Contents
On your back or on your side? How to sleep for pregnant women
Let’s talk about the most comfortable positions.
A magical period has come in your life, and now you need a good sleep more than ever. However, there is one catch: it is very difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy. A small person grows inside, the stomach gradually increases, and the usual positions no longer seem so comfortable. We will tell you how to sleep for pregnant women so that rest does not turn into a test.
Why is sleep so important for pregnant women?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body is exposed to serious stress, and it is sleep that helps restore and replenish strength. It supports the immune system and health of the expectant mother, so it is very important to get enough sleep throughout pregnancy. Also, do not forget that during this period a woman “sleeps for two”.
What is the best position to sleep during pregnancy?
Many experts agree that it is better for pregnant women to sleep on their left side. At the same time, rest on the right side is not prohibited. Sleeping on your stomach after the first trimester is not worth it for obvious reasons, and sleeping on your back has its own characteristics. Experts do not recommend lying like this all night. But let’s take a closer look at each pose.
Sleep positions during pregnancy
On the stomach
If you always fall asleep on your stomach, we have bad news: during pregnancy, you will have to give up your favorite habit. Such a dream is permissible only up to 10-12 weeks. This is due not only to the growth of the fetus, but also to its safety. From the 21st week, doctors categorically prohibit sleeping on their stomach – if a woman puts pressure on the baby with her own weight, the work of the placenta will be disrupted, and this can provoke oxygen starvation.
On the back
Some experts recommend that pregnant women avoid sleeping on their backs during the second and third trimesters. This is due to the changes that occur in the body: a large fetus presses on the internal organs, blood circulation slows down. In this position, the expectant mother feels pain in the lower back, and she definitely will not see a comfortable sleep.
Sleep on the left or right side
In the second and third trimesters, sleeping on the left side is considered the ideal position for a pregnant woman and her baby. Rest on the left side normalizes blood circulation, ensures the maximum flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta, relieves the load from the vena cava.
If the expectant mother sleeps on the right side, the heart and kidneys rest, and this is also a huge plus. Such sleep helps to reduce swelling of the legs, ankles and hands. The best option is to alternate positions. If a woman manages to roll over from the left side to the right several times a night, her body will be immensely grateful.
Girlfriends pillows
Not used to sleeping on your side? There are sleep assistants who can help you to get comfortable while sleeping. When you sleep on your side, put a special pillow for pregnant women under the knee of your upper leg: you will fix the position and will definitely not roll over onto your stomach. Another option is to lie on your side and stock up on pillows again. Place one under your belly and the other between your knees. All unpleasant sensations should go away.