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4 Comfortable Sleeping Position During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. It is a time when your body undergoes significant physical changes. This can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleeping patterns. It may seem impossible to get a good night’s sleep while pregnant, but some sleeping position during pregnancy that can help.

Many pregnant women wonder how to get the best sleep possible. During pregnancy, sleep problems are common, especially in the third trimester, when finding a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy can be difficult. Some pregnant women may be concerned that certain body positions will harm their health or that of their unborn child.

Why Is Sleep So Important During Pregnancy?

The amount of sleep you get during pregnancy has an impact not only on you and your baby but also on your labour and delivery. Sleep deprivation has been linked to many pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (a serious condition that affects your blood pressure and kidneys). Premature birth is a possibility as a result of this condition. Hence, it is time to prioritise sleep.

Sleep also helps to maintain the health of your immune system, which has been suppressed to support your pregnancy. Sleep also affects how your body reacts to insulin; not getting enough results in a higher blood sugar level, which increases your risk of gestational diabetes.

Reasons for your discomfort may include:

You may find yourself wrestling in bed in an attempt to get a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes that make it impossible for you to sleep in your usual positions.

  • Insomnia
  • Heartburn
  • Increased size of the abdomen
  • Shortness of breath
  • Back pain

Let us discuss some comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy to get you a comfortable sleep. 

4 Comfortable Sleeping Position During Pregnancy:

  1. Sleeping on Side (SOS)

At any stage of your pregnancy, sleeping on your side – right or left – is considered a safe and comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy. It’s best to switch sides and avoid sleeping on one side for too long, especially the right (since sleeping on your right side can worsen heartburns).

  1. Sleeping on Your Back

While it isn’t the best sleeping position during pregnancy, lying on your back works well at first. It may feel comfortable for the first three months. 

However, as your bump grows, it may put pressure on your back, intestines, and vena cava, causing blood flow from the lower body to the heart to be disrupted.

Backaches, haemorrhoids, and low blood pressure can all be caused by sleeping on your back for a long time during pregnancy. As a result, even though it may be a good sleeping position during early pregnancy, it is best to avoid this position. It’s best to break this habit as soon as possible during your pregnancy.

  1. Sleeping on Your Left Side

Regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy, sleeping on your side, especially your left side is the best option. This improves kidney function while also ensuring maximum blood and nutrient flow to the placenta.

You can also avoid swelling with this method. Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles is common during pregnancy. Hence, it is always preferred to sleep on the left side when looking for a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy.

  1. Cushion Up

If you’ve tried all of these sleeping position during pregnancy and still aren’t comfortable, it’s time to turn to cushions. Place a cushion between your knees and lie on your side with your legs bent. You can also use a pillow to prop up your tummy and see if that helps.

  • As you sleep on your side, place a pillow or cushion behind your back. You will not be able to roll onto your back at any point.
  • If you have trouble sleeping because of breathing problems, place a pillow under your side to raise your chest and make it easier to breathe.
  • Place a few cushions strategically at various points until you find the best position for you.
  • Some women find that sleeping in a semi-reclined position or with a special wedge pillow or body pillow helps them sleep better.

Sleeping Positions To Avoid?

It is important to understand that during pregnancy, one is sleeping for two. For the best health of mom and baby, it is equally necessary to know which sleeping position during pregnancy that you should avoid.

Sleeping on your stomach 

Your breasts become more tender as your pregnancy progresses, and your abdomen continues to grow, making sleeping on your stomach uncomfortable. Sleeping on your stomach may be more comfortable if you use a doughnut-shaped pillow with a hole in the middle.

We hope our sleeping position during pregnancy guide will help you get a sound sleep during your pregnancy.

[Read Benefits of Walking During Pregnancy]

Remember to get your beauty sleep whenever you can during your pregnancy, because sleepless nights will become the norm once the baby arrives!

Happy Pregnancy!

Divya

Divya is a writer, who loves to read and write. She is a Company Secretary by profession. She is passionate about art, reading, writing, music, and creativity. She loves to do research on ‘Parenting’ and discover new things now and then. Her passion about positive parenting pushed her to write on ‘Wonder Parenting’. Her loving daughter, Vachie, helped her to dig deep and reach new heights on Parenting. She believes that ‘Parenting is Patience’ and shares her own journey to express that parenting approach differs for every individual.
Simple Living High Parenting!

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