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What are the best positions for sleep?
I am six months pregnant. I was told that I should sleep only on my side. Does it really matter what position I sleep in?
There are a few exceptions: If a mother is suffering from a high risk complication such as pre-eclampsia, premature labour or placental insufficiency, which necessitates partial or full bed rest, then the best position for her would be lying on the side. Also, during labour, uterine contractions have a propensity to cause fluctuations in uterine-placental blood flow. During this time, it is also best for the mother to lie on her side. When the heavy uterus rests against the aorta (the largest artery we have) and blood flow may be already compromised -- lying on one's back is not recommended. Also, perfusion of the blood through the kidneys is most efficient when the mother lies on her left side.
However, 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. We can’t control this when we are asleep. Her bladder often necessitates one or more trips to the bathroom in the night anyway!
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.
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 at all.
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