Sleeping positions during pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, it may become difficult to find a comfortable position in bed with your baby and womb growing in size. 

Sleeping on the side
It is ideal to sleep on your side when you are pregnant. While either side is safe to sleep on, your left side is the best as this position helps to increase the amount of blood and nutrients that get to the placenta and Your Child. Sleeping on the left might reduce the already low risk of a stillbirth even further. 

Sleeping on your back
It is not ideal for you to sleep on your back during pregnancy — especially in the second and third trimester — because this position can lower blood pressure and decrease blood circulation to your heart and the baby. The reason is that the growing womb ends up resting on the intestines and major blood vessels called the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. 

Sleeping on your stomach
It’s usually fine to sleep on your belly, but as your pregnancy progresses, it becomes uncomfortable. If you’re afraid that this position may end up hurting the baby, don’t be. Even at nine months, the uterine walls provide enough protection for the little one.

What will happen next?
By the third trimester, you should start your sleep on your side, but if you naturally end up on your back, don’t panic; just reposition to the side again. Use several head pillows or a large body pillow or pregnancy pillow to get comfortable. Always keep your back well supported with pillows, and elevate your head to prevent heartburn and allow for easier breathing. Try to avoid too much water before bed to limit nighttime trips to the bathroom.