And what pregnant woman has never had a nightmare about her baby having some kind of problem or something similar? Strange dreams during pregnancy are very common! Many women have absolutely realistic dreams while pregnant, and this often happens even some days after childbirth. But do you know why these strange dreams happen during pregnancy?
Strange dreams during pregnancy result from a considerable hormonal increase1. So, we can say it’s all the fault of the progesterone and estrogen levels, which are at a constantly high—and rising—peak. This also happens when we are children. I remember dreaming several times that I was flying, and suddenly I would fall. The scientific explanation for this is growth hormones suddenly surging in the body!
During pregnancy, it’s not much different. Blood circulation increases and body temperature tends to rise a bit because of progesterone2. Not to mention all the tiredness and concerns a woman has about her health during pregnancy. These factors together can trigger strange dreams during pregnancy.
Nightmares about babies being born with deformities, missing limbs, or even being born dead can be part of this repertoire of strange dreams during pregnancy. It’s also common to hear reports of weird things, such as dreaming about animals, accidents, and even erotic scenes! Some women are shocked by these dreams because they see them as a bad omen. But know that it is normal to have strange dreams during pregnancy. It’s all part of the process, and no matter how scary it feels, it will all be fine!
How to Reduce Strange Dreams During Pregnancy?
Actually, there’s not much you can do. Since most dreams happen for hormonal reasons, what women can do to reduce the chances of having strange dreams during pregnancy is slow down at night. About two hours before bedtime, start winding down by turning off electronics that cause stimulation, such as cell phones, computers, and even the TV.
Eating light meals can also help fight off strange dreams. For example, a salad with lean meat. Besides being healthy, it helps prevent women from having nightmares. Sleeping comfortably is also a great solution. Light clothing and a calm environment, free from noise and lights left on. The temperature of the room also influences and helps avoid strange dreams and even nightmares. According to a Yale University study, environments with temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius considerably reduce the chances of nightmares. That’s because, when the body is cooler, hormonal activity remains stable3.
Author’s note: I remember when I was pregnant with the kids, I always had horrible nightmares! I’d feel sick at night, afraid to dream again of a baby coming out of me in pieces. And that happened several times during all three pregnancies. When I watched horror movies or any series involving science fiction, my dreams got even worse. Marcos was obsessed with The X-Files, a series that always came on before we went to bed. In one of those episodes, Mulder investigated a man who revealed his true form and devoured the women he seduced. That night, I dreamed that I devoured my baby! It was a terrible experience for me.
I even spoke to my gynecologist to see what I could take to help me sleep, because I was afraid to dream again. Talking to him, I realized this was all normal and, little by little, the fear faded away. Strange dreams during pregnancy can scare many women, but they can also be funny, like the time I dreamed I was walking naked down the street and I didn’t have female genitals. Since I was pregnant with a boy, in the dream I ended up developing a penis and I proudly showed it off, walking naked everywhere I went. It was really funny! According to my husband, I woke up laughing out loud.
Dreams are common. Don’t be scared or worried, you can think of it as a consequence of being pregnant.
See also: Anxiety in Pregnancy – How to Deal With It?
Photo: Frisno Boström
