Is it normal to have frequent nightmares during the last trimester of pregnancy?

M.M.

It is not uncommon to have nightmares during pregnancy, and they do seem to peak in the last few weeks. I have had women dream that they deliver a litter of babies, much like having puppies. Other women dream that the baby has some terrible birth defect. Another of my patient dreamed the baby was perfectly healthy but was born a teenager!

Nightmares probably occur because all you are thinking about is this baby. You may be worried -- especially if it is your first -- that you aren't going to know how to take care of it. Having a child is exciting and wonderful, but it is a tremendous responsibility to know that this little person will be completely dependant on you for a very long time. You may be concerned about the financial aspects of parenthood as well. If we have something on our minds, we often dream about it. Visions of your baby may get mixed up with other things you are thinking about or hear about on the news.

You can try putting positive images in your mind before you drift off to sleep. Avoid watching the late-night news or a scary movie. Repeat to yourself "my baby is healthy, my baby is perfect" and try to picture you and your baby doing something pleasant like cuddling together under a tree on a beautiful summer day. If you try to relax your body and your mind, you may be able to keep the nightmares at bay.