Learning to sleep properly. Can pregnant women sleep on their stomach? What position should a pregnant woman sleep in: advice from doctors. Can a pregnant woman sleep on her back?

Pregnant women are forced to comply with many restrictions: this applies to medications, physical activity, and nutrition. Expectant mothers should even sleep according to the rules. The correct sleeping position affects both the baby and the mother’s well-being, because at night the body, especially one that has become much heavier over several months, needs to rest. It seems that the most optimal position is on the back, but is this really so?

How to sleep during pregnancy

- in the early stages

Despite the fact that the first trimester is considered the most dangerous for the embryo, it is at this time that there are no restrictions on sleep for the mother. You can sleep in any position, because the fetus is still too small and does not put pressure on the uterus and neighboring organs.

The main thing is to be comfortable and have enough time for proper rest.

However, it is better to accustom yourself to sleep on your side from the first weeks of pregnancy, abandoning the position on your back and stomach. This will make it easier for the expectant mother in the later stages.

- in later stages

From about the middle of the second trimester, a pregnant woman’s belly becomes noticeable, but even earlier, from the 13th week, the size of the fetus causes the uterus to increase, pressing on neighboring organs.

From now on, you should not sleep on your back: there is a risk of squeezing the inferior vena cava, which runs through the spine.

Of course, when the belly begins to grow, you can no longer sleep on your stomach. This position puts a lot of pressure on the fetus. The most optimal position in the third trimester is on the left side, because... the kidney on the right is being compressed. Your legs should be placed one on top of the other or a pillow or bolster should be pressed between them.

In general, a woman needs to listen to her feelings. If after sleep she feels relaxed and full of energy, it means that the child was comfortable “spending the night” in this position. Sometimes the baby begins to kick and push while the mother is sleeping, which may indicate discomfort. In this way he is trying to tell his mother that it would not hurt to lie down differently.

In the last 1-2 weeks of pregnancy, doctors recommend sleeping half-sitting.

Why is it dangerous to sleep on your back later in life?

The main reason why it is forbidden to sleep on your back from the 3rd month of pregnancy is the pressure of the fetus on the blood vessels and spine. In the place where the uterus is located, the spine bends, i.e. it seems to be in contact with her if the woman lies on her back. Severe pain and heaviness appear in the back, pressure increases, swelling and stiffness appear in the muscles.

Compressed blood vessels affect blood circulation: the child does not receive enough nutrients, and the mother does not supply the tissues with the necessary amount of oxygen. If you lie on your back for a long time, the lack of oxygen to the brain can even lead to loss of consciousness.

The closer to childbirth, the more dangerous it is to lie on your back. The inferior vena cava, which transports blood from the lower body to the heart, is clamped. As a result, the mother may feel weak, dizzy, have trouble breathing, darkened vision, and shortness of breath. In this case, you need to immediately turn over on your side and lie there for several minutes. Your health will improve instantly.

Compression of the vena cava is fraught with the development of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Also, sleeping on your back provokes excessive stress on the bladder, so the woman will have to often run to the toilet, which also negatively affects the condition of the expectant mother. The liver, kidneys, and intestines suffer.

When sleeping and lying on his back, the child experiences an acute lack of oxygen, which is very dangerous.

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.

What influences the position of the mother's body?

The position of the mother's body affects, first of all, her well-being. A pregnant woman experiences enormous stress when walking, so it is very important to have a good rest while sleeping. During the day, the legs and spine are subject to the greatest tests, and if the body is positioned incorrectly at night, the spine will hurt even more.

If the position of the woman’s body does not suit the baby, he will feel discomfort and try to change his own position. As a result of such manipulations, the baby may take a position that is not suitable for the birth process. This is called pelvic or transverse presentation of the fetus.

When the expectant mother lies on her left side, her organs and blood vessels are not compressed. The child receives all the necessary nutrients, and the spine rests.

It is also very important to rise correctly. This should be done slowly, gradually, without jerks or sudden movements. First, you need to lie down for a few minutes after waking up, then turn on the side that is closest to the descent from the bed, lower your feet to the floor and then get up.

Expectant mothers should always take care of themselves and their baby, even while sleeping. It is very important to choose the right pajamas, natural bed linen, ventilate the room well, but also not to forget about a comfortable position. During pregnancy, it is forbidden to sleep on your stomach, and from the 13th week - on your back. This position puts enormous pressure on the mother’s internal organs, and the baby does not receive the required amount of oxygen.

This position will not allow a woman to get a good night’s sleep and rest, because the load on the spine when sleeping on her back is colossal. It is best to sleep on your left side with a soft pillow between your legs.

Especially for Elena TOLOCHIK

All nine months of pregnancy are accompanied by numerous “don’ts.” Doctors limit certain foods, alcoholic drinks, and vigorous physical activity. Even some sleeping positions are prohibited.

A growing belly and a general change in the body poses multiple problems for a pregnant woman: how to properly go to bed in the third trimester and in the early stages, is it possible to fall asleep on your back during pregnancy, and which side is preferable to lie on - left or right.

If a big belly prevents you from sleeping, expert advice will help solve this problem.

Pregnancy is characterized by a sharp increase in the need for sleep. A pregnant woman, who is not even aware of her interesting situation, notices that at any free moment she is just waiting for the moment to lay her head on the pillow and take a little nap. “I sleep all the time,” is how women describe their condition.

This desire is associated with the physiological changes that accompany any pregnancy.

Immediately after conception, the hormone progesterone begins to be actively produced, as a result of which the pregnant woman feels constant fatigue, lack of initiative and, of course, drowsiness.

Good to know! If a pregnant woman wants to take a nap during the day, it is better to satisfy this need. Otherwise, the right decision is to increase your vitality, for example, by drinking a cup of a tonic drink - green tea.

Late pregnancy is again accompanied by drowsiness. This condition is also quite natural, since a woman needs to gain strength before labor and prepare for further events.

Sometimes pregnant women have to sleep 15-20 hours a day, interrupting only to eat.

In the second trimester, a pregnant woman may experience insomnia, since a sharply rounded belly disrupts all previous ones and prevents the woman from sleeping on it.

The way out of this situation is to sleep on the right or left side.

Beginning of pregnancy

In the early stages, a pregnant woman can choose her usual position - on the left or right side, the stomach or back is also suitable.

The chosen position is not able to affect the development of the child, since the fetus is still surrounded by the small pelvis.

Some pregnant women find it uncomfortable to sleep on their stomach, as the mammary glands become very sensitive and react painfully to such a position.

You can sleep on your back in the first trimester of pregnancy, but this position often increases nausea.

By the 14th week, pregnant women need to develop the habit of napping on their side. During this period, sleeping on the stomach is dangerous for the fetus, despite the muscular protection and “airbag” in the form of the amniotic sac. In addition, this position increases the risk of increased tone.

In the second trimester, doctors allow you to sleep on your back. The child is still small, and the uterus is not large enough to put pressure on the diaphragm and spinal column in this position.

If the baby starts to move, it is better to change position. During this period, it is better for a pregnant woman to lie on her side, ideally on the left, but the right side is also allowed.

By the end of pregnancy, sleeping on an impressive tummy or back is excluded; you can sleep correctly on your left side, additionally placing a soft cushion (or) under your right lower limb bent at the knee.

This situation has a number of advantages:

  1. Placental blood flow improves, which means that the child receives the amount of oxygen and other essential elements necessary for full development.
  2. The urinary system works optimally, which helps reduce swelling of the upper and lower extremities (this problem is especially relevant in the last weeks of pregnancy).
  3. The enlarged uterus does not put so much pressure on the liver.
  4. Unpleasant, lingering pain in the pelvic region and lower back stops.
  5. The entire cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman’s body works better, which avoids various problems with high blood pressure, arterial or venous circulation.

But not all pregnant women manage to sleep peacefully on their left side.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, sometimes you have to choose the right side. This is true if the fetal presentation is transverse. “Right-sided” sleep in this case helps the child lie down correctly.

As already mentioned, in the first weeks you can take a nap in any position, but if your pregnancy has passed the 22-week mark, you can forget about sweet dreams on your back. What are the risks for a pregnant woman in this position?

  1. The uterus begins to compress internal organs, including the intestines. This leads to problems with its emptying and increased gas formation.
  2. Loading of the lower back can lead to pain in the area of ​​the spinal column and pelvis. The pain can be different - both constantly aching and sharp, “shooting”.
  3. This position threatens the course of pregnancy, so a pregnant woman who says “I only sleep on my back” risks her health. In this position, the inferior vena cava is compressed, allowing blood to move from the legs to the upper body. In this case, pregnant women need help, as negative signs develop such as:
    • lack of oxygen;
    • a sharp drop in blood pressure;
    • dizziness;
    • disturbance of consciousness.
  4. Pregnancy is a period when the well-being of the child depends on the condition of the mother. If a pregnant woman constantly sleeps on her back, it can be argued that the fetus does not receive the required amount of oxygen. As a result of such fasting, hypoxia can develop, resulting in impaired formation of the child’s body. After childbirth, the child eats poorly, sleeps poorly, and is characterized by increased anxiety.

If a pregnant woman is expecting two or more children or the pregnancy is accompanied by polyhydramnios, it is better not to sleep on your back from the 14th week. This advice is relevant if the baby’s head is very low and there is a risk of spontaneous abortion.

It doesn’t matter what month a woman is in, proper rest is required both at the beginning and at the end of the period of bearing a child. To regain strength and sleep, a pregnant woman should carefully read the following useful tips.

  1. Do not use sedatives or sleeping pills without prior approval from your doctor. Each medication can negatively affect the condition of the fetus.
  2. Before going to bed, avoid drinking drinks containing the tonic substance caffeine. It is important to give up both strong coffee and green tea.
  3. A couple of hours before falling asleep, do not eat anything (especially heavy food) to avoid heaviness in your stomach. You should also reduce the amount of liquid consumed three to four hours before going to bed.
  4. An evening walk is a good opportunity to get some air, get distracted and get some exercise. However, pregnant women should avoid excessive exercise.
  5. Maintaining a daily routine is important for good sleep. Try to train yourself to fall asleep and open your eyes at a strictly defined time.
  6. Sudden cramps can provoke insomnia and frequent getting up at night. In this case, you should consult a doctor who will recommend relaxing massage movements, including foods with calcium or special medications in your diet.
  7. “I don’t sleep because I’m afraid of childbirth,” is how many women explain their sleep problems. If you are still afraid of the maternity hospital, take courses for expectant mothers and talk to positive friends who have already given birth.
  8. The right pillows for pregnant women can improve the quality of sleep. Rollers of various shapes are available for sale - horseshoe, bagel, banana, etc. They allow you to sit comfortably on the bed and place your tummy in a cozy “nest.”

The correct position will help ensure proper sleep.

It is important to remember that the closer you are to childbirth, the more dangerous it is to sleep on your back and stomach. The best position is on your side, right or left (whichever is more comfortable).

This habit should be developed already in the first trimester, and to sleep even better, you can purchase a special pillow. Pleasant dreams!

Hello, I am Nadezhda Plotnikova. Having successfully completed her studies at SUSU as a specialized psychologist, she devoted several years to working with children with developmental problems and consulting parents on issues of raising children. I use the experience gained, among other things, in creating articles of a psychological nature. Of course, I in no way claim to be the ultimate truth, but I hope that my articles will help dear readers deal with any difficulties.

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.

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Features of pregnant women's sleep

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

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.

From what date should a woman adjust her nightly rest? Obstetricians recommend starting in the initial trimester, although the need for this arises in the second. The vessels supplying blood to the heart are compressed. A woman may feel dizzy and even lose consciousness.

How to sleep late in life? In the last third of pregnancy, sleeping on your back causes compression of the portal vein massive uterus. The expectant mother suffocates in her sleep, and the embryo experiences the same sensations. The situation is corrected by turning on its side.

How to sleep more comfortably

During pregnancy, nuances that the woman had not previously taken into account become decisive. The state of health depends on the duration of sleep and position. A comfortable position should be considered when the pregnant woman and the embryo are comfortable. If he doesn’t get enough blood, the mother will feel bad too. Short-term hypoxia occurs, which is corrected by changing body position. Doctors prohibit pregnant women from lying on their backs from the twenty-eighth week.

While the abdomen is small, the uterus is protected from external influences by the skeleton of the small pelvis. Is it possible to lie on your back during pregnancy in the initial weeks?

Of course it is allowed. While the belly is small, the uterus is protected from external influences pelvic bone.

As the size of the abdomen increases, the woman will not be able to lie on it, so she will have to choose a lateral or dorsal position.

Sleeping on your back during pregnancy becomes uncomfortable - lumbar pain appears and blood pressure rises. A woman experiences fatigue as a result of chronic lack of sleep.

If signs of discomfort occur, the position must be changed. Why shouldn't pregnant women sleep on their backs? Because the uncomfortable position will force her to wake up and change her position.

Is it possible to lie on your back during pregnancy? Obstetricians recommend that expectant mothers not be allowed to remain in this position for a long time during daytime rest and night sleep. The pregnant woman will be awakened or forced to involuntarily change position by discomfort or lumbar pain. The woman tosses and turns and looks for a comfortable position on her side.

Which side should you lie down on? Most Gynecologists consider the left side safe and comfortable. For convenience, it is recommended to place one leg on top of the other, placing an additional pillow between them. Why shouldn't pregnant women sleep on their backs? Because this position causes discomfort in the embryo in the womb. He moves, does not allow the mother to fall asleep, and she is forced to take a position in which the unborn child will no longer bother her. In addition, the following points must be taken into account:

  • the functioning of the digestive tract is disrupted;
  • blood pressure decreases, which is accompanied by nausea and dizziness;
  • there is a threat of varicose veins in the legs, thrombophlebitis cannot be ruled out.

Important! When a pregnant woman rests on her back, the massive uterus compresses the blood vessels, which causes hypoxia of the embryo and maternal organs. There is a risk of fainting, varicose veins, and thrombophlebitis.

The procedure for getting up and lying down is important. Initially considered correct smoothly lift your torso from a position lying on your side, lower your legs from the bed, stand up slowly. In this case, there will be no shaking of the uterus, it will not contract, and blood pressure will remain normal.

Most obstetricians believe that sleeping on the left side is considered comfortable and safe for the unborn child and his mother.

This will allow avoid pressure from the heavy uterus on the liver and right kidney.

Otherwise, the ureters are pinched, and urine stagnation develops. A situation is created that is favorable to the occurrence of pyelonephritis.

The pregnant woman bends her left arm at the elbow, and places her right arm over her stomach. This position allows you to reduce the load on the spinal cord and organs.

It is most practical to lie on your left side, bending one side of the arm at the elbow, and the right one over the stomach. Sleeping on your back during pregnancy will not last long. Unpleasant sensations will force the woman to change her position. A few more tips:

  • You should not put your hands under your head - they will become numb.
  • Your legs should be bent, with your knees positioned diagonally from your body.

The accepted position will make it more comfortable pillow designed for pregnant women. It is customary to place it under the knees. The dimensions of the accessory purchased at an orthopedic pharmacy are selected arbitrarily. The pillow is placed under the stomach or back to give the body a comfortable position. The device helps reduce leg swelling that occurs when sleeping.

A pillow or rolled up towel is placed under the raised feet. It is necessary to select the appropriate elasticity of the bed, as well as its density.

How should an expectant mother sleep in the last stages of pregnancy? Feather beds and beds with metal mesh are excluded. Choose a mattress that is elastic and supports the body well.

High pillows are replaced with orthopedic ones. This allows the cervical vertebrae to relax, which prevents the occurrence.

A thinner pillow is placed under the stomach, a thicker and larger pillow is placed between the legs. The left one needs to be extended, the right one needs to be bent at the knee. In this case, swollen limbs bother the pregnant woman less, and the load on the lower back and pelvis is reduced.

Important! To improve the regulation of body position during night rest, special headboards for pregnant women are used. When there is no desire or opportunity to purchase all the options, they settle on the universal one. This pillow supports your stomach, allows you to rest your back, and can be useful when feeding your unborn child.

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Women wonder how to sleep during pregnancy starting from the first weeks. At the end of pregnancy, a woman may suffer from heartburn, insomnia, and nighttime calf muscle cramps. Therefore, the choice of position is very important for normal sleep, as well as for the comfort of the mother and fetus. How to sleep correctly so as not to harm the child? Sometimes you have to radically change your habits, especially in the 9th month of pregnancy, for this you can use the help of special sleeping pillows and other devices.

The daily routine and proper preparation for bed have a positive effect on the normal state of a pregnant woman in the morning. A broken state, as well as insomnia and lethargy, negatively affect the physiological processes that occur during this difficult period in a woman’s body.

  1. You can't get overtired. The expectant mother must take care of herself, because her fatigue affects the baby too. In addition, the result of such fatigue can be insomnia. Those who are tired also sleep poorly.
  2. Try not to sleep during the day. This is necessary so that your night's sleep is not disturbed. It is important that the woman understands that not only I am sleeping, but also my child.
  3. Physical exercise. Taking care of yourself does not mean sitting in one place all day. It is necessary to move, but for this it is advisable to choose moderate physical activity. Special exercises for pregnant women, as well as gymnastics and swimming, are suitable. A mandatory walk in the evening will help you relax before bed.
  4. Proper nutrition. There is no need to eat heavy and fatty foods, and before bed it is better to eat an apple or a glass of kefir - this is good nutrition. A full stomach does not contribute to normal sleep.
  5. Taking a warm bath. Ideally, add essential oils or calming herbs.
  6. Do not drink liquids. While pregnant, a woman has to empty her bladder more often. To prevent this from causing poor sleep, try drinking less before bed and more in the morning.
  7. Massage. A foot massage before bed is especially effective if you suffer from cramps.

If you maintain a normal sleep schedule and maintain a healthy lifestyle, sleep problems may not arise. Towards the end of pregnancy, inconveniences appear more often, but they are also easy to deal with. The main thing is that if you cannot sleep, go to the doctor and do not prescribe sleeping pills yourself. This can negatively affect your baby's health.

Sleep is the key to the health of both mother and child. Therefore, it is important to establish it well and follow all parts of a healthy lifestyle; you can do light gymnastics to raise your tone and mood. Yoga for pregnant women may be the best option. It is important to know how not to sleep during pregnancy; this knowledge will help keep the body in good shape.

Each trimester of pregnancy is marked by its own characteristics. Therefore, sleep proceeds differently. Body position also affects the fetus differently, because the fetus itself grows and can be located in different directions. The position in which you successfully fell asleep and slept soundly before may not be suitable for you during pregnancy. How to sleep during pregnancy depends on the trimester.


  1. First trimester. Until 12 weeks pregnant, a woman may not even know she is pregnant. In the first trimester, no special changes occur, at least visible ones. I don’t even think about how to sleep. During early pregnancy, the uterus is not yet so enlarged as to interfere with sleep. The size of the fruit is also very small. True, breast sensitivity may already appear. In any case, you can sleep in any position; it will not harm your baby in any way. But, nevertheless, if you are a big fan of sleeping on your stomach, you need to wean yourself in the early stages, as it will be more difficult to do later. It is worth noting that the first three months are characterized by constant drowsiness, since the nervous system is depressed.
  2. Second trimester. In this trimester of pregnancy, the uterus is already enlarged and the belly is visible. This means that the size of the fetus increases. This begins to happen at 15 weeks of pregnancy. At the same time, the general well-being of the expectant mother improves. The nausea goes away, the mood returns to normal, and there are still no problems with weight or pain in the spine. In order not to crush the baby with your weight, you need to stop sleeping on your stomach. How can you lie on your stomach, realizing that your baby is inside? For many women, this position itself becomes uncomfortable, and they easily abandon it. In the second trimester, the ideal position is on the back, since the weight of the fetus does not yet cause discomfort to the mother. When the 2nd trimester ends, with a strong increase in the baby’s weight, as well as with the appearance of the first movements, you should lie on your side.
  3. Third trimester. How to sleep at 9 months? The most inconvenient period for a woman in terms of sleep. It is no longer advisable to sleep on your back, so you need to sleep on your left side. Sleeping on the right side may be uncomfortable for the fetus. Therefore, we sleep, which is good for both of us. Sleeping on the back is contraindicated, since the heavy weight of the child can lead to back pain and the development of hemorrhoids in the expectant mother. Mom falls asleep more and more difficultly and wakes up frequently. Blood pressure also decreases and problems with the intestines and digestion may appear. This happens due to compression of a large vein on the back while sleeping. You should also focus on the fetal reaction. If the child begins to push intensely, it means that he is uncomfortable or lacks oxygen. This is an indicator that the pregnant woman should roll over. This situation most often occurs if you sleep on your right side. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby may well be born. This will be a premature birth, but the baby may be born quite healthy. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, children appear in multiple pregnancies. In order not to provoke this process yourself, you should be careful. At 35 weeks of pregnancy, training contractions may begin, which are preparation for childbirth. This may interfere with sleep. Also, at the 8th month of pregnancy, heartburn, lower back pain, and anxious thoughts appear. All this leads to poor sleep quality and frequent waking up. This characterizes the eighth and ninth months. At 35 weeks of pregnancy, childbirth can already lead to the birth of a completely healthy baby.

What position to sleep in during pregnancy should depend on the position of the fetus. If the fruit lies across, then you should fall asleep on the side where the head is located. If the baby has a breech presentation, it is also advisable to sleep on the left side. How to sleep when pregnant with twins? Exactly the same, only a little longer. In such a situation, recovery time is required. Whether it is possible to sleep in a familiar position, your intuition will answer you, since in most cases a woman herself feels the correct position, depending on the position of the baby, for example, on the right or left.

In any case, when you go to sleep on your side during pregnancy, it is important to consider not only your comfort, but also the safety of the baby. Your well-being also depends on the correct position of your body. It is better to sleep on your side during pregnancy, preferably on the left, but if you are more comfortable sleeping on your right side, this will not hurt either.

Sleeping in early pregnancy is not as difficult as sleeping late in the 33rd week of pregnancy. Most mothers say: “I can’t” in the last weeks.

To make you feel comfortable during any trimester of pregnancy and to learn to sleep in a comfortable position, you can choose a special pillow. You can sleep with such accessories, and then use them during the day to rest and feed your baby.

They come in several forms, each of which is convenient in its own way:

These pillows can not only help you control your sleeping position, but will also be a great help when feeding your baby after childbirth. If towards the end of pregnancy there are problems with heartburn, then it is advisable to sleep in a semi-sitting position. This is convenient if you have a high pillow.

Pay close attention to the mattress you rest on. Firstly, it should be of medium hardness, and secondly, for pregnant women it should be orthopedic so that you can get maximum sleep and relaxation. If during an interesting situation the expectant mother continues to sleep with her husband, then when choosing a mattress you need to pay attention to its filling. When the spouse moves, the mother should not feel uncomfortable.

Sometimes for a good night's sleep you just need to choose the right accessories, including clothes made from natural materials. This is quite enough to relax as much as possible.

For the proper development of the fetus, as well as for the mother to fully restore her strength and prepare for childbirth, it is necessary to rest. How can you sleep better these nine months?

To do this, you should follow several basic rules:

A walk, a warm bath, and a lack of stress before bed will help you get a good night's sleep. The main thing is not to eat fatty foods, but also not to go to bed hungry. At the end of pregnancy, you may experience problems falling asleep, and even insomnia. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Proper sleep management will help you get enough sleep and contribute to the full development of your baby.

Pregnancy is a joyful event, but for the proper development of the child, you need to monitor nutrition and sleep, as well as adherence to all the rules of a healthy lifestyle.

Sleep is very important for a person, especially for pregnant women. After all, the healthy development of the fetus will depend on how much better a pregnant woman feels. During pregnancy, the female body constantly faces increased stress. Healthy and sound sleep will help restore strength. However, expectant mothers should know how to sleep properly in order to get a boost of vigor and energy for the whole day.

It is sometimes difficult for a pregnant woman to fall asleep and then have a “quality” sleep. The reason for this discomfort is the difficulty in choosing a sleeping position. Every person has his favorite poses that help him sleep soundly and peacefully.

If a woman is pregnant, it will be useful for her to know which position is best to choose in order to easily fall asleep without harming the unborn baby. Some pregnant women will have to give up their favorite body position for a while. It is necessary to give preference to safe positions that will not harm the health of the unborn child and the mother herself.

Preferred options

For a pregnant woman, the best position is considered to be one in which her body lies on her left side. It is this position that will not interfere with natural blood circulation, and the fetus will not put pressure on the liver. This is the only way to avoid back pain.

At night, during short awakenings, doctors advise changing body position. You should turn over from one side to the other 3-4 times a night. In addition, you need to know not only about comfortable positions, but also how to get out of bed correctly. First of all, you need to first turn on your side, then slowly sit down. Such an action will relieve the expectant mother of unwanted uterine tone (which can lead to an increased likelihood of miscarriage).

You are allowed not only to lie on your left side, but you can also lean back a little, leaning on your spine. For this purpose, you need to put a thick cushion rolled up from a blanket at the back. You can spread your legs without bending them too much at the knees, and place a special sofa cushion between them. All these actions will help you relax and fall asleep faster.

What poses are prohibited

Until three months, pregnant women are allowed to sleep in their favorite positions. However, over time you will have to rebuild to a safer position. You will have to forget about some positions during pregnancy.

This is especially true for the 3rd trimester. This is due to the fact that during this period it is strictly prohibited to sleep lying on your stomach or back, because:

  • The baby has grown noticeably,
  • the uterus compresses the intestines with the lower back,
  • compresses a vein from the system supplying blood to the lower part of the body.

In addition, a pregnant woman, due to improper positioning of the body during sleep, may then experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and breathing problems. Due to lack of oxygen, the unborn baby will begin to kick and push vigorously. That's why mom needs to know how to sleep properly during pregnancy.

Many experts and accomplished mothers give a lot of different advice on how to sleep correctly for your child and yourself. First of all, it is advisable to ventilate the room before going to bed. This will ensure a good rest.

Sleeping in such a cool room, wrapped in a warm blanket, will be pleasant and easy. For those women who follow such advice, it will be easy to fall asleep, since their fetus will constantly receive plenty of oxygen, this will lead to the overall health of both organisms. Before going to bed, it is also advisable to check your night pajamas to see if they fit comfortably. It is advisable that it be several sizes larger. There are cases when women experience insomnia precisely for this reason.

During rest, you need to use an elastic pillow so that your head does not sink and discomfort does not appear. Similar products can be purchased at a store for expectant mothers. Every woman can choose a model that will meet her taste requirements. Today, stores sell a diverse range of products: body pillow, mother's pillow, U-shaped and wedge-shaped pillows. They all differ in filling, size, and colors. These products are used to support the abdomen and back, and relieve stress on the legs.

To get a full and healthy sleep, you also need to carry out a daily “relaxation” procedure. Sleeping after the “relaxation” ritual will become much more pleasant. You should do the following exercise to help relax your body: lie on your back, close your eyes tightly, and just focus on breathing. Then you need to stretch your neck, pressing your chin to your chest, and at the same time lower your shoulders. To feel your breath, you need to place your palms on your lower abdomen. This easy exercise can be performed throughout pregnancy.

It is recommended to take a soothing shower before falling asleep. To ensure good rest, a pregnant woman should adhere to the correct daily routine. 3 hours before bedtime you are not allowed to eat or drink much. However, if a woman is constantly tormented by evening toxicosis, it is useful for her to drink a cup of herbal tea an hour before bed and eat a couple of crackers. Any active physical movements before bedtime are prohibited, but you can take a walk outside.

To avoid leg cramps at night, you should perform a massage before bed. By pinching, you can quickly relieve tired leg muscles. If a woman is worried about fears or is worried about something, she needs to consult a specialist. The doctor will give useful recommendations so that the expectant mother can have a restful night's rest.

So, healthy sleep is the key to the proper course of pregnancy, as well as normal childbirth. Insomnia can cause various complications, chronic fatigue, which will ultimately negatively affect childbirth and disrupt the health of mother and child.

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