We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Latest update:Medically reviewed for accuracy. Why is sleep so important during pregnancy? What is the best position to sleep in pregnancy? What if you wake up sleeping on your back in pregnancy? Is not getting enough sleep harmful to me or my baby? Now that you need a good night’s sleep more than ever, it’s unfortunately harder than ever to get. Finding a comfortable sleep position can be challenging with your growing bump, and not every position works during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know to stay comfortable and safe.Why is sleep so important during pregnancy? Sleep is the time when your body resets and repairs itself. It’s when your brain makes memories, making it an ally in your battle against baby brain. It’s how your blood vessels restore themselves, which is especially important now that they’re under increased pressure from the extra blood flow required to support your baby.
Sleep also keeps your immune system – which is suppressed to support your pregnancy – healthy. And sleep controls how your body reacts to insulin; not getting enough results in a higher blood sugar level, upping your risk of gestational diabetes. What is the best position to sleep in pregnancy? Experts have traditionally said that the best sleep position when you’re expecting is on your left side – though your right is also perfectly acceptable. Past your first trimester, it becomes impossible to lie on your stomach for obvious reasons.Many experts also recommend that you avoid lying flat on your back all night long (but don’t worry if you roll over during the night and wake up that way). However, some experts now say that pregnant moms can sleep in any position that’s comfortable for them rather than worry too much about it one way or another. Trusted SourceCleveland ClinicExactly How Bad Is It to Sleep on Your Back When You%u2019re Pregnant?
Some experts recommend pregnant women avoid sleeping on their backs during the second and third trimesters. Why? The back sleep position rests the entire weight of the growing uterus and baby on your back, your intestines and your vena cava, the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from your lower body. In the past, the thought was that lying on your side optimized blood return to your heart and thus optimized oxygenated blood getting to your baby. But some experts now say that there’s no real difference in outcomes to babies of mom’s who sleep minimal time on their back or most of the time of their back. If you talked with your provider and they recommend side sleeping for you, it’s a good idea to follow their guidance. During the second and and third trimesters, sleeping on either side – preferably the left, Best Pillow for Neck Pain if possible – is considered by some experts to be ideal for you and your baby-to-be.This position allows for maximum blood flow and nutrients to the placenta (which means less pressure on the vena cava) and enhances kidney function, which means better elimination of waste products and less swelling in your feet, ankles and hands.Looking for tailored sleep guidance through every trimester?
The What to Expect app helps you track and optimize your nightly routine, discover expert-backed safe sleeping positions, and connect with other expectant moms about getting better Zzzs – download it now for your best sleep yet. Not used to lying on your side? Or always been a side-sleeper – but can’t seem to get any rest now that you’re expecting? Use lots of pillows. Try crossing one leg over the other and putting one pillow between them and another pillow behind your back – or any other combination that helps you sleep.Get Derila Official a special pillow. For extra support, try using a wedge-shaped pillow or a 5-foot full-body pregnancy pillow.Prop yourself up. If pillows don’t help, try sleeping in a semi-upright position in a recliner (if you have one) instead of the bed. Keep in mind, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable for Get Derila Official a few nights or even a few weeks.
Your body will most likely adjust to a new position given time.What if you wake up sleeping on your back in pregnancy? Very few people stay in one position throughout the night. If you wake up sleeping on your back during pregnancy, or on your stomach, don’t worry (repeat: don’t worry). No harm done.The fact that you woke up in the first place is probably your pregnant body’s way of telling you to change positions (and maybe go to the bathroom again, another common pregnancy Derila Sleep Aid problem).Is not getting enough sleep harmful to me or my baby? The vast majority of women do have some trouble sleeping, so try not to stress if you’re not getting as much solid shut-eye as you were pre-pregnancy. That said, research has shown that women who chronically hit the sack for fewer than six hours a night may have longer labors and be more likely to need C-sections.Untreated sleep apnea, where breathing is disrupted frequently throughout the night leading to poor sleep and night waking, has been linked to pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and low birth weight.