The best sleeping positions during pregnancy

Doctors usually recommend sleeping on one side during pregnancy; however, sleeping on the left side is considered best during pregnancy. By sleeping on the left side, the fetus gets the necessary nutrients along with enough oxygen through the placenta. At the same time, the flow of blood in the body also remains correct. Note that during pregnancy, it is important for both the mother and the baby to have blood flow in the body.

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The size of the uterus increases with the size of the fetus during pregnancy. Apart from this, the size of the breasts of women increases, due to which they become heavier than before. Some women experience frequent urination during the night when they’re pregnant, which can be troublesome. Some women may also have difficulty in breathing. Since both the weight and belly of women increase during pregnancy, many women find it difficult to sleep. For this reason, doctors advise women to sleep on their side. Women are forbidden to sleep on their stomachs during pregnancy as it can put pressure on the fetus. Research related to this subject also supports this recommendation.

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Since it is good to sleep on the left side during pregnancy, it does not mean that women cannot sleep on the right side during pregnancy. A study conducted in 2019 shows that sleeping on the right side also provides the same benefits as sleeping on the left. Sleeping on the right side can cause some compression-related problems with IVC (Inferior vena cava) but this problem is seen in very few women.

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It is generally considered safe to sleep on your back during the first trimester of the pregnancy. After that, some studies show that sleeping on the back all night can harm the fetus and even cause termination of pregnancy. However, sleep apnea can also be a reason behind this. More research is required on the subject still. Apart from this, women who sleep on their back during pregnancy may experience back pain, piles, digestive problems, lightheadedness, dizziness, etc. If you wake up in the middle of the night and realize you’re sleeping on your back, then you should change your position.

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During pregnancy, it is also said that care should be taken not only while sleeping but also at the time of waking up. Whenever you wake up from bed, do not wake up with a jolt. Instead, doctors generally recommend that you turn to the side and then get up slowly.

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