Can sleep deprivation damage baby?

[Thingymajigs]

I'm incredibly sleep deprived during this pregnancy and I'm a little worried this could harm the baby in some way.

I know that deep sleep is required to clear toxins from the body and brain which I'm not getting at all and haven't for a few months. I'm sure there must be other issues involved too with hormone imbalances which is worrying me slightly.
Its not just broken sleep but days of no sleep at all mixed with a couple of hours here and there mainly due to Restless Leg Syndrome. I'm 33 weeks and desperate for a few hours sleep or at least to be reassured that the baby won't suffer from my insomnia.

I'm no expert, but the general rule in pregnancy is that your body puts the baby first - so he/she will get everything they need to grow and thrive and you will suffer!

Anyway, the baby will be sleeping lots for sure.

Hope you pregnancy improves (or flies by!).

Goodness I hope not otherwise this one would be in trouble.

Have you tried listening to a hypnobirthing track? I have restless leg syndrome and have found them helpful though unfortunately only discovered this last week at 37 weeks!

No, your baby will be fine.

It's normal to get insomnia or not sleep well because you can't get omforable in late pregnancy. I am 37+6 and I am MW j send to not sleeping properly. Unfortunately its another one of the things we just aveto suck up! ha ha

Thank you for the reassurance. I think lack of sleep is making me worry more than I need to.
I have just managed an hours nap on the sofa and feel so much better. I think sofa naps might be the way forward.
I haven't tried a hypnobirthing tape no, but I'll get on that as I wanted to try it out for labour anyway.

I barely slept during my last pregnancy and DS was fine. Ironically he's always been a champion napper and slept well from 7/8 months at night too. The little so-and-so…

Naps are definitely the way forward.

I've been sleeping badly (I say badly, but i'm still getting 5-6 hours a nite) since about week 10. RLS also a factor, god only knows how bad i'll be at 33 weeks. I've cut out coffee completely now again as someone said even one cup a day can make RLS worse.. ugh

have you ever tried prego yoga? apparently excellent for the ZZZzzzzzz

I have a yoga DVD that I was determined to do 3 times a week throughout my pregnancy but I've managed it twice. I'll have to make more of an effort now I've finished work.
I have tried sitting on a birthing ball in the evenings instead of lying down or sitting up which delays the start of RLS but within 10 minutes of being horizontal it kicks in, literally sometimes. I guess I just have to get on with it for 7-9 more weeks and think myself lucky that I avoided morning sickness and other problems.
Hope everyone else manages to get some sleep tonight.