Dreams
It is normal for women to experience an increase in dreams throughout gestation, which tend to increase in frequency in the third trimester. An increase in nightmares is also normal.
Content of dreams vary, but can include topics such as the baby’s health, parenting, labor and delivery, family relationships, the sex of the baby, a fantasized bonding experience, or content related to stress, anxiety, or a fear of childbirth.
Some women may have nightmares often enough to lose sleep, leading to fatigue and increased stress during the day. Women should feel comfortable to talk to their HCP, family, counselor, or any member of their support system if they are experiencing nightmares.
Women may take comfort knowing that sometimes better information related to any concerns they have during pregnancy can make them feel better prepared and more in control, potentially relieving their fear and anxiety (see our Topics page).
Women should communicate with their HCP any questions they have about pregnancy or childbirth, and many classes are publicly available that teach courses related to childbirth and parenting.
Background
In general, individuals tend to dream about what is relevant in their waking lives – to include major life changing events, such as having a baby.
Interestingly, dreams during pregnancy have the potential to be more vivid than dreams at any other point in a woman's life. One study suggested that dreams in pregnancy are so distinct they can be viewed as a separate dream genre.
It is theorized that dreams may be necessary, especially in late pregnancy, so the mother can process information related to her relationship with her baby, and help her mentally adapt to this significant change in her life.
Dream Content
Several small studies indicate that up to 88% of pregnant women report having at least one dream relating to pregnancy, childbirth, or the baby. Expectant fathers also experience pregnancy-related dreams.
Pregnant women have disturbed sleep patterns due to the common physical changes of pregnancy. This, together with fluctuating hormone levels and emotions such as stress, anxiety, excitement, nervousness, and even fear, can produce more visual dream content.
Types of dreams can even vary by trimester, with an increased frequency of dreams as pregnancy progresses. Women who are pregnant for the first time also tend to experience these dreams more than women who have previously delivered a baby.
It is theorized that since a woman has yet to meet her baby, the development of her dreams may be the result of her hopes and fantasies regarding the baby, to include the potential sex. However, studies do show that dreams predicting the sex of a baby are no more correct than chance.
Dreams can also be influenced by a pregnant woman’s relationships with her partner and family, psychological state, perceived fetal movements, ultrasound procedures, and other impactful environmental factors.
Unfortunately, not all dreams during pregnancy are pleasant. It is estimated up to 50% of women will have at least one nightmare during pregnancy. Some women can have very distinct, emotional dreams containing “fearful imagery”, concerns about the baby, skills as a mother, and labor and delivery – all of which can affect their ability to sleep.
It is estimated about 6% to 10% of pregnant women report severe nightmares related to a fear of childbirth.
The above could be due to an increase in medical appointments, potential anxiety, or fear of childbirth as a woman’s due date gets closer; nightmares could also be the process of mentally preparing and working through this fear, stress, and anxiety.
Action
Women should feel comfortable talking with their HCP, family, counselor, or any member of their support system if they are experiencing nightmares.
Women may take comfort knowing that sometimes better information related to any concerns they have during pregnancy can make them feel better prepared and more in control, potentially relieving some fear and anxiety.
HCPs can help women identify what they may be most concerned or worried about during pregnancy, and then attempt to relieve those concerns through education. HCPs can also offer appointments in more private settings (i.e. no partner), as well as recommendations for counselors or other resources.
Women should communicate with their HCP any questions they have about pregnancy or childbirth, and many classes are publicly available that teach courses related to childbirth and parenting.
Women should also consider sharing and submitting their experience below regarding dreams or nightmares during pregnancy. This can help other women learn additional perspectives regarding this concern.
Partners/Support
Partners/family members should consider going to counseling sessions or childbirth/parenting classes with the pregnant woman. If members of the family are more informed regarding aspects of labor, delivery, newborn care, and parenting, this can relieve anxiety, worry, or stress about the entire process, to include this new stage of life.
Partners/Support should also talk with the pregnant woman whenever possible; letting her have an outlet regarding her fears or concerns could significantly relieve her anxiousness and help her feel fear of the unknown.
