As a pregnant woman, it is important to take extra care of your body and be mindful of how you are positioning yourself when sleeping. Many women wonder if it is safe to sleep on their back during pregnancy, as this can cause discomfort or even back pain in some cases.
While there are no definitive answers that apply universally, understanding the potential risks associated with sleeping on your back while pregnant can help inform your decision-making process.
Sleeping On Your Back
Sleeping on one’s back while pregnant has been linked to an increased risk of stillbirth due to decreased blood flow from the uterus caused by the weight of both baby and mother pressing down onto major blood vessels leading away from the uterus. This pressure could potentially reduce oxygen supply for both mother and baby, which may lead to health complications such as low birth weight or preterm labor in extreme cases.
Additionally, lying flat on one’s back causes more strain than other positions because gravity pulls downward onto all parts of our bodies including our internal organs. This could also result in additional discomfort for expectant mothers who already experience aches due to changes related to pregnancy hormones. These hormones help to loosen ligaments throughout your body, making them more prone to injury or soreness during everyday activities, including sleep time.
It should be noted that most medical professionals agree that occasional bouts with sleeping flatly positioned will not cause any harm. However, prolonged exposure should be avoided whenever possible (especially after 20 weeks gestation).
Therefore if you find yourself struggling with comfort levels when trying alternative positions then try using pillows strategically placed around hips/shoulders as well propping up knees slightly higher than chest level. These two adjustments alone often provide adequate support needed so long periods spent snoozing don’t become too uncomfortable.
Sleeping On Your Side
Sleeping on your side, especially on your left side, can be beneficial during pregnancy. This position can improve circulation and decrease pressure on the veins that run from the legs to the heart, as well as decrease the risk of stillbirth. However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor for personalized advice.