What’s the best position for a good night’s sleep during pregnancy? An ob-gyn tells you all about it

Pregnancy is a blessing and an exciting time in a mother’s life. However, it has its own share of problems as well. It often leads to a lot of discomfort, particularly while attempting to sleep. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging with your growing bump and not every position works during pregnancy. 

So what’s the safest position during pregnancy? First of all, a sufficient amount of sleep for a pregnant lady is really important, because this can help in the development and growth of the baby. On the other hand, lack of sleep during pregnancy is linked with a number of complications, including preeclampsia or high blood pressure. 

Also, read: Swollen feet during pregnancy? Try out these 6 remedies to cure the condition

During the first trimester, it is considered safe for a woman to sleep in whatever position she feels comfortable in. However, when a woman reaches the second and third trimester, she needs to be careful with her sleeping positions. 

According to Dr Madhuri Burande Laha, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, sleeping on the side (SOS) is the best sleeping position during pregnancy, as it provides good circulation for you and your baby. 

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Here’s why sleeping on the side position is the best sleeping position for a pregnant lady

As the baby grows in size, he/she becomes less comfortable. This makes it less safe to sleep on your stomach and back. So, make sure to start focusing on side sleeping. 

“Sleep on the side position helps to place less pressure on your veins and the integral organs. Sleeping on the left side helps to increase the blood and nutrients, which reach the placenta and your baby. This boosts good circulation and helps prevent swelling, emergence of varicose veins in your legs, and haemorrhoids,” Dr Madhuri stated. 

Here’s how you can get more comfortable while sleeping on the side

1. Try to keep your legs and knees bent by putting a pillow between the legs to decrease the stress on your back.
2. Those who suffer from back pain can use the SOS position by placing a pillow under their abdomen for relief. 
3. If one experiences heartburn while sleeping, they can try upholding their upper body with the support of a pillow.
4. During the last stage of pregnancy, some could experience breathing problems. One can avoid this by lying on their side or taking the support of a pillow.

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Let us find out which sleeping positions you should avoid during pregnancy

1. Sleeping on the back

This position is dangerous, because it rests the entire weight of the growing uterus. Sleeping on your back during the second half of pregnancy can lead to back pain, breathing issues, indigestion, haemorrhoids, and cause a decrease in blood circulation to your heart as well as the baby. 

2. Sleeping on the stomach

Is your favourite position sleeping tummy down? Well, in the early stage of pregnancy, it is fine to sleep on your stomach, but in your second and third trimester, sleeping on your stomach exerts pressure on your expanding uterus. However, using a pillow with a hole in between, may help you sleep in a comfortable position. 

During pregnancy, your body goes through a variety of changes affecting your regular sleeping position. Hence, one should be aware of what position works for which stage of pregnancy.