Dreams During The First Trimester - BabyCentre UK

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Sleep and dreams

Dreams during the first trimester

Reviewed by Joanne Lewsley, Editor Polly Logan-Banks

Written by Polly Logan-Banks Woman in the first trimester of pregnancy asleep and dreaming

Photo credit: iStock.com / SquaredpixelsIN THIS ARTICLE

Is it normal to have weird dreams in early pregnancy?
Why am I dreaming about grown children?
Why am I dreaming about driving and buildings?
Why am I dreaming about water?
Can my dreams tell me anything about my baby?

Is it normal to have weird dreams in early pregnancy?

If you’ve had a strange dream or nightmare about your baby or giving birth, you’re not alone. During pregnancy, your dreams may seem to have more twists and turns than ever before. This is likely to be your mind's way of dealing with any anxieties you're experiencing, for example about the changes happening in your body and about becoming a mum. Sometimes, dreams can be vivid or even disturbing. If your dreams are upsetting you, talk to your partner, a friend or family member, or your midwife. Telling someone about your dream will bring it down to size and reassure you that there is nothing to worry about. Advertisement | page continues below Although it's impossible to predict what dreams you may have, there are some images that can appear at certain stages of pregnancy. The following types of dream are all common in the first trimester:

Why am I dreaming about grown children?

When you find you’re pregnant for the first time, you may dream of giving birth to a mature baby or grown child. It could mean that you feel as though an older baby or child will be easier to care for than a fragile newborn. Or maybe you’re anxious about going back to work after the birth, and worry about missing out on your child's babyhood. If you're a first-time mum you may be feeling a bit apprehensive about giving birth. Your hopes for an easy birth may account for a dream where a baby simply pops out or appears from nowhere!

Why am I dreaming about driving and buildings?

Even before your pregnancy starts to show, you'll notice the ways that your body is starting to change. This could bring on some mixed feelings. You may love your new curves and what they represent, or you may feel uncomfortable about your changing body. Either way, your feelings could shape your dreams. Driving a vehicle in dreams is often a reflection of the way you're moving through life. Have you dreamed of driving a lorry, bus or other vehicle that was difficult to manoeuvre? It might be a sign that you're unsure about how to manage your changing body. Similarly, dreams about buildings – big or small – reflect the fact that your body is now home to your baby. As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that the spaces in your dreams get bigger, all the way up to towering skyscrapers!

Why am I dreaming about water?

From puddles to swelling oceans, you may find that water is a recurring theme in your pregnancy dreams. You may also dream of swimming, or of water-dwelling creatures such as tadpoles and fish. Some experts think that these dreams are a sign that you're subconsciously aware of the amniotic fluid building up in your body. If you have a dream about drowning or being submerged in water, it could mean that you're feeling trapped or worried about losing your freedom. VIDEO

Can my dreams tell me anything about my baby?

No matter what you dream about, remember that your dreams are just a guide to your subconscious thoughts. Having a bad dream does not mean that something bad will happen. But it is a great chance to face your fears and deal with any issues that are worrying you. If you do have any concerns about your dreams, chat to your partner, friends and family. Your midwife will always be happy to lend an ear and help you tackle any concerns, too. Find out what dreams you may have during your second trimester. Advertisement | page continues belowWas this article helpful?

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Sources

BabyCentre's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organisations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

Boyd RL, Carter BS. 2008. Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios. e-medicine. emedicine.medscape.comOpens a new window [Accessed March 2011] DH. 2009. Conditions and problems in pregnancy. In: Department of Health. The pregnancy book. London: Department of Health, 58-69 www.dh.gov.ukOpens a new window NHS. 2009. Your feelings: the pregnancy care planner. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window Polly Logan-Banks

Polly Logan-BanksPolly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life. Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window

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