Why pregnant women can’t sleep on their backs, until what week can they, and from when can they not?

How much sleep does a pregnant woman need per day?

Drowsiness accompanies pregnancy if the woman’s body does not receive vitamins and the level of immunity is significantly reduced. During a normal pregnancy, a woman can sleep from 10 to 12 hours a day. If you are not used to resting during the day, then be sure to develop this habit. This will also be needed during the period when you need to lie down with your baby during the day.

The most optimal rest time for a pregnant woman is from 22.00 to 7.00. And also a daytime nap from 13.30 to 15.30.

What influences the position of the mother's body?

The position of the mother's body affects the condition of the child starting from the 12th week of pregnancy. When a woman lies on her stomach, it causes discomfort, first of all, to herself. The baby is protected by a layer of abdominal muscles, the walls of the uterus and amniotic fluid. According to some doctors, this situation can provoke uterine hypertonicity.

When a pregnant woman lies on her back, changes occur in the functioning of her organs. They are caused by the pressure of the growing uterus, and therefore the longer the period, the stronger the influence of body position on the condition of the child and mother. Compression of the intestines provokes the development of constipation and gas accumulation. The load on the lumbar spine leads to pain in the back and pelvic area. The nature of the sensations can be different: from aching to acute. Impaired kidney function manifests itself through swelling, especially noticeable in the arms and legs.

When lying on your back, the most dangerous thing is pressure on the inferior vena cava. This large blood vessel carries blood from the lower torso to the heart. If it is violated, a pregnant woman feels a lack of air, her breathing is disrupted and becomes intermittent. After some time, dizziness develops, the vision becomes dark, the pulse quickens and sweat appears. All these symptoms indicate disorders in several systems at once: cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine.

Sleeping on your back affects not only the well-being of the pregnant woman, but also the condition of the child. Due to impaired blood flow, it receives insufficient oxygen and certain nutrients. A state of intrauterine hypoxia develops, which can lead to pathologies in the formation and development of organs and damage to the central nervous system. After birth, growth retardation, poor appetite, sleep disturbances, and anxiety are observed.

When a pregnant woman sleeps on her side, all these problems do not arise. Blood flows to the child in sufficient quantities, which means that he is fully provided with oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper development. Internal organs work without additional stress, swelling, heartburn, nausea, and back pain appear less often.

How to sleep correctly for a pregnant woman in the early stages

In the first weeks of pregnancy, you are allowed to sleep in any comfortable position. You need to learn to fall asleep correctly right away so as not to feel discomfort in the last weeks. Finding a convenient and safe option takes a little time - it’s just a matter of habit. The position on the right and left side is considered the most optimal for mother and baby.

Until what week can you sleep on your back?

Falling asleep on your back, putting a significant load on the lower spine, is allowed no longer than 14-15 weeks.
After the 15th week, it becomes a real danger to remain in this position for a long time. You feel dizzy, your pulse quickens, your blood pressure rises. Women who suffer from toxicosis do not have the desire to sleep on their backs. Nausea intensifies, internal organs shrink, and discomfort occurs.

Which poses are best not to choose?

Harmful and dangerous sleeping positions, especially in the last months of pregnancy, are considered to be: turning over on your stomach or on your back. A pregnant woman should avoid these poses; they are absolutely not suitable. Just lying on your stomach from the 10th week is not worth it, this is a threat to the baby’s health, although he is protected by a layer of muscles and the walls of the uterus. This situation can provoke her hypertonicity.

Why you can't sleep on your stomach for a long time

Any pressure is undesirable for a developing child. When looking for a convenient and comfortable sleeping position, try different positions: on your side, on your back, half-sitting.

How long can you lie down?

In the early stages, you can lie on your back as usual, but if you experience discomfort, numbness in the body or tone of the uterus, immediately get up and warm up a little to restore blood flow in the body. After all, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus depends on it.

In later stages, it is extremely important to avoid sleeping on your back altogether. During this period, the uterus has already increased too much in size and the likelihood of complications from its pressure is high. You should try to avoid turning from side to back while sleeping. To do this, you can sew some kind of plastic cube or ball so that when you turn on your back, you will immediately wake up.

If you suddenly failed to wake up in time, and part of the sleep was spent on your back, you should not panic, but in the future you need to take measures to prevent you from turning over into a forbidden position.

What is the best position for a woman to sleep in the second trimester?

The tummy becomes more noticeable and the breasts become larger.
At this stage of the baby’s development, he should be protected more carefully. The position for sleeping on the stomach is not suitable, and it becomes uncomfortable to fall asleep in this position. The baby is protected only by amniotic fluid and the walls of the uterus. Lying on your left side is considered a comfortable and healthy position. For greater comfort, bend your right leg at the knee or place a bolster or pillow under it. Your legs will not swell.

Which side can you sleep on?

Doctors disagree on which side it is recommended for expectant mothers to sleep on. Here you need to proceed from the convenience of the woman herself. Some people find it comfortable to sleep on their left side. This pose relieves swelling from the lower extremities and facilitates the functioning of the kidneys. But staying on the left side for a long time puts pressure on the heart muscle, causing shortness of breath and lack of oxygen. Therefore, a position lying on the right side is allowed.

You can sleep on both your right and left sides. During the night you have to change your body position several times; it is impossible to sleep for 9 hours in one position.

What positions are more comfortable?

Everyone chooses a comfortable position on their own, but a more useful position is on the side. Maternity pillows are especially helpful in achieving comfortable sleep.

Some women prefer to fall asleep half-sitting. The main thing is to control that there is no pressure on the lower spine. To do this, you need to turn a little on your side. You can place a bolster or pillow under your feet. This way you can avoid swelling in your legs.

Things to remember

Healthy sleep is ensured when nothing disturbs you.
It is impossible to sleep all night in one position; you have to roll over. You should remember some conditions for a comfortable sleep:

Set up a daily routine: wake up and go to sleep at the same time.
Ventilate the room, cool the room in hot weather.
Get yourself exercise throughout the day. If you just lie on the sofa near the TV, it will be much more difficult to fall asleep.

From what week can you lie on your back during pregnancy?

To give birth to a healthy baby, the expectant mother needs not only to eat right, lead a healthy lifestyle, but also get enough sleep. According to statistics, 90% of pregnant women have sleep problems, mainly due to unusual posture during sleep. Women are concerned about whether pregnant women can sleep on their back.

Expectant mothers often complain of constant sleepiness, especially in the last months of pregnancy. A large belly does not allow you to rest normally in an unusual position, and your head contains only thoughts about the upcoming birth. At night, a woman suffers from insomnia, and during the day she feels tired and sleepy. Many pregnant women are concerned about the question of whether pregnant women can sleep on their back (6 months). Simple methods to improve sleep can help - a walk, aromatherapy or a cup of mint tea.

An expectant mother in the first trimester can sleep in any comfortable position without fear for the baby’s health. But a pregnant woman, having learned about her pregnancy, should gradually get used to other positions during sleep, which are recommended for subsequent periods.

When the belly begins to round and becomes noticeable, sleeping on the stomach is not only no longer possible, but is also not recommended by doctors.

But sleeping on your back is physically possible, but after the twenty-eighth week it is extremely undesirable for both the woman and her child. The choice remains not so big - on the left or right side. When the fetus is positioned transversely, doctors advise the expectant mother to prefer the side where the baby’s head is located. According to the theory, the left side is more favorable for the health of the child and mother. Therefore, whether pregnant women can sleep on their back and stomach depends on many factors. Not everyone can sleep the whole night on one side, and there is no need to. The attending physician will most likely recommend changing positions frequently, more precisely, 3-5 times. Also, this is not a contraindication for a breech baby.

During pregnancy, all women face the problem of having to change all their habits. One of these is resting and sleeping on your back. Many people understand perfectly well why you can’t sleep on your stomach, but is it possible for pregnant women to sleep on their back? No doctor will say that it is worth changing this position for the entire 9 months. During the first trimester, the expectant mother can sleep as she likes, but she must gradually change her body position in order to get used to it faster. After three months, the child begins to grow faster and the belly, accordingly, increases. The uterus increases in both weight and volume, placing strain on the internal organs. The kidneys, intestines and liver are most affected.

The uterus puts pressure on one of the largest veins in the body, the vena cava, which carries blood from the heart to the lower extremities. This affects the health of not only the mother, but also her unborn child. With this condition, a pregnant woman often feels short of breath, a rapid heartbeat, and sometimes faints. And the child stops receiving nutrients, which leads to oxygen starvation. If the vein is compressed for a long time, then problems with pregnancy and childbirth are possible. Therefore, the question of whether pregnant women can sleep on their backs in the 3rd trimester disappears by itself.

You can sleep on your stomach for up to 3 months, until the uterus and fetus extend beyond the pelvis. Until this period, a woman is allowed to sleep in her favorite position, but this is not always possible due to the high sensitivity of the breasts. Starting from the second trimester, you should forget about resting on your stomach for the benefit of the baby.

To ensure a complete vacation, a pregnant woman should adhere to several rules. An unusual position at first will affect the quality of sleep; you need to make sure that the body is completely rested at night.

Proper nutrition plays a huge role during pregnancy; there is no room for overeating. It is recommended to eat food often, but in small portions. It is better to limit trips to the kitchen three hours before bedtime, this also applies to mineral water and caffeinated drinks. But a glass of warm milk with honey will calm the expectant mother and have a beneficial effect on night's rest.

Do not neglect physical exercises for pregnant women, which should be performed during the day so as not to burden the body before bed.

Before going to bed, it is better to stop watching TV and reading books. Calm music is perfect to help you relax and fall asleep.

Every expectant mother should have a daily routine and stick to it, going to bed and waking up at the same time. In order not to suffer from insomnia, you should forget about naps during the day.

A short walk before bed and a ventilated room will make your sleep sounder and deeper.

You should only take a warm shower, excluding hot water.

A pregnant woman's clothing should be pleasant to the touch, made of natural material, and not restrict movement.

Taking sleeping pills that negatively affect the child’s health is strictly prohibited. The question of whether pregnant women can sleep on their back or not can only be answered in more detail by the attending physician.

source

While expecting a baby, many women refuse to sleep on their back, explaining this by feeling unwell and fearing for the baby’s health. Are there any risks in this situation? Why shouldn’t pregnant women sleep on their backs, and what position should they choose to sleep during this difficult period?

In the supine position, a pregnant woman can safely sleep until she is 14-16 weeks pregnant. Problems can only arise with severe toxicosis. In the supine position, nausea increases, the urge to vomit appears, and the general well-being of the expectant mother worsens. In case of severe toxicosis in the first trimester, you should refrain from lying on your back.

It is not recommended for pregnant women to sleep on their back after 16 weeks. At this time, the uterus extends beyond the womb and with its entire mass presses on the abdominal organs. The inferior vena cava, one of the largest vessels in the human body, also gets the treatment. When the vena cava is compressed by the growing uterus, quite unpleasant symptoms occur:

noise in ears;
flickering of flies before the eyes;
dyspnea;
labored breathing;
increased heart rate;
drop in blood pressure;
loss of consciousness.

The position on the back is also unfavorable for the baby. When the inferior vena cava is compressed, blood supply to the pelvic organs and placenta slows down, and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus is disrupted. Hypoxia develops, the rate of physical development decreases, which naturally affects the child’s health after birth. The conclusion is simple: you should not sleep on your back after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

The expectant mother can sleep on her stomach only until she is 10-12 weeks pregnant. In the first trimester, as long as the uterus does not extend beyond the pubic bone, this position will be completely safe for the growing baby. In the early stages, the prone position may even be beneficial for the woman. In this position, the manifestations of toxicosis are reduced, sleep improves, and the load on the spine is reduced. Many women sleep well only on their stomachs, with their arms stretched out in front of them or placed under their heads.

After 12 weeks you should not sleep on your stomach. In the second trimester, the uterus grows and extends beyond the pelvis, settling in the abdominal cavity. In the prone position, the woman puts all her weight on the baby in her womb. This position is dangerous for the fetus and is not permissible in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman wants to lie on her stomach, you can sit between large bolsters or pillows, covering yourself with a soft cloth on all sides. In this position there is no load on the abdomen, and there is no compression of the uterus, placenta and fetus. It is not recommended to remain in the prone position (even between pillows) for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

Lying on the left or right side is the most comfortable position during pregnancy. In this position, the pelvic and abdominal organs are not compressed, the blood flow in the placenta is not disrupted, and the baby does not suffer. You can sleep on your side from the moment of conception until birth.

The choice of a comfortable side in the lateral position will depend on the sensations of the expectant mother. Many women are unable to sleep on their right side during pregnancy. Here are the liver and gallbladder, important organs of the digestive system. When they are compressed, heartburn and abdominal pain appear, and intestinal motility increases. The appearance of any unpleasant symptoms is a reason to change your body position and carefully roll over onto your left side.

When choosing a comfortable sleeping position, a pregnant woman should adhere to some rules:

Up to 12 weeks you are allowed to sleep in any comfortable position.
After 12 weeks you should not sleep on your stomach.
In the third trimester, all examinations lying on the back should be carried out quite carefully. If you feel worse, you should change your position (turn over on your side).
The optimal sleeping position during pregnancy is on the left side. In this position, the left leg should be extended and the right leg bent at the knee. In this position, the load on the abdominal muscles is reduced and the uterus relaxes.
You should not sleep on a surface that is too hard or on a surface that is too soft. The mattress for sleeping should be of medium hardness, without dips or unevenness.
You should not sleep in one position for a long time. It is necessary to change position every 2-4 hours.
For comfort, you can use special pillows.

Maternity pillows are the best assistant for the expectant mother. Special pillows look like horseshoe-shaped cushions from 140 to 220 cm long. The pillows are filled with safe materials - synthetic fluff or holofiber. The pillow can be placed under the lower back or placed between the legs in a side position. Such pillows relieve stress on the spine, relieve tension from the back muscles and create conditions for a restful, comfortable sleep. After childbirth, pillows will help a woman find a comfortable position for feeding her baby.

source

What position should a pregnant woman take for a restful sleep? Obstetricians urge you to get used to the position on your side. This article explains why pregnant women should not sleep on their back.

In the first trimester, it is no different for a pregnant woman how to spend a night's rest.
She can fall asleep in her favorite position
.

However, doctors advise changing habits and learning to sleep on your side. While the belly is small, the embryo is protected from external influences by the amniotic sac, and the uterus does not significantly compress the organs and blood vessels.

Therefore, there is no need to change the usual position during this period of gestation.

This is interesting! Why does insomnia occur during pregnancy in the third trimester?

A woman preparing to become a mother can still lie on her back or side without consequences. The prone position is also allowed, but up to 80–85 days.

The uterus enlarges, this position leads to its compression. In the first third of pregnancy, the breasts begin to swell, which is accompanied by sore nipples, so there are problems sleeping on a growing belly, and the pregnant woman shifts onto her back.

However, after three months the uterus grows rapidly. When a pregnant woman stays with her stomach up for a long time, the uterus puts pressure on the spinal cord and begins to compress large vessels. Therefore, when a pregnant woman lies for a long time, she needs to change her position more often. Prolonged supine position causes compression of blood vessels

and congestion leading to diseases.

How to sleep in the last months of pregnancy

In the third trimester, the tummy becomes large, more often you want to lie down and take a comfortable position. At this stage, heartburn, nasal congestion, and heavy breathing become a frequent companion of pregnant women. You need to lie down on a high pillow so that the upper body is raised.

What positions are prohibited for sleeping?

It is forbidden to fall asleep on your stomach after 27 weeks.
Firstly, this will be an uncomfortable position in the future, due to the rapidly growing belly. Secondly, the pressure on the child is so strong that it can make negative adjustments to his development. When you lie on your back, blood circulation is impaired, as well as excessive stress on the spine. In this position, the intestines begin to work unstably, which can result in constipation. In order not to harm your body and your developing baby, sleeping on your back and stomach is not recommended.

How many hours is best for sleep?

Adjust your rest and wake schedule.
Sleep at night from 22.00 to 7.00 - this is 9 hours of good rest.
Daytime rest should last 2 hours.
Let your body rest as much as possible.

What poses to choose for comfort

The position in which a woman was used to falling asleep before she was pregnant often becomes uncomfortable in her new state.
In an uncomfortable position, cramps and numbness of the limbs may occur. You have to look for a comfortable position. Recommendations on how to choose a comfortable position:

Try lying on your left side.
Place several small pillows under your knee, lower back, and under your head.
Roll over to the other side when you experience pain in the lower back and hips.
Place a large pillow under your back so that your upper torso is well above your legs.

What to do if a woman is used to sleeping on her back?

Firstly, to get rid of this habit, which will become harmful during pregnancy, you need to prepare for proper sleep in advance. It is advisable to try to sleep on your side already at the stage of pregnancy planning.

Secondly, you can purchase a special pillow for pregnant women, which allows you to sleep on your side. The pillow is very soft and comfortable: it acts as both support and support for the legs, and reminds mom that it is better not to roll over onto her back.

Finally, you can simply ask your husband to pay attention to his sleeping position if he wakes up, and remind him to turn over.

Additional comfort during pregnancy while sleeping: which pillows will help you sleep

Hormonal changes in the body are accompanied by a desire to sleep, but it is impossible to choose a comfortable position. For a pleasant sleep, pregnant women are offered various accessories in the form of bolsters. Maternity pillows have different shapes: U (horseshoe), C (Bagel), G (letter g). Not everyone understands their role, but it will be an excellent assistant when feeding your baby in the future.

This pillow will add comfort during rest and sleep, because it has a comfortable shape, pleasant to the touch, and hypoallergenic. In addition, the pillow evenly distributes the load on the spine.

Prone position

Recommendations for food and fluid before bed

Many expectant mothers neglect the rules of proper nutrition, and in the last weeks of pregnancy they cannot deny themselves cakes, pies and sweets.
Weight is growing before our eyes, volumes are increasing, and at the same time it is becoming harder to breathe and walk. Try to adhere to healthy eating rules. Excessive overeating in the evening puts a strain on the digestive system, disrupts sleep, and accumulates fat deposits.

Don't overeat at night. Heaviness in the abdomen makes breathing difficult. At night you need to go to bed a little hungry, then a sound sleep is guaranteed.

Recommendations for eating before bed:

Don't overeat at night.
Organize your last meal 2 hours before bedtime.
You can't eat sweets and flour.
The chocolate will be deposited in the fat.
Nuts, dried apricots, prunes are too high in calories for an evening snack.
If you feel hungry, you can eat cottage cheese.
Do not eat fatty, salty foods.
Eliminate spices.

During the day, the volume of liquid consumed by a pregnant woman should not exceed 3 glasses.
Before going to bed, it is best to give up liquids. If you drink a large amount of liquid before going to bed, the bladder puts pressure on the uterus, so the frequent urge to urinate will not give you the opportunity to fully rest.

Recommendations for drinking fluids before bed:

Drink green tea 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Do not drink mineral salt water.
The volume of liquid before bed should be no more than ½ glass.
You can drink a glass of kefir.
A glass of milk with half a teaspoon of honey will help you sleep.
If you have insomnia, drink chamomile tea.
Coffee and black tea disrupt sleep.

Take a walk in the park before going to bed, ventilate the room, choose a comfortable sleeping position - all this together will help you have a good rest. Pregnancy doctors recommend organizing a stable daily routine: going to sleep at the same hours every day, falling asleep on your left side and, if necessary, using accessories for pregnant women.

What else you need to consider for a good sleep

Each woman must choose the optimal sleeping position herself, relying on her internal sensations and the general recommendations of the doctor. But for good sleep it is also important to follow some recommendations:

do not eat food 3 hours before going to bed;
minimize the number of stressful situations, do not become emotionally overtired;
before going to bed, you can drink a glass of unpasteurized milk with a teaspoon of honey;
use special orthopedic pillows;
walk more in the fresh air, do light exercise (discuss the details with your doctor).

And remember that for better sleep during pregnancy, you should not use sleeping pills and sedatives.
They can negatively affect the general condition of the fetus. Did you know? Scientists and doctors agree: sleeping on the left side during pregnancy improves blood circulation and relaxes the heart muscle. But an article was published in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology in which scientists confirmed the data that sleeping on the left side relieves heartburn.

So, we have listed the reasons why you should not sleep on your back in the second half of the interesting period, and indicated how to wean yourself from this habit.

Try to lead an active lifestyle and listen to your doctor’s recommendations, and then problems with the spine, bladder and intestines will not bother you.

Video about sleeping positions during pregnancy

During the second trimester, a pregnant woman's body undergoes serious changes. The release of progesterone makes the pelvic bones and vertebrae softer and looser, and the uterus gradually increases in size. The fetus gains weight and begins to put pressure on the woman’s internal organs.

A standing or sitting woman does not feel much discomfort. But in the supine position, the enlarged uterus with the growing fetus puts pressure on the spine and the vena cava running along it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

The larger the belly, the stronger the pressure becomes. Pinching the vein disrupts blood circulation, the woman experiences a condition close to fainting. Her breathing quickens, her arms and legs go numb, and she begins to feel dizzy. In some cases, a pregnant woman may lose consciousness, which is especially dangerous during sleep. Compression of the vena cava is especially dangerous for women who are prone to varicose veins, thrombosis and edema.

Another trouble -

pressure on the pelvic organs

. Lying on your back can cause urinary incontinence, which occurs when the bladder is compressed. A woman may experience heartburn, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms. The supine position often causes

nagging pain in the lower back

. This is especially true for women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or have spinal problems (kyphosis or lordosis).

You can find out more about the best sleeping positions by watching a short video.

Share your experience, what sleeping positions were most comfortable for you during pregnancy? Have you used a pregnancy pillow? Did you have trouble sleeping in the third trimester and how did you deal with it? Any experience of expectant mothers will be useful for our readers.

Pregnancy affects many of your body's organs and functions, including sleep, which can become irregular and difficult during the nine months you're pregnant. In order for a pregnant woman to completely relax and regain her strength, she must sleep at least 8 hours a day. Oddly enough, in order to sleep soundly, you must start taking care of it in the morning. A person’s lifestyle and daily routine largely determine the quality of sleep.

Abdominal support – Place a pillow under your stomach or between your knees. It can be a special pregnancy pillow available in the market or just a simple pillow for every home. Instead of pillows, a large warm blanket folded several times is also suitable.
In case of shortness of breath, if you sleep on one side, place a pillow under your upper body. This will lift your chest and make it easier to breathe.
For heartburn, sleep on an elevated pillow to cut off the path of heartburn to the esophagus.
Quiet walks in the fresh air before bedtime, and room ventilation promote rapid sleep.
If you live in a noisy metropolis, then the sounds of nature will help you relax and prepare for a restful sleep. They can be recorded on a mobile phone or player. Under the rustling of leaves, birdsong, the sound of the river or the sound of the surf, both mother and restless child easily fall asleep. Warm milk with honey ensures good sleep. This drink has a mild sedative effect and is not dangerous for a pregnant woman.
Don't be too tired. Excessive fatigue can have the opposite effect than expected and lead to insomnia instead of sound sleep.
If you have trouble sleeping, you will have to give up your daily mid-day rest, even if you are used to it and need it. Perhaps this measure will help you solve the problem of night sleep.
Do moderate exercise throughout the day. Very useful: swimming, dancing, walking or special exercises for pregnant women.
To sleep soundly and soundly, you should not eat heavy food in the evening or engage in active physical or mental work. There is no need to make plans for the night, have unpleasant conversations, make serious decisions, or watch difficult movies.
If your feet are cold, which often happens in pregnant women, go to bed in socks.
Buy comfortable sleepwear that will allow you to move around but will keep you warm on cold nights.
There should be a comfortable mattress.
Ventilate the bedroom well and ensure a comfortable temperature. These indicators are individual for everyone, so nothing specific can be said.

And don't forget - don't worry if you want to move freely in bed. Leave your body relaxed rather than waking up every 30 minutes fearing you're not on the right side. Pregnant women need good sleep.

For an expectant mother, it is necessary to sleep 8-10 hours at night, and, if necessary, take several half-hour daytime sleep breaks. If a woman does not sleep enough, the immune system deteriorates, mood changes occur, and appetite decreases. This can negatively affect the health of the expectant mother and the development of the child. So find the optimal sleeping position and get enough sleep!

Perhaps, first of all, it is necessary to talk about this, because a pregnant woman spends quite a significant part of her life lying down. She needs to get better sleep, and during the day, every now and then the expectant mother allows herself to lie down, for example, read or watch her favorite movie.

How to lie down correctly when pregnant?

The optimal position for a pregnant woman is to lie on her right side. In this way, a position is achieved where all organs are in the best position and do not interfere with each other. To make you more comfortable, you can place a blanket or small pillow between your legs. This way, the best relaxation is achieved and the body is completely rested.

Can pregnant women lie on their stomach?

Many women like to lie on their stomach before pregnancy. But, starting from the middle of the second trimester of pregnancy, it is better not to do this, since by this time the tummy is already noticeably enlarged and the pelvic bones no longer protect the uterus. And by turning over on your stomach, you put a lot of pressure on her with your weight.

To make it easier for pregnant women to control themselves while the tummy is not yet large enough, you can put a pillow on yourself, and as it increases, you yourself will stop turning over onto your stomach, because it will simply become uncomfortable for you.

Experts say that the position of a sleeping mother affects what personal qualities and abilities the newborn will have. That is, when going to bed, the mother must understand that her baby needs comfort and choose a rest option that is convenient for both of them. Factors influencing the well-being of the child and mother are:

sleep duration;
comfort of posture;
psychological condition;
illnesses, fatigue, overwork.

Toxicosis, metabolic disorders, and frequent urge to go to the toilet can interfere with good sleep. But there are moments that a pregnant woman herself can prevent, that is, sleep as much as the body requires, eliminate stress, physical and psychological stress, and uncomfortable or harmful positions.

Many people ask whether a pregnant woman can sleep on her back. Because this pose is the most familiar and difficult to give up. Whether this should be done and when you should stop sleeping on your back, there are detailed explanations from experts about this.

Due to the increased stress on the body during pregnancy, every night of a woman should be a useful time for rest, sufficient to restore the resources wasted during the day. You need to go to bed with these thoughts and avoid lack of sleep, because it can cause the development of various ailments.

Drive aside all the disturbing thoughts that prevent you from falling asleep, calm down so that your heartbeat normalizes and breathe calmly. Remember pleasant situations, this helps fight insomnia, which is the real enemy of a pregnant woman. It leads to chronic fatigue, daytime lethargy and depression.

You need to know as much as possible about sleeping positions. Those who like to sleep on their stomach and back will have to temporarily abandon such positions. This is dictated by the creation of safe conditions for pregnancy, the mother herself and the fetus.

In an “interesting position,” the expectant mother involuntarily thinks about what position is considered the best in her particular situation. On the stomach is not allowed, on the back after a certain period of time is undesirable, then the only option left is to lie on the side.

You should only sleep on your right side for short periods of time. Doctors recommend that while waiting for a baby, you prefer to sleep on your left side. The reasons why pregnant women should not sleep on their back and right side are similar. The only difference is that when lying on the right side, the vena cava may be slightly compressed.

Side position

Which pillow to choose?

Each woman chooses a pillow for herself: one prefers to place flat, small pillows under her head and legs, the other prefers to squeeze it between her legs, thereby relieving tension from the pelvic area.

Comfortable position

Let's take a closer look at which pillow for pregnant women is best for resting with.

The modern market offers various types of pillows. For example, there are universal models that are filled with polystyrene beads. Their appearance resembles a banana or a moon. The advantage of such a pillow is that it provides a truly complete, comfortable sleep, and after the birth of the baby it can be used during feeding.
If you don’t want to buy a large, voluminous pillow specifically for your “interesting position,” a large soft toy will easily help you. A pregnant woman can also sleep quite comfortably on it, either under her head or between her legs.
If you like to do everything yourself or you simply don’t have enough money, you can sew a pillow yourself. You just need to remember that it should be about 2 meters long and 1 meter wide. Polystyrene balls can be purchased in advance at a furniture or hardware store. Do not stuff the pillow too tightly, as it is better for a pregnant woman to sleep with a soft base. The cover can be made of cotton with a zipper so that it can be washed if necessary.

The back is not the best position for sleeping

The first trimester of the “interesting position” does not require any restrictions, so the pregnant woman herself can choose which position is best for her to sleep in. However, after the 20th week it is necessary to limit the “dorsal” position.

Let's figure out why pregnant women shouldn't sleep on their backs.

Between the uterus and the spine is the inferior vena cava - this is the largest vessel through which blood circulates from the torso and legs to the heart. If, under the weight of a grown fetus, amniotic fluid, or a heavy uterus, this organ is compressed, inferior vena cava syndrome will occur. This situation is very dangerous, as it implies a sharp drop in the volume of circulating blood, as with heavy blood loss.
A long stay in this position is fraught with the following symptoms: dizziness, severe weakness, a feeling of lack of oxygen, loss of consciousness, a sharp drop in blood pressure up to hypovolemic shock.
The embryo experiences a severe lack of oxygen, its condition progressively worsens.
If a multiple pregnancy or polyhydramnios has been diagnosed, then the expectant mother needs to abandon this position after the first trimester. This recommendation is also relevant when the fetal head is low and there is a threat of abortion.

If while awake a woman can quickly feel a bad condition and change her position, then in a dream the body’s protective reaction works more slowly. As a result, mother and baby can be seriously harmed.

Sit on your side

Let's look at what positions a pregnant woman can sleep in by trimester.

Trimester	Position	Description
First	At this time, a woman can afford to sleep as she likes. But it’s better to start changing your habits, so it’s better to give up the position on your stomach. It is better to choose the left side for sleeping to reduce the load on the kidneys. As for your back, you can sleep as much as you want.
Second	side	The second trimester already requires giving up sleeping on your back, as the stomach is already beginning to produce pressure and can compress the vena cava, preventing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. It is best to sleep on your left side with a pregnancy pillow between your legs. This way you will ensure comfortable, deep sleep for yourself and your baby.
Third	side	This period involves lying only on your side, since this position ensures that the baby receives oxygen and nutrients. Moreover, there is no pressure in the liver area, which is located on the right, and the back does not hurt. If a transverse presentation is observed, it is recommended to sleep on the side where the baby’s head is located.

Which side is better?

Regarding which side is best for pregnant women to sleep on, all doctors agree that it is the left side. It has been proven more than once that the left side provides:

better blood circulation in the body;
cephalic presentation of the baby;
If you sleep like this all the time, the baby will never turn over into a breech position, which is most important for the last trimesters.

If a woman really wants to lie on her back, then it is necessary to maintain an intermediate position. This is easy to do if you place a pillow on one side.

Dangers of incorrect positioning

Improper sleeping position can cause many problems and pathologies. Let's take a closer look at why pregnant women can't sleep in certain positions and whether pregnant women can sleep on their stomachs.

Why you should not sleep on your back during pregnancy:

difficulty breathing occurs;
blood pressure decreases;
blood circulation and blood flow to the uterus become difficult;
there is pain in the back;
hemorrhoids develop and worsen;
under the weight of the baby, compression occurs on the vessels located behind the uterus - the inferior vena cava and the aorta;
There is a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

Let's find out how to sleep better during pregnancy. Sleeping on the right side can cause:

poor blood circulation from mother to baby;
compression of the arteries under the weight of the uterus;
lack of oxygen and nutrients for the baby.

The child himself reacts to this position of the mother. After 10 minutes, it begins to signal a lack of oxygen with active tremors. You should immediately change your body position.

Sleeping on your stomach:

poses a direct threat to the life of the child;
may cause miscarriage;
may cause bleeding.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

The question of why pregnant women should not lie on their back interests many pregnant women. The thing is that starting literally from the 3rd month of pregnancy, the uterus greatly increases in volume. Therefore, in a lying position, this organ partially puts pressure on the spine and large blood vessels passing next to it.

What happens in a pregnant woman's body when lying on her back?

In order to understand why you can’t lie on your back during pregnancy, you need to look at the peculiarities of human anatomy. A large blood vessel called the inferior vena cava runs near the spine. It is through it that blood rises from the lower torso to the heart.

As a result of its compression, blood flow decreases sharply. As a result, the expectant mother may complain of a feeling of lack of air. At the same time, breathing becomes more frequent, and its character becomes intermittent. Often pregnant women notice the appearance of spots before their eyes, dizziness, increased heart rate and increased sweating. When these signs appear, the woman needs to roll over on her side.

What relationship exists between the position of the mother’s body and the condition of the fetus?

Pregnant women should not lie on their backs also because this may negatively affect the well-being of the fetus.

As a result of compression of the vein, blood flow is disrupted. As a result, a baby is needed for his normal life and development.

What body position is safe during pregnancy?

Having talked about why you can’t lie on your back during pregnancy, let’s find out what body position is safe for the expectant mother and her baby.

Pregnancy is one of the most crucial periods in the life of every woman. Expectant mothers begin to look for answers to a variety of questions in order to carry their baby as safely as possible.

Many people are tormented by the question of whether it is possible to sleep on their back during an interesting period. This will be discussed in this article.

There are several unpleasant consequences of sleeping on your back:

increased pressure on important blood vessels
. When lying on your back, the uterus begins to compress the inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in the entire body. It is she who rapidly delivers blood flow to the left ventricle of the heart, and then to the lungs. If the vena cava is compressed for a long time, then with a high degree of probability the woman will have impaired blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart, dizziness will begin, and breathing problems will also arise. In addition, in such a situation, the pulse drops almost twice, which can cause hypoxia. The fetus will receive insufficient nutrition, and oxygen starvation may begin;

Important!
With regular compression of the inferior vena cava, the expectant mother may develop varicose veins in the legs.
. The uterus will constantly put pressure on the spine, as a result of which important arteries and nerve endings will begin to be pinched in it. This is fraught with impaired blood pressure, dizziness, back and lower back pain. And since the spinal cord controls many vital functions, harm to the fetus and its proper development is possible;

The uterus creates increased pressure on the bladder and intestines
. The fetus is constantly growing, and the center of gravity is constantly changing. When the expectant mother sleeps on her back, the uterus will put pressure on the bladder and intestines, resulting in the need to constantly visit the toilet. In addition, frequent pressure on the intestines can lead to indigestion, constipation or diarrhea.

In addition, sleeping on your back in the second half of pregnancy can lead to tachycardia, irregular heart rhythm, and the development of hemorrhoids.