The full gestation period for a child is 38–40 weeks. During this time, the fetus is fully formed for independent life. Sleep recommendations may vary depending on your stage of pregnancy. There are restrictions associated with the need to change your usual lifestyle.

To the question, is it possible for pregnant women to sleep on their side, the answer is yes, this is the most comfortable position

Sleep during the maturation of the unborn baby should be complete and comfortable. Therefore, questions arise whether pregnant women can sleep sitting, on the floor, on their stomach or on their back.

1. At the beginning of pregnancy, until the 12th week, you can sleep in almost any comfortable position, since the size of the fetus is still small.
2. From the 13th week, you should avoid sleeping on your back: the baby’s pressure on the internal organs increases and there is a possibility of squeezing the inferior vena cava, which runs through the entire spine.
3. In the third trimester, it is best to sleep on the left side, since the kidney on the right is compressed.
4. You should not sleep on your stomach during pregnancy: this position puts a lot of pressure on the fetus.

When looking for a comfortable position, pay attention to how you feel. If lying on your side or back you feel that your condition is worsening, unpleasant symptoms begin to appear, you should choose a different position.

The position during sleep should be pleasant and comfortable for both mother and baby. If your baby begins to actively push when you settle down to sleep, he may not like your position.

Is it possible to sleep on the floor while pregnant?

Having received the answer to the question whether pregnant women can sleep on their back or stomach, choose a suitable place to sleep. There are no exact and strict criteria for choosing a mattress, as well as prohibitions on sleeping on a flat, hard surface.

When choosing a place for a good rest, consider several factors:

• If you are buying a new mattress, it is better to choose an orthopedic version of medium hardness, as this will allow you to correctly distribute the load along the spine.
• If you want to sleep on the floor, place pillows under your stomach and legs to make it comfortable not only for you, but also for your child.

The main thing is that the expectant mother’s sleep is long and comfortable. If, when you wake up, you feel that your legs or arms are numb, change the mattress or position, and also purchase a special pillow for pregnant women.

After pregnancy, natural changes occur in a woman’s life. New sensations, food preferences, and physiological changes prepare you for the status of a future mother. The restrictions also affect lifestyle; alcohol, coffee, fatty, spicy foods are prohibited.

From the moment of conception, a woman should be attentive to her health, avoid physical and emotional stress, and stressful situations. The gradual development of the fetus and increased workload require the pregnant woman to choose the right sleeping positions.

How to sleep at different stages of pregnancy

The state of the nervous system, which regulates all processes in the body, primarily depends on quality rest. Adequate sleep ensures complete recovery and psycho-emotional balance. Depending on the period, the woman will feel natural changes associated with the process of gestation.

How to sleep during pregnancy:

• in the first trimester, the expectant mother may feel constant fatigue, drowsiness, a natural state associated with hormonal levels; you should not deny yourself rest at any time of the day, because it is during this period that all the systems and organs of the child are formed, and overwork is dangerous by reducing the natural protective functions body, up to 12 weeks a pregnant woman can sleep in any position convenient for her;
• some women in the first weeks feel increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, so they cannot sleep on their stomach, preferring a position on their back or side; with severe toxicosis, resting on the back can provoke an increase in discomfort;
• many are interested in why pregnant women should not sleep on their backs, this rule applies to the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, it is associated with the regularly increasing size of the uterus and fetus, which means an increase in pressure on organs, the cardiovascular system, in addition to unpleasant sensations, problems with the intestines may arise, digestion of food, the baby will feel a deficiency of nutrients, incorrect position during sleep can sometimes cause exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• the greatest risks are associated with pressure on the vena cava, this is one of the large vessels responsible for blood flow throughout the lower part of the body; in the third trimester, sleeping on the back can lead to gestosis, hypoxia and even the threat of premature birth;
• in case of transverse presentation of the fetus after 30 weeks, it is recommended to sleep on the side where the baby’s head is directed, this will allow the baby to take the correct position before the onset of labor;
• In order to partially reduce the load and feel more comfortable, you can use special pillows for pregnant women.

The optimal sleeping position for an expectant mother is the lateral position. This will ensure proper rest for both the woman and the developing child. Doctors recommend changing sides to maintain normal blood circulation and avoid such an unpleasant phenomenon as numbness of the limbs.

How does your sleeping position affect pregnancy?

By the second trimester, the expectant mother should develop the habit of sleeping on her side. After 12 weeks, the uterus, together with the amniotic sac and fetus, enter the active growth phase. By the 16th week, the formation of the placenta is completed, the baby feels comfortable, surrounded by amniotic fluid, protected by the muscle fibers of the abdomen and the walls of the uterus. Discomfort due to increased pressure on internal organs and the spinal column is felt primarily by women.

When the expectant mother takes a supine position, malfunctions in the functioning of systems and organs begin to occur. The impact on the digestive system leads to heartburn, flatulence, constipation, which often provoke hemorrhoids. Load in the lumbar region causes regular back pain; it can be either aching or acute, or become chronic. The impact on the excretory system leads to disturbances in the outflow of fluid, swelling of the legs and arms appears.

What are the dangers of sleeping on your back during pregnancy?

• pressure on the vena cava causes a violation of the integrity of the entire blood flow, a woman may feel a lack of air, weakness, dizziness, increased sweating occurs, pathological changes affect several systems - cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory;
• oxygen deficiency also affects the condition of the fetus, an imbalance of gas exchange leads to hypoxia, intoxication, dangerous deviations in the formation of basic systems and organs, damage to the nervous system of varying degrees of severity, in the future this may affect the child’s cognitive abilities, increased anxiety, and developmental delays.

If a pregnant woman sleeps on her side, regularly changing position, the risks of developing heartburn, swelling, and toxicosis are reduced. Normal blood circulation is maintained, all systems and organs work as an integral mechanism, and the fetus does not put stress on the musculoskeletal system.

How to ensure good sleep

It is important for expectant mothers to ensure proper rest not only for good health, but also for the formation and growth of a healthy baby. Most of the uncomfortable conditions associated with the gestation period go away on their own, you just need to get a good rest.

Tips on how to normalize sleep during pregnancy:

• You should avoid late dinners and tea parties, the last meal should not be later than 2 hours before bedtime, it is better to choose light dishes - fish, vegetables, yogurt;
• ventilate the room before going to bed, take walks in the fresh air if possible;
• in case of emotional stress, lavender essential oil helps restore internal balance; you can apply a couple of drops to a scarf and place it near the bed;
• It is recommended to go to bed at the same time, preferably before 23:00, if you follow the regime, the body will be able to fully recover;
• before going to bed, you can drink a cup of warm milk with honey, this will help you calm down and fall asleep faster;
• you need to change bed linen more often, when washing, avoid powders and rinses with fragrances, they can provoke an allergic reaction and act as a stimulant on the central nervous system;
• It is better to perform any intense loads and main activities before 17:00; in the evening it is recommended to devote time to quiet leisure;
• Pregnant women should not drink strong tea or coffee, the caffeine content interferes with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, and also excites the nervous system, preventing healthy, full sleep.

A pregnancy pillow will help you find a comfortable position that allows you to maintain the normal functioning of all systems and organs. There are different sizes and models, you can take it with you on a trip, and also use it for a comfortable sleep for your baby after birth.

The key to proper rest and good health of the expectant mother is healthy sleep. Not only the woman’s condition, but also the formation of her baby depends on the choice of position. You can sleep on your back only in the early stages; in the second and third trimester, a woman should choose a position on her side.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman has some freedom when choosing a sleeping position. Further, as the tummy increases, the choice narrows somewhat. In this article we will tell you why pregnant women should not sleep on their backs, and also suggest the safest and most comfortable positions for proper rest.

How can pregnant women not sleep?

Sleeping on a hard surface

Firstly, a bed that is too hard and inelastic is not suitable for pregnancy. The ideal option would be a high-quality mattress characterized by medium hardness.

Sleeping on your back

Secondly, we note that experts consider sleeping on your back harmful for pregnant women. If a woman does not change her habit of sleeping on her back and continues to do so during pregnancy, she risks suffering physically. In the worst case, resting in this position will lead to: pain in the back, difficulty breathing, a pathological decrease in blood pressure, disruptions in the circulatory system and complications in its flow to the uterus, the formation of hemorrhoids or an exacerbation of this disease.

If we sleep on our backs during pregnancy, this not only harms our health, but also negatively affects the condition of the developing baby. The harm from sleeping on the back increases in proportion to the child's growth. The rapidly gaining weight of the fetus puts more and more pressure on the vessels passing behind the uterus. Thus, blood flow inside the aorta and inferior vena cava is disrupted. As a result of obstructed blood circulation, the child will receive an insufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen for normal life. To ensure a safe existence for the baby in the womb, you should not sleep on your back.

Sleeping on the right side

Thirdly, we advise pregnant women to avoid sleeping on their right side. This position is also considered unfavorable, as it provokes disturbances in the general blood flow of mother and child. A heavy uterus can put pressure on the arteries, causing little supply of nutrients and vital oxygen to the fetus. In many cases, women who lie down to rest on their right side notice the baby’s dissatisfaction within 10 minutes. Due to the lack of oxygen, the child begins to move nervously and actively pushes the mother from the inside. If this happens, then you need to immediately change your position.

Sleeping on your stomach

Fourthly, sleeping on the stomach is dangerous for pregnant women at any stage. For the complete safety of the child, you need to give up not only prolonged sleep, but also short lying on your stomach. It is better to immediately get used to other positions that are more acceptable for pregnant women.

Proper sleep during pregnancy

A special pillow is required

An obstetrician-gynecologist can explain to a woman why pregnant women should not sleep on their back, but these warnings and knowledge are not enough. It is necessary to create all the conditions for comfortable sleep in other positions. We recommend that everyone acquire a specialized pillow of a suitable shape in advance. Today there are a lot of pillows on sale that are made for comfortable sleep during pregnancy.

Products shaped like the letter “U” do an excellent job of supporting the body on both sides. The back muscles are completely relaxed, the stomach is securely fixed. Pillows in the shape of the letters “C” and “I” are more compact; there are also bagel-shaped models. With them, sleeping on your side becomes more comfortable due to gentle support for the abdomen. If you prefer an L-shaped pillow, you won’t have to add an additional pillow under your head, which is not possible with some more imperfect models.

Sleeping on your left side

The optimal position for sleeping is considered to be the position of the body on the left side. This position of the body eliminates discomfort and improves blood flow in the vessels of the uterus. As long as the blood circulates well, the fetus will be healthy. The child will feel great and develop properly due to a sufficient supply of oxygen and all necessary substances.

Reclining pose

If a pregnant woman does not find a comfortable position, you can rest in a reclining position. When mommy is in this position, she is much less bothered by shortness of breath and the baby is not in danger. This is especially true for the last difficult weeks of bearing a child. At this time, the uterus is already quite heavy; it inevitably puts pressure on the diaphragm area, which can significantly complicate the mother’s breathing.

Proper organization of rest

All women should know why pregnant women should not sleep on their backs and what resting positions are most successful. You need to give mommy a healthy sleep and always give her the opportunity to get enough sleep. The fact is that during pregnancy there are significant loads and fatigue. Daily long and restful sleep in the correct position will ensure excellent health and maintain the health of the child.

To summarize, let us clarify that sleeping on a hard surface, lying on the stomach or right side, and sleeping on the back is especially harmful, has a negative impact on the body of a pregnant woman. To protect the single body of a woman and a child, you should choose a position on the right side, or for a change, rest in a reclining position, and be sure to use a specialized pillow. This indispensable device for sleeping and relaxing during pregnancy will be useful even after the birth of the baby; you can sit on the pillow for comfortable feeding of the newborn baby or positive communication with him.

Pregnant women should not sleep on their backs - this statement is partly true and has a medical basis.

The weight with an enlarging uterus is distributed unevenly due to the constantly expanding abdomen, which puts excessive stress on the spine, causing pain and discomfort.

Lying down is allowed in any position.

Lying on the stomach should be limited, since this position of the body interferes with the normal growth and development of the uterus. This is prohibited due to the high risks of complications in the child’s development.

Optimal poses are on the left and right side. Preference is given to the left side, but if there is a right presentation, it is recommended to sleep on the right side.

A woman, while expecting a child, is faced with various superstitions, one of them is not to sleep on her back, because this will lead to complications and a difficult birth. Medical rationale for this fact:

• blood stagnation;
• hypoxia (acute lack of oxygen in the fetus);
• pain;
• swelling of the soft tissues of the pelvis;
• difficulty breathing;
• heart rhythm disturbances.

The main reason for this ban is that, as a result, the physical development of the fetus is disrupted, causing various abnormalities and pathologies.

Doctors advise sleeping with your stomach up only in the early stages of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the uterus stretches and compresses the vena cava, blocking the normal blood flow. A common complication during pregnancy is varicose veins of the lower extremities, the likelihood of which increases when lying on your back for a long time.

Coming from the lower extremities to the heart, it leads to a deterioration in the general condition and loss of consciousness.

Pressure is put on the kidneys and liver, the process of urination is disrupted, and problems arise with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

How can you sleep during pregnancy?

She chooses the optimal one exclusively herself, listening to her body. For sound and healthy sleep, there are a number of simple recommendations from gynecologists:

• do not eat several hours before rest;
• drink a glass of milk with honey at night;
• do not become emotionally overworked;
• take a pose on your side;
• use special pillows.

What does it look like? Body position on the left side with the right leg bent at the knee, lying on a pillow. In this situation, the following processes occur in the body:

• restoration of blood circulation;
• complete supply of oxygen to the fetus;
• normalization of liver and kidney function;
• no pain in the spine;
• harmonious heart rhythm;

It is recommended for women with right placenta previa to develop the habit of lying on the right side; it is believed that this way the baby will be able to roll over into the desired position.

Pain in the spine, lower back and lower extremities is relieved using pillows placed at night under the part of the body where discomfort occurs.

Lying on your stomach is allowed only in the first trimester, when the tummy is not yet visible. In the future, as the fetus develops and the uterus grows, staying in this position for a long time is simply impossible and extremely dangerous. If you lie on your stomach for a long time, you can injure your baby.

Rest at night in a certain position is a habit that a person develops over the years, and it can be difficult to change. Knowing all the risks of prolonged lying on her back, a woman in this position is not always able to control herself while sleeping, constantly turning over, as a result of which voluminous pillows or bolsters from a blanket are placed for self-control.

At the slightest change, you should immediately stop sleeping on your back.

Organization of a good rest

Useful tips from gynecologists to normalize sleep and ensure proper rest for the expectant mother:

• do not use drugs with a sedative effect for insomnia;
• do not drink invigorating drinks in the evening;
• do not go to bed with a full stomach;
• take long evening walks outdoors;
• do self-massage for cramps;
• receive positive emotions.

This is a period when a woman in labor is constantly in a state of anxiety about the upcoming birth, and insomnia is quite common. It is not recommended to use medications to normalize a good night's rest and sleep; it is better to use folk recipes - teas with lemon balm and mint.

Sleeping pills are prescribed by a doctor only in cases where they lead to worsening of the condition, neuroses and threaten complications during pregnancy. Strict adherence to a daily routine helps normalize sleep.

A common symptom that is a sign of calcium deficiency in the body. If cramps occur at night, you need to get up, walk around the room, and massage your legs. To reduce the number of seizures, it is necessary to adjust the diet, consume foods of plant origin, and, if necessary, prescribe vitamin complexes with mineral elements.

Restless sleep is caused by an enlarged belly and anxious thoughts, which can be eliminated in specialized courses for pregnant women, where a woman will receive all the comprehensive information about the upcoming event - childbirth.

It is possible with the help of new, positive emotions - meeting with friends, going to the movies, a romantic dinner with your husband, going on a short trip. Fresh air promotes strong dreams; the window in the room should be constantly open in the warm season; in winter, frequent, long-term ventilation is recommended. Taking a warm bath in the evening with various herbal infusions helps calm and cause drowsiness.

For the normal course of pregnancy, the development of the child and, proper rest and calm, sound sleep are necessary. The ban on lying on your back for a long time during pregnancy is not a prejudice, but a desire to prevent the development of a number of pathologies.

This situation throughout the night threatens the following consequences - varicose veins in the legs, hemorrhoids, impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver, and deterioration of the general condition.

Developing a new habit of lying on your side if a woman is used to sleeping on her back is quite difficult. You need to start fighting it during daytime sleep, which is more sensitive than night rest.

An obstetrician-gynecologist will advise you on how to sleep properly when carrying a child and all the possible consequences of sleeping on your back or stomach.