Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy

Sleeping in the right posture is of prime importance during pregnancy as it is associated with a lot of well being factors for you and your baby. Your sleeping posture might not seem very significant in the initial weeks of pregnancy. In fact, it might not be a thing to consider until the end of first or second trimester. Getting a good night's sleep during pregnancy becomes a nightmare for many. You would be glad to know that the right sleeping posture alleviates sleep related issues. Read on to find out how best you can practice a proper sleeping posture and why you must do it.

Sleeping Posture	Why To Avoid
On your tummy	1. Discomfort with growing mid section and tender breasts 2. Will become uncomfortable anyway with time and disturb your sleep
On your back	1. Stress on circulation 2. More pressure on the veins that carry the blood from your lower body back to the heart 3. Reduces blood flow to your placenta 4. Increased chances of getting back pain 5. Affects oxygen flow to your baby and reduces nutrient intake
Sleeping on your right side	1. Possiblity of increased pressure on your liver with growing uterus size

How can you avoid wrong sleeping postures?

If sleeping on your tummy is your favorite sleeping position, do not worry. This pattern will not affect you in the first trimester. From the second trimester, it becomes very uncomfortable to sleep on your tummy and you will automatically shift your position to a more comfortable one. So you actually do not have to do anything in particular to avoid this position.

I always enjoyed sleeping on my tummy before pregnancy. But all through my pregnancy journey I felt comfortable only when I slept on my back. If you are also like me, try this tip. Turn to one side and place a soft pillow to support your back. This ensures you wont sleep completely on your back anytime during the night. Your body is always in a tilted position with a pillow below your back.

Sleeping on your right side is considerably okay as compared to lying on your tummy or on your back. However, with a possibility of risk, it is best avoided at least till your pregnancy period ends.

Which position is best while you are sleeping?

Turning to your left side is the best sleeping posture during pregnancy. Along with reducing risks of blood circulation and applying pressure on other body parts, sleeping on your left side increases blood circulation to your body. Your body does not have to exert so much effort in this position. Your baby is sure to receive sufficient oxygen and nutrition while you are asleep.

Making yourself comfortable sleeping on your left side

• Practise sleeping on the left side from your first trimester. You are most likely to get used to this position by the end of first trimester. Your body will thank you for this practice.
• If you are uncomfortable sleeping on your left side, bend your knees slightly and place a soft pillow between your legs.
• Make a roll out of a small soft hand towel or towel and place it just below your tummy.
• Place a pillow or a soft towel below your back while you are turning to your left.

I wouldn't recommend buying expensive pregnancy pillows. You can comfort yourself with the pillows and towels you have at home. Pregnancy pillows will be useful only during this period. I am even doubtful if they'll serve the purpose at all! If you wake up on your tummy or your back, do not panic. It is very natural for you to switch positions frequently while sleeping and that is totally okay.

In fact, if you wake up during your sleep in a different position, your body is probably signalling to you to correct your posture. Implement small changes in sleeping postures right from the beginning of your pregnancy and make this journey a sweet and beneficial one for you and your little bundle of joy.

Read the importance of sleep and tips to handle sleep issues during pregnancy here.