Things Babies Do While Sleeping That Concern Their Parents

When people imagine a sleeping infant, they think of a baby sound asleep without the slightest hint of stirring. While babies do sometimes sleep this peacefully, they often don’t. Their slumber is punctuated by periodic snorts, rocking, pauses between breaths, and even knocking their heads repeatedly against their cribs. Many new moms and dads are understandably concerned when they witness such things.

These and other activities are common with sleeping infants, and seldom signal a reason to worry. That said, it’s worth learning why they occur, and when you should call your doctor. Below, we’ll describe a few behaviors your baby might display while sleeping, and help you identify whether they indicate a problem.

Moving Back And Forth

Some infants rock when they sleep. You’ll notice them swaying moving back and forth, as if keeping time with a metronome. Babies often do this because the motion is soothing to them. When they sleep, it occurs naturally.

There’s no need for concern unless your little one begins to rock back and forth aggressively; even then, it’s rarely a problem. Tighten the screws on her crib each morning, however, since her constant movement may loosen them.

Light, Steady Snoring

Infants often snore for the same reasons adults snore, including a restricted passageway through their noses. If you hear your little one snoring lightly, and doing so steadily, the cause is likely a congested nose. On the other hand, if your baby’s snoring is erratic, or she does it aggressively, have your doctor examine her air passages. She could be battling obstructive sleep apnea.

Grinding Teeth

Known as bruxism, a lot of babies grind their teeth while sleeping once their first few teeth come in. This typically occurs at six months. The grinding can persist for years. It sounds worse than it is. Teeth, even those of a baby, are incredibly strong. A few years of grinding will rarely damage them, or cause them to become worn (though it can happen). Nor does the activity cause pain for babies.

When you take your little one to her first dental appointment (usually by twelve months), mention the grinding to the dentist. He or she can examine your baby’s teeth for signs of damage.

Hitting Their Heads Against Their Cribs

Of all sleep behaviors, this is the one that most startles new moms and dads. While their babies are sleeping, many of them hit their foreheads or the backs of their heads against the sides of their cribs. They do so gently, so there is seldom need for concern. This does little to console new parents, however.

It is estimated that one in five infants routinely hit their heads while they sleep. Boys are much more likely to engage in the behavior than girls. If you notice your little one banging her head while she sleeps, have your doctor examine her. While problems are rare, and the behavior is usually harmless, it’s better to make certain.

Heavily Perspiring

Many babies sweat while they slumber. They don’t form a light sheen of perspiration – their sweating is copious. It’s common and usually happens when they’re sleeping at their deepest point during the night.

Keep watch over your little one to identify additional signs that may indicate a health problem. For example, if she is sweating and having difficulty breathing, she may have an infection. If the temperature in her room is relatively low, yet she still sweats heavily, her sweating might indicate a problem that could lead to SIDS. Sweating rarely implies anything is wrong with your infant. However, as with a baby who hits her head while sleeping, it is better to make sure.

Don’t be alarmed if your little one displays any of the behaviors described above while she sleeps. Keep a wary eye on her, and call your doctor if you suspect a lingering problem. Realize, however, that babies often sleep fitfully.

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5 Tenets To Follow When Exercising While Pregnant

Following a regular exercise routine while you’re pregnant delivers several benefits. You’ll be able to control unnecessary weight gain more easily; you’ll expend pent-up energy that might otherwise keep you awake at night; and you’ll also have an easier time shedding the unwanted pregnancy pounds following childbirth. These are but a few of the advantages to working out during your pregnancy.

Even though a daily workout offers valuable benefits, it’s important to follow a few critical ground rules. Doing so will preserve your safety and that of your baby while you’re keeping your body in shape. The following five tenets apply whether you’re a lifelong exercise advocate or working out for the first time.

1 – Seek Approval From Your Obstetrician

It’s tempting to skip this step. But asking your doctor to review your planned exercise routine will prevent your taking unnecessary risks. As a mom-to-be, your body is undergoing dramatic changes in order to safeguard the development of your baby. Some of these changes may not be obvious, which is the reason your doctor can provide useful guidance.

If, prior to becoming pregnant, you were an avid exerciser, your obstetrician will likely approve your workout schedule. If you’re just getting started after a lifetime spent on your couch, however, he or she can suggest changes to prevent health issues.

2 – Choose Low-Impact Activities

During your pregnancy, your balance will shift, and your body’s production of the hormone relaxin will increase. These changes make you more vulnerable to potential injury. You may fall while working out or suffer a sprain due to relaxed joints – one of the effects of an increased level of relaxin.

For this reason, limit your workout to low-impact exercises. These include walking, swimming, yoga, and stretching. Once your baby is born, you can introduce higher-impact activities into your routine (be sure to ask your doctor for approval).

3 – Keep Your Body Hydrated

Hydration is always important, but even more so when you’re expecting a baby. If you work out while depriving your body of water, your internal temperature will rise. Moreover, the dehydration can trigger small contractions that can potentially harm your little one.

Make sure you have a constant supply of water while exercising. Drinking a single cup prior to working out followed by another cup every fifteen minutes should keep your body sufficiently hydrated.

4 – Know When To Quit

It is important to know when to stop exercising since continuing to do so places you and your baby at risk. A lot of moms-to-be make the mistake of ignoring signs that indicate possible overexertion. Instead, they believe the exhaustion or soreness they feel is evidence of a good workout.

Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint, stop immediately. If your muscles feel particularly sore, you feel a slight pain in your chest, or your vision suddenly become blurry, stop. These are signs you are overdoing your workout.

5 – Control Your Body Temperature

While you’re pregnant, your body is more susceptible to overheating. Even a brisk walk that would normally have little effect on your body temperature can cause it to quickly climb. Unfortunately, the heat can be dangerous to your baby.

When working out, do everything you can to prevent overheating. Keeping your body hydrated is an important step. So, too, is knowing when to stop exercising. Also, consider walking in an air-conditioned environment (e.g. a local indoor shopping mall) if it’s warm outside. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that will allow your skin to breathe. If you find yourself sweating more than usual, that’s a sign your temperature is rising.

Exercise should be an important part of your pregnancy, beginning in your first trimester and continuing through childbirth. But make sure you follow the above rules to avoid endangering your health and that of your little one.

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