Best Sleep Position During Pregnancy
What Are the Different Sleep Positions & Their Effects on Baby and Me?
Sleeping in one position may come as a shocker to mothers who are already struggling to sleep with their big bellies. You are advised to sleep on your back or side till the baby bump starts to show, and sleep on either side once you have that baby bump to flaunt! It is important to note that sleeping on your back for a short duration may not be harmful
If you're favorite position is tummy-down, that’s perfectly fine — until your tummy is the size of a watermelon, at which point you’ll have to switch positions
| fetus stages of growth |
2-Sleeping on your back during pregnancy
Experts recommend pregnant women avoid sleeping on their backs during the second and third trimesters. Why? The back sleep position rests the entire weight of the growing uterus and baby on your back, your intestines and your vena cava, the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from your lower body. This pressure can aggravate backaches and hemorrhoids and make digestion less efficient, interfere with circulation, and possibly cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which can make you dizzy. Less-than-optimal circulation can also reduce blood flow to the fetus, giving your baby less oxygen
3-Sleeping on your left or right side
During the second and third trimesters, sleeping on either side — preferably the left, if possible — is ideal for you and your baby-to-be. This position allows for maximum blood flow and nutrients to the placenta (less pressure on the vena cava) and enhances kidney function, which means better elimination of waste products and less swelling in your feet, ankles and hands
Can Pregnant Women Sleep on Their Right Side?
As you progress and reach the 20th week mark of your pregnancy, you may find it difficult to get good sleep because of all the extra weight that you’re carrying. However, is sleeping on your right side during pregnancy dangerous? Research says – NO. Several studies conducted testified that sleeping on the left side may be better than sleeping on the right side. In one study, it was observed that women who slept more on their left side were at a lesser risk of giving birth to stillborn babies in comparison to women who slept more on their right side. A study proved that sleeping mostly on the back or right side reduced the blood supply to the growing foetus in comparison to sleeping on the left side. Therefore, in order to be doubly sure and be safe, we suggest that you try sleeping on your left side during pregnancy.
If you're anything like me, staying in a safe position during sleep isn't necessarily easy. That's where a good pregnancy pillow can be a huge help. Some pregnancy pillows are designed to support your bump while you sleep, while others are designed to take stress away from the places that might be causing you aches and pains, like your back or hips. If you don't want to shell out extra money, however, Parents noted that some regular bed pillows strategically placed between your knees and under your stomach can also help you get safe sleep during pregnancy.
When you're pregnant, people will constantly tell you to get as much sleep as you possibly can before your baby is born. It can be obnoxious to hear over and over again, but it really is true. So whichever position works best for you, hunker down in your bed and don't feel bad about grabbing as many naps as possible.
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When you're pregnant, people will constantly tell you to get as much sleep as you possibly can before your baby is born. It can be obnoxious to hear over and over again, but it really is true. So whichever position works best for you, hunker down in your bed and don't feel bad about grabbing as many naps as possible.
More Related Topics
Best Pregnancy And Parenting Book
Pregnancy Book
Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy
