One of the biggest shocks many new parents face is how difficult it is to fall asleep, even before their baby is born. In fact, data shows that as many as 76% of women report not getting enough sleep (or getting enough quality sleep) during pregnancy. “I wake up about every two to three hours and usually around 4 or 5 in the morning, then it takes me a few hours to go back to sleep.” shares one mom in the BabyCenter community. “I’m just ready to be more comfortable in my body while I sleep.”

However, the struggles can actually last (or start again) once your baby is home, which is certainly the experience of many moms. “The newborn’s sleep was difficult because I was sleep deprived, I was trying to heal and all the energy that goes into breastfeeding, one BabyCenter mom shares. “I felt like I basically didn’t sleep when I gave birth to my newborn.”

So what exactly happens during pregnancy and after giving birth that makes it difficult to sleep – and is one “worse” than the other?

Pregnancy hormones (including estrogen, progesterone, and hCG) are responsible for helping your baby grow and preparing your body for labor and breastfeeding. But these hormones can also affect the ability to sleep.

– Rachel Blake, MD, OB/GYN

What do the experts say?

Pregnancy and postpartum sleep are definitely hot topics among moms. Experts also have a lot to say about why it’s hard to catch enough ZZZs these days, and which sleep is ultimately better for your body.

“Pregnancy is one of the times in life when most people have some sort of sleep disturbance,” he says Rachel Blake, MDgynecologist from New Jersey. Pregnancy hormones (including estrogen, progesterone, and hCG) are responsible for helping your baby grow and preparing your body for labor and breastfeeding. But these hormones can also affect the ability to sleep, she adds.

After giving birth, many new moms are often surprised by how often their babies wake up during the night. It’s mostly because they’re hungry, but it’s also common for newborns to wake up or fuss even when they’re nice and full. “Sleep problems are common postpartum because you have this baby, or multiple babies, relying on you throughout the day and night,” says Dr. Blake. you who answer those cries and those needs.”

In addition to your newborn waking frequently, hormonal changes or mood disorders (like postpartum depression or anxiety) are also at play during this time, she says. Shantha Gowda, Psy.D.a psychologist based in San Francisco and a board-certified specialist in behavioral sleep medicine. These fluctuations in your hormones can also cause trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Not to mention, insomnia can creep in, where you want to fall asleep, but you can’t, says Dr. Gowda. Insomnia can occur with a lack of sleep, says Dr. Gowda, but that goes without saying.

What moms say

When it comes to moms’ actual experiences with sleep, the verdict is mixed on whether it’s “worse” during pregnancy or postpartum. Some women find that sleep isn’t so bad during pregnancy, but really struggle when the baby arrives; others find that their sleep improves after they are no longer pregnant. Here’s how 5 moms explain it:

“I’ve found that postpartum sleep deprivation in a newborn is far, far worse than pregnancy fatigue. Personally, I’m at my worst during the first two to three weeks while my hormones are trying to regulate. Once we get into the breastfeeding problem and the routine, it gets better.” – NurseJenna33

“Honestly, I think newborn sleep is worse because not only are you sleep-deprived, but your body is trying to heal itself, and if you’re breastfeeding, every energy you have goes into that. Sleep may be less painful, but also less restful/efficient. I felt like I basically didn’t sleep when I had a newborn.” – Babymama365

“I would take postpartum fatigue over pregnancy fatigue ANY DAY! I’m at least 1000 times more comfortable (after the baby is born) than being pregnant. I am in so much pain right now and so ready to end this pregnancy. Yes, it’s exhausting, but I can sleep on my stomach, walk around, not use the bathroom 600 times, and have to wake up with a baby vs. pain and pee. I think it also depends on whether you have help. My husband can help care for the newborn, but he definitely can’t carry this baby for me right now…” – Mombaer9

“I had terrible postpartum insomnia. I never had trouble sleeping before I gave birth and then, hell, I couldn’t sleep at all. There were nights when I didn’t sleep in general. It was so scary… I have been off sleeping pills and sleeping great for five plus years and I never, ever thought I would be able to say that. I really thought I would always be obsessed with sleep, but I’ve made a full recovery.” – maggi1975

“I’m firmly on team, ‘pregnancy fatigue is worse.’ I feel that way off the whole time I’m pregnant – like I’m sick for seven to eight months. Sometimes I can push through and do things, but it’s so, so, so hard. Plus, pregnancy insomnia hits me hard. I felt 1000% better three days after I gave birth than I did my entire pregnancy. And I could sleep! My baby would wake me up, but at least the insomnia is gone!” – shhcat

What sleep problems can I have during pregnancy?

Certain pregnancy symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn and increased urination) can make it difficult to sleep. Hormonal changes can also affect your ability to sleep or increase your risk of mental health problems (such as depression or anxiety) that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of certain sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome, insomnia, or problems like sleep apnea.

What exactly is the dream of a newborn as a parent?

Newborn babies have very different sleep patterns than older children and adults. Newborns tend to sleep about 14 to 17 hours a day, says Dr. Gowda. But they don’t yet have developed circadian rhythms – meaning they sleep and stay awake throughout the day and night (rather than just at night). Newborns also need to wake up to eat every three hours or so, even overnight – and may wake up more often than that.

Because babies need 24-hour care, most new parents face sleep problems, says Dr. Blake. Waking up every two to three hours to feed and care for your baby can be exhausting – even when you have help. “This is a very challenging time for patients,” she says.

Remember this

The real truth is that you can have trouble sleeping during pregnancy and postpartum.

If you feel like you’ve tried it everything and nothing helps, you can always talk to your doctor, says dr. Blake. “They can review your sleep hygiene, any medical condition or your specific situation, to help you optimize your sleep and help you create a plan that can help you get more sleep,” she says.

And if you are currently in the thick of sleep problems, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.