Feb 2
Note: All information on this blog is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
The Following are various facts and figures compiled from the internet, the credit should go the Original Contributors.
Last night Vanitha had trouble sleeping and also did not know the right position to sleep, so here goes some insight on sleeping positions for a Pregnant Woman.
During pregnancy you may find yourself wrestling in bed trying to get comfortable before falling asleep. Unfortunately, your regular sleep positions may no longer work for you during pregnancy
Often women wonder if it is alright to sleep on their tummy during pregnancy. Sad to inform you pregnant ladies out there but sleeping on the belly and on the back are not the best positions for you during your pregnancy months. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is one of the reasons why women become sleep deprived in the later part of their pregnancies.
Why is it so Uncomfortable to sleep in my regular position?
When you are pregnant your body goes through a variety of changes. These changes tend to disrupt your usual peaceful slumber. Some of the reasons are :-
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Increased size of abdomen
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Back pain
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Heartburn
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Shortness of breath
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Insomnia
Then What is Best Position to Sleep ?
The best sleep position during pregnancy is “SOS” (sleep on side)
Can I Sleep on either Side?
It is always better in pregnancy to sleep in the left lateral position.
What are the advantages of sleeping in this postion ( Left Lateral Position )?
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It improves the flow of blood
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It improves the flow of nutrients to the placenta
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It helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body
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That, in turn, reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands.
What Position should You should avoid during Pregnancy?
Sleeping on your back & Sleeping on your stomach:
Why?
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As your belly expands, sleeping on your expanded belly not only becomes impossible; it is also uncomfortable (don’t worry your baby won’t get squashed inside should you sleep on your belly)
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The back position causes the entire weight of your pregnant uterus to rest on your back, intestines and the two major blood vessels. A fair share of complications may result in the mother because of this.
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Backaches and hemorrhoids worsen, digestion becomes less efficient, breathing becomes difficult and low blood pressure may occur.
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If you rest on your back the large vein or vena cava which transports blood from the lower body to the heart will be affected.
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When resting on your back even for a short while, prop up your upper body with pillows to reduce the pressure on the vena cava. This is essential as any interference with blood supply to the placenta means nutrients and oxygen supply to the fetus will be affected.
Check out this really Informative Video
Tips to Sleep Better During Pregnancy – with Gretchen Siegchrist http://video.about.com/pregnancy/Sleep-Better-During-Pregnancy.htm
Some Links & Resources on Sleeping Positions:-
The Pregnancy Period: Mother & Baby Safety
Pregnancy is generally associated with joy. Safety should also be a primary concern during the pregnancy period.
The first three months of the pregnancy period require particular care. Mothers-to-be should try to avoid medication for the nausea that is linked with pregnancy. They should learn as much as they can about pregnancy so that they are well prepared for the hormonal and body changes, mood swings, etc.
A happy atmosphere should be maintained around the pregnant mother-to-be. She should eat well, exercise – and get ready to enjoy her motherhood!
This is quite normal in the early stages of pregnancy period, when a woman’s body is preparing herself to meet the requirement of new life, which is growing inside her womb. However, to give a birth of healthier baby, a woman needs to be strong during her pregnancy. Every woman should be careful that the development of baby would be affected by her anxiety in pregnancy.