Sleep during pregnancy
Sleep during pregnancy is very important for both mother and baby. Enough sleep and nap time gives mother a proper rest that helps the neurological development of the baby and health of the pregnant woman. Sleeping pattern may quite different according to the trimester, after some organ development of the baby in mother’s womb left side lying is preferable much more than right side lying, back and stomach.
A. Left side lying (left lateral) position:
Left side positioning is the best way to sleep during pregnancy in all trimester for the baby and mother too. This promotes proper blood circulation. In this position baby got the nutrient packed blood supply through an easier route from mother’s heart to placenta for nourishment.
How to sleep:
1. Take support of extra pillows that makes you comfort as you wish.
2. You can take maternity pillow for sleep that supports the whole body.
3. You can flex your knees for comfort. Flexion of knees helps to fall asleep early.
B. Right side lying (right lateral) position:
Right side lying is ok as compared to back and stomach. In 1 st trimester i.e. 1 st 3 months of pregnancy right side lying does not affect. From second trimester mother’s womb gradually gets bigger due to amniotic fluids and development of the baby. That much weight may cause affect to liver, pancreas and stomach. Maternity pillow is a good and friendly choice for every pregnant woman.
C. Supine (sleep on back) position:
Never sleep on back during pregnancy. Sleeping on back finds harder to breath, because of the belly weight pushes down intestines. In this position the belly puts extra pressure on aorta, inferior vena cava, blood vessels that run behind the uterus. This continuous pressure on blood vessels during sleep time can slower blood circulation. Supine position can also lead to tummy troubles of mother. In second trimester, baby organs starts to develop, that is why sleep in supine position was not safe and prioritized.
D. Prone (sleep on stomach) position:
Sleeping on stomach is not good from the day 1 of pregnancy. This position allows abdomen presses on expanding uterus, not to mention ballooning breasts. Pressure on expanded uterus may leads to distress problem on the baby. If you use a maternity pillow for a little nap, you may lay down in prone position without giving pressure on stomach.
You may like to read this : FOUR SAFE POSITION TO SIT DURING PREGNANCY
Special tips for upcoming mother:
1. Prop a pillow under tummy & in between legs for more belly and back support.
2. Put a pillow under side to raise the chest that reduces shortness of breath.
3. Prop up the bed head, if acidity problem increases.
4. Buy a long pregnancy or maternity pillow for good and safe sleep.