http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/0,
,midwife_4606,00.html
I am six-months-pregnant. I was told
that I should sleep only on my side. Is
this really true?
There is a great deal of misinformation on
this topic. I will answer some of the most
common questions about safe sleep during
pregnancy.
1. What position is best for sleep?
Expecting moms should sleep and rest in
whatever position they are the most
comfortable.
2. Are there exceptions to this rule?
There are a few exceptions: If a mother is
suffering from a high risk complication
such as preeclampsia, preterm labor or
placental insufficiency, which
necessitates partial of full bedrest, then
the best position for her would be
side-lying. In addition, during labor,
uterine contractions can cause
fluctuations in uterine-placental blood
flow. During this time, it is best for the
mother to lie on her side. When the heavy
uterus rests against the aorta -- and
blood flow may be already compromised --
lying on one's back is not recommended.
3. Is it safe to sleep on my back?
During regular sleep intervals, it is fine
for a mother to lie on her back. During
the night, people frequently shift their
positions, so it is unlikely that a mother
would sleep the entire night flat on her
back. Her bladder often necessitates one
or more trips to the bathroom anyway!
Learn More.
4. How about sleeping on my belly?
Even sleeping on your abdomen is quite
safe in pregnancy. At some point, this
will become uncomfortable. You may need to
support an upper leg with pillows and lie
more on your side after the beginning of
the second trimester.
Learn More.
5. Are these positions really safe for my
unborn baby?
You should feel that any sleep position
that is comfortable for you is fine during
pregnancy. The human female body is
uniquely prepared for such positions and
they will not put the baby in jeopardy.
6. Will my baby be uncomfortable in
certain positions?
Babies don't feel "discomfort" in their
positions as we do. They are floating in a
weightless environment and have ample room
for stretching. So, don't worry about
baby's comfort, but about your own.
7. How can I get comfortable and get the
rest I need?
Your mattress should be firm enough to
support your curves. It is helpful to have
a pillow or two between the legs so that
the upper leg is even with the hip bone.
Mothers in the later stages of pregnancy
need to shift positions more frequently so
they do not get the same amount of sleep
in eight hours that their partners do. You
will also need rest periods and naps
during the day to stay well rested during
pregnancy.
Hope this helps!
Becky x
