A beautiful journey in every woman’s life, pregnancy is not as easy as it looks. It involves distancing yourself from favorite sports, changing your lifestyle, and shunning the foods you love to eat the most. Pregnancy is more like a rollercoaster ride that you will remember for the rest of your life. In the early stages, it is more of a journey of joy. However, as your belly starts to grow, various questions can arise in your mind, such as what would be the best sleeping positions during pregnancy and how it affects your baby’s health.
Navigating the myths and facts surrounding sleep positions during pregnancy can be overwhelming. Let’s shed light on the truth and understand how your resting position can impact both; your baby’s health and well-being. Here’s some guidance to help you on this journey.
Side Sleeping During Pregnancy: Left Vs. Right- Which is Best for You and Your Baby?
Fertility Specialists usually recommend sleeping on your side during pregnancy as time goes on and your belly gets bigger. It avoids the negative impact of the wrong sleeping positions during pregnancy.
Why is it recommended?
Doctors recommend sleeping on your side during pregnancy because it boils down to blood flow. As the fetus gets bigger, there is a greater chance of compression of the blood flow to the uterus. It also places the least pressure on your veins and internal organs while Sleeping during pregnancy.
Even in certain situations, like cesarean deliveries (C-sections) or when a woman is in labor with abnormal heart rhythms, doctors prefer to tilt patients slightly while they are lying down. Hence, it is significant that side sleeping during pregnancy is essential whether you are between 16-20 weeks of gestation or ready for delivery; side sleeping during pregnancy is recommended.
Additionally, a 2019 clinical research indicates that sleeping in pregnancy on your back carries risks and is considered one of the wrong sleeping positions during pregnancy. However, it doesn’t make a significant difference whether you sleep on your right or left side.
What are the ideal positions to sleep during pregnancy?
Left Side
Sleeping on your left side is clinically established as the “ideal” position during pregnancy. When you listen to your healthcare provider and avoid the wrong sleeping positions during pregnancy, it allows for the best blood flow from the inferior vena cava (IVC).
The IVC is a large vein that runs alongside your spine on the right side and carries blood to your heart and baby.
Moreover, sleeping on your left side relieves pressure on your liver and kidneys, giving them the much-needed space to function effectively.
This is considered one of the best methods, as it aids in reducing swelling issues in your hands, ankles, and feet.
Right Side
What do you think? Did you find your ideal position? Maybe you should not conclude so early! The research says you do not always have to avoid your right side. Read to know why
The 2019 review indicates equal safety in both positions (left and right sides). Sleeping on the right side carries a slight risk of compression issues with the IVC (inferior vena cava); however, do not forget that sleeping position during pregnancy (first three months or second trimester) primarily depends on your comfort level.
Does your sleeping position depend on the baby’s sex?
Let’s get over myths with facts.
With questions like “How to sleep during pregnancy?” you might have heard that your sleeping position depends on your baby’s sex.
But who would have thought that this is just a myth and that no studies suggest that sleep position has any correlation to the gender of your baby? Hence, you do not have to worry about it. As pregnancy is a journey to experience, you should avoid taking stress based on irrelevant myths.
In some cases, it is found that women face complications or do not simply like to sleep on their sides. But as we comprehend its importance, making the urge to sleep at bay is necessary to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
But if you are still doubtful, don’t worry; we have got you covered. With the consultation of fertility experts, we have created a list you can follow to have a healthy pregnancy.
First Trimester
Sleeping position during pregnancy’s first three months can be any. But if you want to change your position and adapt it to your lifestyle, consider placing a pillow between your legs. This helps to ease discomfort in your hips and lower body.
Second Trimester
In the second trimester, your belly starts to grow. In this position, you must ensure your back stays supported and doesn’t sag, opt for a somewhat firm mattress. If your mattress is too soft, try placing a board between the mattress and the box spring for added support.
You can also try pregnancy pillows coming in U or C shapes to wrap them around your entire body to get some assistance while side sleeping.
Third Trimester
Throughout the third trimester, feel free to keep using your pregnancy pillow. Should you encounter any issues with your growing belly, gently position the pillow under your belly and behind your back to prevent rolling during sleep.
If side sleeping remains challenging, attempt using additional pillows to prop your upper body at a 45-degree angle. This will prevent you from lying flat on your back and alleviate any compression on your IVC.
Now that we’ve studied the impact of side sleeping during pregnancy let’s understand: does sleeping on your back and front effects your health?
What is the Impact of front and back sleeping during your pregnancy?
If you want to sleep on your stomach, you should know that it is only considered fine till 16 to 18 weeks because, at that time, your baby bump starts to grow, making sleeping on your stomach less and less desirable.
While sleeping on your back is usually considered safe throughout the first trimester. When the time changes and your belly starts to grow, it is suggested to avoid sleeping on your back as it may increase the risk of lower
Wrong sleeping positions during pregnancy, such as sleeping on your back, may contribute to back pain, hemorrhoids, digestive issues, and poor circulation. Moreover, it may also make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
In Conclusion
Pregnancy is a tender journey where life’s magic unfolds within. Though it is not always about enjoying the journey, sometimes you may also have to worry and take precautions during your pregnancy.
Among so many complications, sleep position also comes out on top when caring for your health during your pregnancy journey.
The fertility doctors usually recommend expecting mothers rest on their sides, either right or left, as it promotes optimal blood flow for both the baby and the mother. However, if you are still confused and have doubts about what to do or want to take all necessary precautions before starting your natural or IVF pregnancy, it is best to seek a fertility specialist and start your effective pregnancy today!
