Sleeping During Pregnancy
Sleeping During Pregnancy
It’s another Saturday, another day to spend time with expectant mothers, it’s “Ante-Natal Clinic” day and one of my faves that loves asking questions just stepped in with her eyes all swollen up…
The following conversation ensued…
Me: Hello Double-decker (As I fondly call my ANC patients) did you attend night vigil yesterday?
She: Doc, I didn’t but I’m finding it really difficult to sleep this days, the baby doesn’t allow me sleep well at all
Me: How do you lie down, what’s your sleeping position?
She: Any position that allows sleep come, up, down or sideways…
Me: Can we talk about “THE BEST SLEEPING POSITION DURING PREGNANCY”
As a form of introduction, every “normal” pregnancy is expected to last for 9 months and with this is divided into 3 main stages, i.e
- First Trimester
This is the 1st 3 months of pregnancy and at this stage, sleeping in any position is generally fine due to the abdomen is not so big but it’s always advised one starts practicing the right way on time.
- Second Trimester
This is the 2nd 3 months of pregnancy (i.e 4th month-6th month) and at this stage woman’s abdomen has become big and would definitely find it difficult sleeping in any position she likes.
- Third Trimester
This is the final 3 months before delivery and that is the 7th month to the 9th month.
BEST SLEEPING POSITION DURING PREGNANCY FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTER
It is simply called “S.O.S” which simply means “SLEEPING ON SIDE” and not “Save our Souls”.
Sleeping on either the left or the right is ok but most preferably, sleeping on the left side remains the best for both mother and child.
Sleeping on the left increases the amount of blood and nutrients that gets to the placenta then the baby.
Sleeping on the left also takes away pressure from some of the woman’s internal organs such as the liver and kidneys giving them more room to function and preventing swelling of the hands and feet that often happens in pregnancy.
Back pain is normally associated with pregnancy but this can be relieved by keeping legs and knees bent and putting pillow between both legs.
SLEEPING POSITIONS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
- Sleeping On Your Back
– This should be avoided as it causes difficulties in breathing, back aches, low blood pressure and it endangers the unborn child as there is reduced circulation to the heart then to the baby.
- Sleeping On Your Stomach
– This can be done early in pregnancy when the abdomen is still flat but as pregnancy progresses, it’s not advisable.
“SLEEPING ON SIDE PREFERABLY THE LEFT REMAINS THE BEST IN PREGNANCY”
We wish every expectant mother a happy journey till delivery…
Stay Safe During This Pandemic
Written by : Dr. Remi
THANK YOU SO MUCH.. THIS IS HELPFUL