Which Side Would You Take Sleeping During Pregnancy?

The extra blood flows through your body. It reaches the baby inside and supports their growth and development.

Getting a peaceful slumber when you have a bun in the oven is to your advantage. The whole body and mind are at peace. Pregnancy aches are reduced. You dream about all the good things. Maybe the nightmares do not lag. That’s not a problem. It’s just a matter of time.

The extra blood flows through your body. It reaches the baby inside and supports their growth and development. Sleeping keeps your immune system strong and controls your body’s reaction to insulin. 

But, with the growing baby bump, achy body, and frequent bathroom trips, finding a comfortable position in bed becomes very difficult, thus making you feel sleep-disrupted.

Which side would you take while sleeping during pregnancy? 

Your favourite sleeping position is on your stomach, or your back, during this phase, just like it was in your pre-pregnancy days. A few studies may have revealed that sleeping on your back may be associated with the risks of c-section delivery, and stillbirth. Lying on the back may also contribute to back pain, digestive problems, and less blood circulation. You may also feel dizzy as you rest on your back. Pressure on the main artery and spine increases. 

But the moment you hit the second or third trimester and develop a baby bump, you feel uncomfortable and may have to change sides.  

Discuss your sleeping positions with your doctor during your pregnancy, you will know that, your healthcare practitioner recommends you rest either on your right or left. 

Sleeping on either side – preferably on the left is considered ideal by medical experts

It can help optimize blood flow from the inferior vena cava. Inferior vena cava (IVC), is a large vein parallel to your spine. The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a major vein that brings oxygen-poor blood from the lower body back to the heart. Once the blood reaches the heart, it is then pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen and continue circulating throughout the body. 

• That means the blood and nutrients flow to the placenta and help the baby develop in this position.
•  Proper blood flow to the liver and kidney enhances their functions, further eliminating the waste product from the body. 
• The swelling in the legs and ankles also tends to reduce.

• A 2019 review revealed that sleeping on your right side may not be ideal for pregnant mothers, as there is a risk of compression. So, you can lie down on the right side only for a short time frame. 

To make your slumber peaceful you get yourself a wedge – a shaped pillow. But, if the pillows don’t help, try lying down on either of the sides of the recliner.