During pregnancy, you might find yourself wrestling in bed trying to get comfy before dropping off to sleep. Regrettably, your regular sleeping positions may not work for you during pregnancy. There are a variety of factors for this new pain, but there are some sleeping positions that you can attempt that might assist you get your much-needed rest.
Problem with Normal Sleeping Positions during Pregnancy
When you are pregnant your body goes through a range of changes. These modifications tend to disrupt your usual peaceful sleep.
During the first trimester of your pregnancy you may find that you are sleeping more than typical as your body works to support your establishing baby. This seldom indicates a good night’s sleep as the pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus causes you to make many trips to the bathroom during the night.
Factors for your pain might consist of:
- Increased size of abdominal area
- Back pain
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Insomnia
Best Sleep Positions During Pregnancy
The best sleep position during pregnancy is “SOS” (sleep on side). Even better is to sleep on your left side. Sleeping on your left side will increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby.
Keep your legs and knees bent, and put a pillow between your legs.
- If you find that you are having problems with back pain, use the “SOS” position, and attempt positioning a pillow under your abdominal area as well.
- If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, you may wish to attempt propping your upper body with pillows.
- In late pregnancy, you might experience shortness of breath. Try resting on your side or propped up with pillows.
These tips may not sound completely comfy, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, but try them out. You may discover that they work. Remember that you might not remain in one position all night, and rotating positions is fine.
Sleep Positions to Avoid
Sleeping on your back: This can cause problems with backaches, breathing, the gastrointestinal system, hemorrhoids, low high blood pressure and cause a reduction in circulation to your heart and your baby.
This is an outcome of your abdominal area resting on your intestines and significant capillary (the aorta and vena cava).
Sleeping on your stomach: When you are farther along in your pregnancy, your abdominal area goes through physical changes and makes it harder for you to lay on your stomach.
