Pregnancy does a number on a woman's body. Although most expectant mothers find the aches and pains to be worth the reward, even the most physically fit of them might find sleeping to be difficult, especially during the last trimester. Although lying on your back might be the most comfortable position for you to sleep in, it is not the healthiest for you or your baby.
Effects on the Mother
Experts recommend shifting to the side rather than sleeping on your back at the start of the second trimester. One reason for this is simply because sleeping on your back contributes to an increase in back pain. As the muscles in your back strain to carry your ever-increasing abdomen, they ache. Sleeping on your back can make the pain even more intense. In addition, sleeping on your back might contribute to low blood pressure, breathing and digestive system problems and even hemorrhoids, according to the American Pregnancy Association website.
Effects on the Baby
Sleeping on your side is better for the health of the developing fetus than sleeping on your back. When you sleep on your back, the flow of blood to the placenta is diminished because the weight of the uterus compresses the vena cava, the major vein that moves blood from the lower part of your body back to the heart.
Alternate Positions
Sleep on your side with a large pillow tucked between your knees or against your back, which will provide a bit of support. You also might want to prop up your belly with a pillow. Bend your knees slightly. If you suffer from heartburn or have trouble breathing, try sleeping in a propped-up or sitting position, or even in a comfortable recliner rather than your bed.
Considerations
Although experts say that lying on either side is fine, some recommend lying on the left side as being a bit better for the baby because this keeps the uterus off of the liver, which is on the right side. Sleeping on your left side also increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and your kidneys, according to the KidsHealth website.
