Sleeping position during pregnancy
During pregnancy, you
may find it difficult to get comfortable in bed before falling asleep. When you
are pregnant, your body goes through many changes that make your normal
sleeping positions no longer work for you.
The reasons for your
discomfort may be:
- Increased size of the abdomen
- Back pain
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Insomnia
How to sleep during pregnancy
The best sleeping
position during pregnancy is on your side. It is best to sleep on the left
side. Sleeping on your left side will increase the amount of blood and
nutrients reaching the placenta and your baby.
Keep your legs and
knees bent and place a pillow between your legs.
- If you find that you have back problems, use the side sleeping position and also try placing a pillow under your stomach.
- If you have heartburn at night, try placing pillows under your upper body.
- At the end of pregnancy, you may feel short of breath. Try lying on your side or using pillows.
These suggestions may
not seem very comfortable, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back
or stomach, but give it a try. You can see that they are working. Keep in mind
that you cannot stay in the same position all night and rotating positions is
allowed.
What sleeping positions should be avoided during pregnancy?
- Sleeping on your back: this can cause back pain, breathing
problems, digestive problems, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and lead to
reduced circulation to the heart and baby.
- This is because your belly rests on your intestines and major blood vessels.
- Sleeping on your stomach: In later pregnancy, the stomach undergoes physical changes and it becomes more difficult for you to sleep on your stomach.