Safe Sleep During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and poor sleep often go hand-in-hand. But just because you’re pregnant, you don’t need to count on disrupted sleep. Work with your healthcare provider and use some simple strategies for safe shut-eye.
Get your shuteye
As your baby grows in your uterus, you shouldn’t lie on your back. This position puts pressure on the inferior vena cava. This is a major vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart. This extra pressure on your back and intestines can cause discomfort. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy. This would put too much pressure on your baby.
Experts say that you should sleep on your side during pregnancy, especially the left side. It’s thought that this allows for the most blood flow to your baby. It may also improve your kidney function. If your kidneys work better, this may help reduce swelling.
Place a pillow between your knees to help you sleep more comfortably on your side. If possible, start sleeping on your side by about 20 weeks or 5 months. But don’t worry if you wake up on your back. Just change positions and go back to sleep.
Online Medical Reviewer: Bowers, Nancy, RN, BSN, MPHFoley, Maryann, RN, BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 4/27/2016
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Conditions
- 5 Pregnancy Myths
- Avoid Getting Stuck with Constipation
- Be Wary of These Three Items
- Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
- Ease Nausea with Natural Remedies
- Ease the Aches of Pregnancy with Exercise
- For the Sake of Your Baby, Skip the Alcohol
- For Twins or More: What to Consider in Your Third Trimester
- Gentle Approach Can Beat Pregnancy-Related Hair Loss
- Having Multiples? Take Extra Care in the First Trimester
- Healthy Habits Are Extra Important During Pregnancy
- How are Low Birthweight and Smoking Related?
- How to Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy
- How to Handle Dizziness During Pregnancy
- How to Keep Gestational Diabetes at Bay
- Keeping Up with the 9-to-5
- Lifting the Burden of Pregnancy Depression
- Manage Issues in the Workplace
- Managing Gestational Diabetes
- Managing Your Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Medicine and Pregnancy Don't Always Mix
- Pregnancy and Oral Health
- Pregnancy and Skin Changes
- Pregnancy: Common Questions
- Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible
- Pregnancy Safety for You and Your Little One
- Pregnant? Why You Should Know About Lead
- Steps to Reduce the Pressure on Your Legs
- Take Precautions When You Travel
- Take to the Water for Exercise
- What Dad Can Expect When You’re Expecting