Sleeping Positions during Pregnancy

Many pregnant women find it a difficult task finding a comfortable position when trying to sleep. It is the third trimester where most women experience difficulty as you will have reached your optimum pregnancy weight.

What sleeping positions are best during pregnancy?

The recommended sleeping position for pregnant women is to sleep in the SOS position, which stands for sleeping on your side. It is further recommended to rest on your left hand side due to the increased sum of blood and nutrition which the baby will be able to obtain from the placenta.

Some people recommend putting a pillow in between your legs to ease the pressure of your back. The ideal pregnancy sleeping position is based upon what works best for you. If you feel comfortable sleeping with a pillow between your legs then it may be beneficial to try and sleep that way. As an alternative, you could try sleeping on one side as it can benefit both you and your baby.

What Positions should I avoid during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are advised to avoid sleeping on their back, as it decreases circulation to you and your baby. Going to sleep on your back can cause pregnant women to experience increased backache, haemorrhoids and low blood pressure. This is due to your abdomen subsequently being on your chief blood vessels which can put pressure on the intestines.

Sleeping on your belly is another sleeping position which you should try to avoid, especially in the final trimesters when you have reached your maximum pregnancy weight.

Sleeping during Pregnancy:

• Sleeping during Pregnancy
• How can I get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy?
• Relaxation Methods
• Exercise
• Medication for Sleep
• Sleep in the Trimesters of Pregnancy
• Sleeping Positions during Pregnancy