Dr. Wu and her services