Best sleeping positions for pregnant women
Sleeping positions can be a concern for pregnant women, especially as pregnancy progresses and sleep becomes harder to come by.
Most experts agree that once the abdomen starts to expand, it is best to sleep on the left side with knees bent.
This position is not only more comfortable, but it also helps improve blood flow for the pregnant person and the fetus.
However, some experts advise pregnant people to choose the sleep position that is most comfortable for them during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
It is important to note that sleeping on the back or side through the 30th week of pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of stillbirth, reduced size at birth, or high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy.
However, there is a balance between sleeping in the safest position and getting as much good quality sleep as possible, which isn’t always easy in late pregnancy even without SPD/PGP.
Here are some tips to help pregnant women find a comfortable sleeping positio;
Bend your knees.
Use a pillow between your legs to relieve the stress on your back.
Use a donut-shaped pillow (with a hole in the middle) to sleep comfortably on your stomach.
Keep in mind that you may not stay in one position all night, and rotating positions is fine.
It is recommended to avoid sleeping on the stomach when you are farther along in your pregnancy, as it can be uncomfortable due to tender breasts and a growing abdomen.
The best sleep position during pregnancy is “SOS” (sleep on side), particularly on the left side with knees bent.