Changes are constant when you are pregnant. As your stomach grows, your ability to perform normally simple tasks can change and even be truncated. This also can affect how you sleep at night: The added weight in your belly can make your usual sleeping position uncomfortable to maintain. But how you sleep also can affect your child, including the blood flow your baby receives during the night. This puts more importance on how you choose to position yourself at night.
Step 1
Lie on your left side, if possible. In general, either side is preferable to lying on your back or stomach, but lying on your left side will improve blood flow to the placenta and your baby.
Step 2
Bend your knees and legs at night and place a pillow between your legs; this will reduce the stress placed on your back and spine, thus reducing the risk or severity of back pain from your sleeping position.
Step 3
Place a second pillow underneath your abdomen to support your stomach weight and further reduce strain on your back. This is a good approach if you are suffering from back pain late in your pregnancy.
Step 4
Add extra pillows under your upper body if you are suffering from heartburn at night. Elevating the upper body will reduce the flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not lie on your back or stomach when pregnant. This can reduce blood flow to your baby, and as you get bigger lying on your back can lead to increased snoring and sleep apnea. Lying on your stomach puts a lot of body weight on the baby, and as you get bigger it will be difficult to maintain this position.
Things You'll Need
- Pillow
