Moms-to be: Here’s why you should get your Zzz’s now!

Expecting soon? Hit the sack! This is advice many pregnant women hear, but it’s not just because your shut-eye will be cut short once your bundle of joy arrives. New research shows that getting the right amount of slumber can help you avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

A recent study of 751 pregnant women looked at average sleep times over a week and found that extremes in sleep duration—too little or too much shut-eye—were associated with extremes in gestational weight gain. The research was presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting in Atlanta in February, 2016.

Gestational weight gain is a significant determinant of baby’s (and mom’s) health, so this study reaffirms the need to log your Zzz’s before baby’s arrival. Aim for seven to nine hours a night and enjoy every peaceful moment!