What should the nurse tell a 34-week pregnant woman having trouble sleeping?

For a 34-week pregnant woman experiencing trouble sleeping, suggesting that this is normal and recommending napping during the day is appropriate. Sleep disturbances during the third trimester are common due to various physiological and psychological changes women experience. These changes can include physical discomfort, anxiety related to impending motherhood, and hormonal fluctuations, all contributing to difficulties in sleep.

Encouraging napping can be a practical strategy for managing fatigue and improving overall well-being. It's a way to help cope with the disrupted sleep patterns that many women face late in their pregnancies. By embracing short naps during the day, the woman can help alleviate some sleep deprivation, promoting better rest and relaxation as she approaches labor.

In contrast, implications that this experience is abnormal or requires reporting to a doctor might foster unnecessary worry. Normalizing the experience allows for a supportive approach, making the woman feel understood and less isolated in her struggles with sleep during this transitional time.