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24 March, 2018

Safe Sleeping Positions while Pregnant

If you love sleeping on your tummy, you might have to rethink this position when you’re pregnant. Experts recommend that sleeping on the left side during pregnancy is the best position in order to prevent blocking of blood flow to the baby.

Usually, it is alright if you don’t switch your position until the second trimester. Doctors say that it is ok to sleep any way you want before 12 weeks of pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses and your baby starts growing, sleeping on your stomach and back may become uncomfortable.

Here are some things to remember about safe sleeping positions while you’re pregnant:

  • Don’t Sleep on your Back

When you’re between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant, your uterus starts becoming large and can interfere with blood flow when you sleep on your back. It may compress the inferior vena cava (IVC), a large vein that runs up the right side of your vertebral column and carries deoxygenated blood from lower and middle body to the heart. Sleeping on your back can also constrict the aorta, blocking off the main blood supply to your body and placenta. This position may also cause a shortness of breath in the mother.

  • Avoid Sleeping on your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach may be fine in early pregnancy. However, it might be impossible when your fetus starts growing. By week 16 and 18, your belly may become big enough and make it uncomfortable for you to sleep on your stomach. Make it a habit to avoid sleeping on your stomach early on in your pregnancy so that the change doesn’t seem big later on. Sleeping on your belly can cause your baby bump to move inside your stomach and press against the aorta and IVC. So for the safety of your fetus, make sure you avoid sleeping on your stomach.

  • Say YES to sleeping on your Side

Sleeping on your side, more specifically the left side, is the best sleep position during pregnancy. It helps get all the weight of the uterus away from the right side and aids in blood flow. It is also the most comfortable sleeping position for the mom. As an expectant mother, you can also use pillows to prop up the uterus so it’s not sliding to the right side. For best results, try a pregnancy body pillow to help change your sleeping position with ease. It can also be used under your legs to decrease hip or leg pain during sleep. Sleeping on your back at a 45 degree tilt can also prevent a lot of compression.

It is very common to fall asleep on your left side and wake up in a totally different position. Don’t panic if you wake up on your back. Your body adjusts to avoid uncomfortable positions and you’ve probably not been sleeping in that position for very long. If you continue to wake up on your back, stomach, or on your right, ask your partner to check on you and help you correct the position. To know more about tips to sleep well during pregnancy, talk to our experts at KIMS Cuddles.

 

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

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