What sleeping position is suitable for pregnant women? Correct sleeping positions during pregnancy.

Adequate sleep during pregnancy is the key to the well-being of the expectant mother, and therefore the child. But how should you sleep during pregnancy so that after waking up you feel cheerful and not suffer from aches and numbness in certain parts of the body?

1st trimester. On early stages while the fetus is still very small, the woman can sleep in any comfortable position. You can only sleep on your stomach during the first 11 weeks of bearing a baby, because in the first trimester the uterus is protected from compression by the pubic and pelvic bones, and bladder takes all the blows and pressure. The only thing that can bring discomfort to a pregnant woman is pain and increased sensitivity of the breasts. This is why many women give up their favorite sleeping position from the beginning of the first trimester of pregnancy.

2nd trimester. By the twelfth week, the uterus begins to extend beyond the boundaries of the symphysis pubis, and although the fetus is reliably protected from external pressure by adipose tissue, the uterine wall and amniotic fluid, it still begins from the second trimester It is not advisable to sleep on your stomach.

From 25-28 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus begins to actively grow, you should not sleep on your back, because this sleeping position can cause:

  • deterioration of blood circulation in the placenta, as a result of which the fetus may suffer from oxygen starvation (hypoxia);
  • development of hemorrhoids in the expectant mother, venous stagnation and edema in the lower extremities, varicose veins and even thrombophlebitis;
  • aching back pain;
  • lowering blood pressure, and as a consequence the appearance of dizziness, weakness, darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, rapid breathing, heavy sweating, nausea (possibly even vomiting);
  • the appearance of digestive problems (as the uterus will put pressure on the intestines and its large blood vessels);
  • disruption of the kidneys and heart.

The complications described above occur because when sleeping on your back, the enlarged uterus is pressed against the spine, compressing the inferior vena cava and aorta (see Figure 1). Clamping of the inferior vena cava, which carries blood from lower limbs up to the heart, causes a decrease in return venous blood to the heart, and the woman’s blood pressure decreases, blood in the veins stagnates, and uterine and renal blood flow decreases.

Figure 1 – Demonstration picture of why you should sleep on your side during pregnancy

You can place a large pillow under your back, which will prevent the woman from lying on her back when changing position.

The sleeping position is so individual that for some it will be more comfortable to sleep on the right side, for others the baby will signal with kicks that it is uncomfortable for him to be in this position, and then it is better to roll over to the other side.


3rd trimester. During this period it is recommended sleep exclusively on your left side, because lying on the right side, a grown-up baby puts pressure on the liver and right kidney woman, which is located slightly lower than the left. Compression of the kidney ureter leads to stagnation of urine, as a result of which a disease such as pyelonephritis can develop.

For more comfortable sleep It is recommended to place a pillow between your legs, while left leg stretch and bend the right one at the knee (see Figure 2). This way your legs won’t become numb, and the load on your pelvis will be less. You can also place a small pillow under your stomach.

Figure 2 - Photo of the correct body position during sleep

It is also recommended to sleep on the left side if the fetus is not positioned correctly. With a transverse presentation of the fetus, you should sleep on the side where its head is displaced. It is also useful to do the following exercise: lie on one side for about 5-10 minutes, then roll over to the other side for 5-10 minutes. Perform on an empty stomach for 1 hour 2-3 times a day.

With a pelvic position of the fetus, it is useful to sleep on the left side and regularly perform the following exercise: lie on a hard, flat surface, placing a pillow under the buttocks, folded in half so that the pelvis rises 20-30 cm above the level of the head. Stay in this position for about 5 minutes (but not more than 15 minutes). We take this pose 2 times a day for 2-3 weeks starting from 32 weeks (not earlier).
And as soon as the baby takes the correct position, you need to start wearing a bandage regularly (if you stay on your feet for a long time).

If a pregnant woman often experiences heartburn, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing, then she should sleep in such a way that top part the body was raised.

At varicose veins veins, swelling and leg cramps, it is recommended to place a pillow under the feet while resting so that the blood flows better from the lower extremities.

It is impossible to control the position of your body during sleep, so for the expectant mother an indispensable assistant In this case, there will be a pillow for pregnant women, which, after the baby is born, can help the mother take a comfortable position during feeding.

Which pillow is best to sleep on during pregnancy?

There are many types of pillows on the market, but during pregnancy a woman needs a special version of this bedding, because during this period the anatomy of her body changes. That's why a special pillow for pregnant women was developed.

Disadvantages of this pillow:

  • can take up a lot of space on the bed (with small dimensions of the bed, the next sleeper will feel uncomfortable sleeping);
  • it’s hot in the summer, because the fillers retain heat and do not absorb moisture released by the body;
  • must be dry cleaned (if the pillow does not fit in the machine);
  • capable of becoming electrified;
  • the filler made of polystyrene balls rustles.

Material. Holofiber ball– siliconized balls that look like curls of sheep’s wool.

Holofiber quickly restores its shape and is resistant to washing and creasing. Products made from it are soft to sleep on, they are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, mites do not grow in such material, and sweat and odors are not absorbed. The material can be machine and hand washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C; the product can be dried in a centrifuge.

Expanded polystyrene balls (or granules)– environmentally friendly durable material reminiscent of foam balls. The hardest filler compared to other types of synthetic materials.
These balls cannot be washed in a washing machine.

Swan artificial down– a synthetic material with a fibrous structure. This filler has the following characteristics: it does not cause allergies, is antibacterial, light and elastic, and does not clump after washing.
Synthetic down can be washed by hand and in a washing machine (at temperatures up to 40 ° C), it dries quickly.

Sintepon usually not used in the manufacture of pillows for pregnant women, because it is not suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, because contains glue that can cause coughing attacks and other manifestations of these diseases. In addition, this material quickly clumps.

Forms. G shaped- pillow big size. Performs the following roles: supports the head and tummy; prevents the pregnant woman from turning over on her back; allows you to sit comfortably with your leg on the pillow.

U shaped– a large pillow in the shape of a horseshoe. She will provide good dream, comfortable leisure time and feeding the child. The U-shaped pillow ensures correct body position during sleep and relieves stress on the pelvis and spine. Even the children and husband will like this pillow, because you just want to lie in an embrace with it.

Shape C– a universal pillow model. Designed for both sleeping and feeding the baby. During feeding, she supports her elbows, relieving tension from the shoulder (when feeding while sitting). It is convenient to feed while lying down.

The “nest” shape allows you to leave the baby unattended while mommy brings clean onesies. By placing your baby in the notch in the middle of the pillow, you will protect him from falling out of bed. Also, the inner semicircle of the “eski” can be used as an auxiliary support when sitting down the baby.

L shaped And in form Igood options for a small bed. The L-shaped model perfectly replaces a regular head pillow. At the same time, it supports the back well, preventing the woman from turning over on her back in her sleep.

The I-shape is designed to act as a pillow for the head and support for the thigh. Can be curled into desired shape.

V-shaped (crescent or boomerang)- compact option. Despite its small size, it retains the necessary functions of a pillow for pregnant women: it can support the head and tummy, or the back or neck (in the “sitting” or “half-sitting” position), or the pelvis and tummy (when it is located between the legs). Indispensable when feeding a baby.

You can purchase such pillows in this online store.

Any of the described pillows can be made with your own hands if desired. To help the needlewoman, the pictures show the sizes of the pillows so that patterns can be made from them.

Holofiber and other fillers can be purchased online. For one large pillow you will need about 3 kg of holofiber.

Note!
Expanded polystyrene balls are very electrified, and stuffing a pillow with them is not easy, everything sticks to the fabric, and there will be a lot of cleaning afterwards.

Expanded polystyrene balls shrink over time, and it becomes necessary to top them up with new granules, the price of which for 50 liters reaches up to 7 dollars (430 rubles). For one large product you will need 100-120 liters.

You can buy them on websites that sell frameless bean bags, ottomans and pillows for pregnant women.

The video clearly shows where the inferior vena cava passes and why you should not sleep on your back in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Expectant mothers should not only spend full time during the day, but also properly organize their sleep. Night rest helps restore resources spent during the day, relax muscles and normalize work nervous system. All this is important for the full development of the fetus. The article covers the issues of how to choose the right sleeping position for women in this position, which side is better to sleep on, and how to organize the most comfortable sleeping area.

How to choose a sleeping position?

Expectant mothers should know that body position during sleep affects a number of functions and conditions of the body. Postures influence:

  • relaxation of the spinal column and proper blood circulation;
  • blood supply to the brain;
  • hormone production;
  • strength of ligaments and joints;
  • supplying the body with oxygen and proper breathing;
  • proper functioning of muscle tissue;
  • cardiac activity and arterial pressure;
  • full digestive activity.

Reference! It is important to understand that a woman’s morning well-being indicates how her sleep went. If she feels cheerfulness and a surge of strength, then the sleep was complete, but if the state is more like a “squeezed lemon,” then the body position was completely unsuccessful for maintaining and restoring strength.

Some women sleep quite comfortably on their backs, although this position is not the most suitable, as it leads to stagnation of some organs due to constant pressure on the epicenter of the spinal column. Experts do not recommend expectant mothers to sleep on their stomachs, especially in the later stages of their pregnancy. With such sleep, the spine is deformed and leads to constant lack of sleep and more serious consequences.

Doctors consider sleeping on your side to be the most suitable position. This body position helps you relax and fall asleep faster. In addition, this pose helps eliminate snoring and ease breathing, eliminate unpleasant symptoms in the form of belching and heartburn, as well as prevent other digestive problems.

The only disadvantage of the lateral position during sleep is numbness in the fingers or even the entire hand, as sometimes pinched nerve endings and poor circulation occur. But this problem can be easily dealt with with the correct position of the hand due to a comfortable pillow and the organization of a comfortable place to sleep.

Which side to choose for sleeping during pregnancy:

- Right side

In the early stages of pregnancy, young mothers can sleep quite comfortably and get enough sleep on their right side. In later trimesters physiological characteristics The left side is more suitable for the body. Many women worry about the fact that the heart is located on the left and, supposedly, this is dangerous. But posture during sleep does not have any effect on cardiac activity. The beating of the heart and the flow of blood to it are in no way disrupted.

The right side is also comfortable due to the location of all vital organs away from it. On the left side is the liver and bile ducts that function freely and do not cause discomfort. The spine assumes a free and comfortable position, swelling does not form, pressure on the bladder does not occur, and blood circulation in neither the mother nor the child is impaired.

Besides, Right side allows your engorged breasts to rest freely without squeezing them. The development of mastopathy and other breast diseases is excluded.

Attention! In order to unload the right shoulder, you need to try not to focus on it. To do this, the shoulder is pushed forward a little, preventing poor circulation in the muscles of the forearm and wrist. For a sore back, this pose is the most comfortable. For greater comfort, you can place a small soft pillow between your knees. This measure stabilizes the position of the spine and normalizes pressure from the hips and buttocks.

- left-hand side

Many experts are inclined to believe that best pose for sleeping - this is the left side. Left-hand side affects the following processes in the body:

  • blood, oxygen and all nutrients flow freely to the placenta;
  • the pressure on urinary canal and the woman sleeps more peacefully and does not experience a premature urge to urinate;
  • relax to the maximum spinal muscles and the spine takes the most comfortable position;
  • there is no excessive stress on the liver area;
  • swelling of the extremities is reduced, convulsions are almost completely eliminated.

The left side for sleeping should be used by women from the 27th week of pregnancy. It is during this period that the blood supply to the uterus is ensured most fully with the left-sided position of the body. The fetus in this sleep position develops as comfortably and fully as possible. All organs relax and work in full mode without the slightest glitch.

Important! When diagnosed with transverse or breech You should fall asleep on the side where the baby's head is located. This choice is due to the gradual transition of his body to a normal position before childbirth.

Why is baby's position important when choosing a sleeping position?

Pregnant women should be observed by a gynecologist throughout the pregnancy. The examinations he conducts help maintain the health of the mother and unborn baby from the earliest stages of fetal development. It is the specialist who will be able to select as accurately as possible suitable posture for sleep that will be comfortable for the mother and not cause discomfort to the child.

Determining your sleeping position on your own can sometimes be very difficult. This is due to the fact that the expectant mother’s sensations are dulled due to unusual new reactions of the body. It is sometimes simply impossible for a woman to determine in what position a child is comfortable. It is in this case that she needs a doctor’s advice.

How to organize a sleeping place?

The comfortable state of the woman and the health of the baby depend on the organization of the sleeping space and place to sleep. In order to sleep fully and get enough sleep, you need to follow simple recommendations for arranging a sleeping place:

  • Selecting a mattress. It should be quite tough, but also soft at the same time. The spine on such a mattress should take an even position.
  • Pillow. For a comfortable position of the head, it should be quite soft and small in size. It is best to choose a pillow with synthetic filling to avoid allergic reactions from the body. She should not raise her head too much above the level of the bed, but only slightly support her neck without affecting the position of the spine.

For your information! For pregnant women, specialized pillows are produced that are U-shaped and about 150 cm long. These models are very comfortable for sleeping. In addition, they can be placed between the knees for the most suitable side-lying position. For such pillows, it is better to choose hypoallergenic fillings and cotton pillowcases.

  • Bed sheets. It is better to purchase cotton products that need to be washed at least once a week.
  • Blanket. The choice of covering material should be approached especially carefully. If the blanket is too thin, the woman will experience discomfort due to hypothermia. On the contrary, a blanket that is too warm contributes to an increase in body temperature and malfunction of many organs. It is best to choose breathable natural fillers that have a thermoregulation function. Such blankets are not cheap, but they are simply necessary for the health of the mother and unborn child.

The room should be completely dark during sleep. To do this, thick curtains or blinds are hung on the windows. The air in the sleeping area must be constantly updated. For these purposes, it is best to open the window to micromode in summer time, and the door to the room is in the winter.

To ensure good sleep, bedding must be clean and fresh. You should also regularly do a general cleaning of the room with a damp cloth, be sure to wipe the dust on the cabinets and keep the windows clean. You should not get carried away with aroma candles or other air fresheners; it is best to ensure a natural flow of air into the apartment.

Choosing a sleeping position is an exciting moment for any pregnant woman. She needs to know that the position on the back and stomach is the most suitable for the full development of the fetus. It is best to choose the left or right side for sleeping. You should also carefully approach the arrangement of your sleeping place.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Having learned about interesting position, a woman begins to think about changing her lifestyle. Now you should be extremely careful. In the little things too. The changes will even affect sleep. The position “on the back”, beloved by many, is now taboo. Why shouldn't pregnant women sleep on their backs? Are there exceptions for different stages pregnancy? It is important for pregnant women to find answers to these questions in order to make sure that their actions are correct and stop worrying.

The first time after conception, you can sleep in any comfortable position.

Comfortable posture is key to healthy long sleep. The concept of a “comfortable position” is individual. According to statistics, most people like to rest on their backs. If a woman has always preferred to sleep in a popular position, she is especially interested in finding out whether pregnant women can roll over onto their back at the very beginning of their pregnancy and stay in this position for a long time.

From a physiological point of view, in the first stage of pregnancy there is no reason to give up your favorite position. While the belly is small, you can take any position and enjoy sound sleep. Resting, lying on her back, the expectant mother, up to a certain point, may not be afraid that she will harm the baby: the situation is not dangerous in the first weeks.

A woman can also move in her sleep to find a comfortable position. Active “movements” around the bed are possible until the uterus begins to put pressure on various organs. Changing body position is safe for the baby: shocks from movements are neutralized by the amniotic sac. It protects the fetus well in the early stages.

Although there is no need to control yourself in your sleep until the thirteenth week, doctors strongly advise expectant mothers to stop lying on their backs right away. At the end of the first trimester, the uterus begins to put strong pressure on the organs, and the load on the spine increases. Sleeping on your back becomes not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous. By making it a habit to lay down in the desired position in the early stages, a woman plays it safe. This way she will get used to taking the desired position, and when this becomes relevant, it will not be difficult for the expectant mother to abandon the dangerous position. Refusal will already occur unconsciously.

Second trimester and supine position

Is it possible to sleep on your back in the second trimester? You will have to give up your favorite pose even a little earlier. It is not recommended to take this position starting from the fourth month (from the twelfth week). The ban is due to the danger to female body. By this time the fetus becomes heavier. The internal organs of a pregnant woman (in particular the intestines, kidneys, liver) are subject to pressure when lying on her back. When a woman takes this position, the spine feels the full weight of the fetus. The vena cava is located along it. Her main function– transports blood from the lower body to the heart. If the vein is compressed, blood circulation will fail. It leads to:

  • breathing problems (increased frequency, intermittency);
  • numbness of the lower extremities;
  • dizziness and fainting;
  • lack of air.

When the tummy becomes more noticeable, it is best to buy a special device

You should not sleep on your back during pregnancy due to possible risks for the fetus. Clamping of the vena cava risks the baby not receiving enough oxygen, and with it substances important for development. Lack of oxygen leads to dangerous condition– fetal hypoxia. Severe hypoxia can provoke ischemia or necrosis various organs, which threatens termination of pregnancy. Lack of oxygen increases the likelihood of premature placental abruption. Hypoxia can remind itself after the birth of a baby: children who have experienced oxygen starvation in the womb, often lag behind in development.

Features of sleep after the 28th week

Can a pregnant woman sleep on her back during the 3rd trimester? Doctors are categorical on this issue: the position is not suitable for sleep or simple rest. By the 28th week, the belly becomes large. If a pregnant woman lies on her stomach, the pressure on the venous vessel located near the spine will be strong. When a vein is compressed, blood circulation is disrupted. This threatens to make you faint. Fainting during sleep is especially dangerous. Pregnant women with a predisposition to thrombosis, varicose veins, and edema should absolutely not sleep on their back. This position should become taboo even when you just want to lie quietly.

On long term Due to the size of the fetus, the pelvic organs are under pressure. The load increases when a woman lies on her back. If the bladder is compressed, involuntary leakage of urine cannot be avoided. Due to the habit of sleeping in this position, severe lumbar pain appears towards the end of the term. This is especially true if there are problems with the spine.

Why can't pregnant women lie on their back from the point of view of dangers for the baby? Starting from the second trimester, this position carries risks for the fetus. The clamping of a vein in the expectant mother is reflected on the baby. With this condition, the amount of oxygen in the woman’s blood decreases, which means the child will not have enough of it. This leads to fetal hypoxia. The longer the period, the higher the risks of making such a diagnosis if a woman continues to sleep on her back during pregnancy.

Oxygen starvation later leads to developmental delays and damage to the nervous system. Due to hypoxia, the baby may be born underweight.

Having found out that pregnant women are not recommended to sleep on their backs, the expectant mother wonders: how can she sleep then? Obstetricians and gynecologists advise lying on your side. This position is considered the safest. It poses no threat to either the health of the mother or the health of the baby. For maximum convenience, the following recommendations should be followed:

Can pregnant women use extra bedding for comfort? Doctors advise paying attention to a special pillow. She will become best assistant in the fight for a comfortable sleep, will provide maximum comfort. The pillow helps to fix the body in the most comfortable position. It is placed under the legs, stomach, back, while maintaining the position on the side.

Benefits of sleeping on your side

Being on your side while sleeping while expecting a baby is not only convenient, but also safe. This position provides a number of positive processes:

  • Relaxation of the spine. The next morning, the expectant mother will feel truly rested.
  • Relieving stress from internal organs. If there is no pressure on internal organs they work flawlessly pain syndrome absent.
  • Normalization of kidney functions. The absence of disruptions in the functioning of this organ eliminates the appearance of swelling.
  • Improves blood circulation and heart function. This guarantees that the fetus will be supplied with oxygen in the required quantity: the risks of hypoxia are reduced.

It is recommended to lie on your side not only at night. The pose should be taken when the expectant mother has simply decided to lie quietly or read her favorite book. Although at the beginning of pregnancy you can take any position, a woman should get used to sleeping on her side, especially if she did not like this position before. By focusing on correct posture from the very beginning, a pregnant woman will be grateful to herself in the future. The correct posture will relieve many problems and provide wellness Mom, baby's health.

How to lie down and get up correctly

From the second trimester, a period begins when it is important to exercise maximum caution in everything. The expectant mother needs not only to choose the optimal sleeping position, but also to learn how to take it correctly and get up correctly. How to go into the world of dreams? Simple recommendations should be followed:

Is it possible for pregnant women to stand up abruptly? You will have to forget about getting up quickly until the birth. You need to get up extremely carefully. With a sharp transition to vertical position Pressure drops often occur. The jump can make you feel very dizzy, which can lead to loss of balance. This is dangerous: a pregnant woman can fall and hit her stomach. To avoid risks, you need to climb calmly, with smooth movements as a priority.

If in a dream the expectant mother turns over on her back, when she wakes up, she needs to first turn on her side and then get up from this position.

When lifting, it is recommended to first lower your legs and only then rise. You definitely need to help yourself with your hands. It is advisable to have a support nearby. It must be reliable. A chair, an armchair, a bedside table, and even a headboard will do.

In an “interesting position,” women often encounter “sleepy” problems. This is due to both your well-being and the need to give up your favorite poses in favor of safe ones. The closer the due date, the more difficult it is for the expectant mother to get enough sleep. However, adequate sleep plays a key role in the health of a pregnant woman. It is also important for her future baby. It is important to do everything you can to get a good night's rest. Recommendations that will not be difficult to follow will help you regain sound sleep:

  • Dinner before bed is a forbidden meal for anyone who dreams of getting a good night's sleep. And even more so for pregnant women. You need to forget about food two hours before your night's rest, then you can quickly dream. Dinner should be light but filling.
  • Movies and books that evoke a storm of emotions are taboo before bed. Experiences are the worst helpers for those who dream of getting enough sleep. To really relax, it’s better to completely give up reading and TV in the evening.
  • It is important to calm down before going to bed. Milk with honey helps relax the nervous system. Before using bee products, expectant mothers need to make sure that they are not allergic to them.
  • To sleep soundly, you need to properly equip your sleeping area. Pregnant women are advised to change their mattress to a model that provides support. From the middle of the term, it is strictly forbidden to use a bed with a sagging mesh. The bed should be quite firm. You should also say no to high pillows. The ideal option is orthopedic. They help relieve stress from the neck. As a result, no morning headaches. A special pillow for pregnant women is one of the main conditions for a comfortable rest. Especially when the stomach becomes noticeably rounder.

By abandoning the position on your back, choosing the correct posture and holding simple tips, the expectant mother will be able to enjoy good sleep. If you experience prolonged discomfort during rest or other problems, you should definitely consult your doctor. He will establish the reason preventing good sleep, will recommend a suitable position, talk about the nuances of resting in an “interesting position.”

As soon as a woman finds out about her pregnancy, her life completely changes. Appears great amount questions and concerns. How to eat properly? Which physical exercise is possible, and which ones are not? How should a child develop during pregnancy? How to sleep properly during pregnancy? What sleeping positions should you choose?

And it is sleep disturbance that becomes one of the the most important reasons constant fatigue and mood swings in a pregnant woman. In the early stages, it is difficult to sleep according to the usual schedule hormonal changes in organism, at a later date – big belly, which does not allow you to find the correct and comfortable position. In this article we will figure out how to sleep correctly during each trimester during pregnancy. Is it possible to sleep on your stomach, on your back, or better yet on your side?

First trimester - don't fight sleep

Early stages are characterized by increased fatigue and drowsiness. The expectant mother is constantly sleepy and should not deny herself the desire to sleep, as your baby also needs it. After all, right now everything vitally is being formed important organs and child systems. Now the question arises: how to sleep when pregnant, in what position? In this period any comfortable position is suitable. You can sleep on your back, on your left or right side, and on your stomach.

In the first trimester, the fetus is still very small and the uterus is protected from compression by the pubic and pelvic bones, allowing you to enjoy sound sleep. The only thing that can prevent you from sleeping on your stomach is breast pain, due to its hypersensitivity. Otherwise, there are no restrictions.

Second trimester - getting used to the correct sleeping position

During this period, mood swings decrease, toxicosis stops, and everything seems great, you can sleep healthy. But in the second trimester of a pregnant woman, choosing a position to sleep becomes more difficult. Sleeping on your stomach is not only not very comfortable, but also undesirable. The belly starts to grow, and although the fetus is protected from external pressure by amniotic fluid, fatty tissue and the uterine wall, it is not recommended to put pressure on it with the weight of your body. Up to 22 weeks, it is allowed to sleep on your back, since the diaphragm and spine are still in a comfortable state. And as soon as your baby starts to move, it is better to sleep on his side. From now on, it is advisable to avoid sleeping on your back for the following physiological reasons:

In the second trimester, the optimal sleeping positions remain the right and left sides. Most people are not able to control their sleeping positions, for this place pillows under your back, which will prevent you from lying on your back.

Third trimester - just trying to sleep

The choice of positions to fall asleep in the third trimester narrows again. It is physically impossible to sleep on your stomach; sleeping on your back is harmful to the baby’s health. Remains only left and right side. The question arises: which side is better to sleep on during pregnancy in the third trimester? Doctors recommend on the left. The position of the inferior vena cava runs along the right side of the uterus. Therefore, sleeping on the right side leads to compression of the veins by the weight of the baby. Compressing the vein will disrupt the baby's blood supply, and his tremors will indicate the need to change his position during sleep. For a comfortable sleep, experts recommend placing a pillow between your legs, bending your right leg at the knee and extending your left leg. This position during sleep promotes:

  • no back pain;
  • lack of pressure on the liver and right kidney;
  • reducing swelling of the legs;
  • improving kidney function;
  • increasing blood flow to the placenta, which will allow the baby to receive the amount of oxygen necessary for development.

If the child is positioned incorrectly, also It is recommended to sleep on your left side, but with a transverse presentation you should sleep on the side where its head is located. If there are any problems, your doctor will tell you the most suitable position for sleeping during pregnancy.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, it is especially difficult for expectant mothers to sleep. The belly has grown as much as possible, it is difficult to stand up on your own, since the weight of the child with amniotic fluid is very significant, it is difficult to breathe, frequent urge to the toilet because strong pressure uterus for organs and more constant worries O upcoming birth do not allow the pregnant woman to sleep. And during this period, sleep is extremely important, because you need to gain strength.

Doctors recommend a sleeping position - reclining with a pillow under your back. Because this is the sleeping position during pregnancy, namely last weeks, reduces shortness of breath and pressure on the diaphragm, which allows you to fall asleep. Additionally, you can put a pillow under your feet, thereby relieving tension from them.

But what to do if you can’t sleep on your side, but you really want to sleep. It is necessary to properly prepare yourself and the room for sleep, and for this you need:

Pillows for pregnant women - the key to a sound sleep

How to sleep during pregnancy if the correct sleeping position is uncomfortable? Enough already for a long time Special pillows become saviors for pregnant women. They designed to meet specific needs pregnant. Of course, these pillows also have disadvantages, such as:

  • take up a lot of space on the bed;
  • do not fit in the washing machine, it is better to purchase replacement pillowcases;
  • become electrified.

But all these disadvantages pale in comparison to the fact that this pillow will allow you to sleep comfortably! Such pillows are made from environmentally friendly materials, not causing allergies. They are produced in various forms, each of which has its own advantages:

Adequate healthy sleep is of great importance in the life of a pregnant woman. 8-10 hours of sleep at night is considered beneficial for a woman’s well-being. If the number of hours is less, this may affect work immune system, which will lead to mood swings and decreased appetite. All these factors can affect the health of both the expectant mother and the baby. Therefore, take care of yourself, choose more comfortable sleeping positions during pregnancy, try to surround yourself with positive events, and get enough sleep!

The only correct and comfortable posture The sleeping position for the expectant mother during this period is lying on her side. In this case, it would be more correct to sleep lying on your left side, placing your right leg under your right leg, bent at the hip and knee joints, a large pillow. With this simple device you can improve the flow of blood from right leg. Instead of a pillow, a blanket or special devices are placed under the abducted leg.

Why is it better for pregnant women with a big belly to sleep on their left side? There is a simple logical explanation for this. The inferior vena cava, into which blood flows from the lower extremities, is located on the right. With such anatomical feature It is easy to avoid squeezing the vein by the enlarged uterus if you take a lying position on your left side.

Pregnancy is a difficult period in the life of every family member, but it is especially difficult for the expectant mother. Healthy sleep, proper nutrition and harmonious family relationships are the key to a successful pregnancy outcome. Only calmness, love and affection can support expectant mother during one of the most crucial periods in her life.