Why you shouldn't sleep on your back during pregnancy. What sleeping position is suitable for pregnant women? Is it possible for pregnant women to sleep reclining on their backs?

30.04.2024 -

With the onset of pregnancy, the expectant mother begins to lead a completely different life, with some restrictions. Sometimes they are very significant and primarily concern all bad habits - from now on they should not exist until the woman gives birth and finishes breastfeeding the baby. But the restrictions also cover other areas of the life of the expectant mother - they relate to nutrition, some sports, and even the position of her body in her sleep.

And if the fact that as the belly grows it is forbidden to sleep on it is obvious, then many questions arise regarding other positions in sleep. For example, is it possible to sleep on your back during pregnancy, how can this be dangerous for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby?

Should you sleep on your back during pregnancy?

With the onset of pregnancy, many expectant mothers report increased fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness. This is the body's reaction to a new position for it. It is best to listen to your feelings and rest whenever possible.

In general, expectant mothers have no questions regarding... Obviously, as it grows, it becomes dangerous, and simply inconvenient. However, in the early stages, the position of the expectant mother during sleep does not matter at all!

When should you not sleep on your back during pregnancy?

The first trimester is the very period when you can sleep on your back during pregnancy without fear of any consequences. The fact is that the embryo is still too small, it is reliably protected by the pelvic bones, so there is no chance that the expectant mother will cause any harm to it with an incorrect position during sleep.

However, now you need to gradually accustom yourself to the fact that soon there will only be 2 positions left that are acceptable during pregnancy - on the left and right sides. Already from the second trimester, the expectant mother should be able to control herself in her sleep, since lying both on her stomach and on her back can cause serious harm to her health and the health of the unborn baby.

The dangers of sleeping on your back during pregnancy

From about the 12th week of pregnancy, the size of the uterus already reaches such a size that the position of the expectant mother’s body directly begins to influence the condition of the baby in her stomach. She is already feeling uncomfortable and psychologically scared to lie on her stomach. Experts say that this position can provoke uterine hypertonicity.

The favorite position on the back is also not only undesirable - it is extremely dangerous. In this position, significant changes occur in the functioning of the internal organs of a pregnant woman, the cause of which is an increase in pressure from the growing uterus.

Pressure on the intestines provokes the development of constipation and gas accumulation, which leads to bloating and severe pain. Such disorders are quite common in pregnant women, so lying on your back, of course, is not worth provoking their development.
The load on the spine and lumbar region leads to back pain. Possible disruption of the kidneys, which, in turn, causes edema. Both back pain and swelling are also constant companions of pregnancy, and regular sleep on your back can aggravate the situation.
The load on the inferior vena cava is the main reason why pregnant women are contraindicated to sleep on their backs. The inferior vena cava is a large blood vessel that helps drain blood from the lower torso to the heart. If its functioning is disrupted, a pregnant woman experiences symptoms:

acute lack of oxygen;
breathing problems;
dizziness;
cold sweat;
increased heart rate.

In other words, when the outflow of blood through the inferior vena cava is obstructed, the expectant mother experiences all the signs of fainting, moreover, while lying down. Such symptoms indicate a malfunction of several systems at once - cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory.

But that is not all. The condition of the fetus in the womb also deteriorates significantly. Due to impaired blood flow, it receives insufficient amounts of oxygen and essential nutrients necessary for normal development. Regular sleeping of the expectant mother on her back can lead to the development of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, which, in turn, can lead to:

congenital pathologies of the formation of internal organs;
serious damage to the central nervous system.

After birth, the newborn may experience:

growth retardation;
developmental delay;
sleep disorders.

All of the above consequences can be avoided if the expectant mother sleeps on her side. The left side is preferable, but in the case of transverse presentation, doctors recommend sleeping on the side in which the baby’s head is located. This way he will have a better chance of taking the correct position in the tummy so that the birth goes as it should.

What to do if a woman is used to sleeping on her back

Even in everyday life, sleep is very important for many internal processes, so ideally a person should sleep about 8 hours a day. A pregnant woman should know this and doubly try to follow this simple and at the same time complex rule.

But what if there are only restrictions all around? How can an expectant mother relax?

Now every maternity store sells special pillows for expectant mothers. Some may find the price tag too high, but it's worth it. Such a pillow will provide the mother with a comfortable sleep on either side, relieve the load on the lower back in a sitting position, and will become an invaluable assistant in feeding a newborn baby. If you can't buy a pillow, you can roll up the blanket and use it in a similar way.
Before going to bed, it is better to ventilate the room thoroughly, and if the weather is good outside and the expectant mother is not afraid of drafts, then sleeping with the window open would be an excellent solution.
Evening walks in the fresh air are also good. It’s better to be in a pleasant company; pregnant women should not walk long distances alone. An alternative is a warm pool. It will take the load off a tired back, make a woman feel light again, relax her and prepare her for sleep.
You should not overeat at night, especially heavy food. Discomfort and heaviness in the abdomen will greatly complicate night sleep.
In addition, 3 hours before bedtime you should limit the consumption of any liquid, as in this case it can cause swelling.
For the best health, the expectant mother should try to sleep about 8 hours a day, go to bed and get up at the same time.

In general, if a pregnant woman follows the recommendations given, she will be guaranteed a comfortable sleep, and the lack of choice of sleeping position will not seem stressful to her.

Of course, many people find it very difficult to control themselves in their sleep. Due to the fact that you can only sleep on your side, a logical question arises - what will happen if you unknowingly take a position that is obviously dangerous to your health?

In fact, over time, a pregnant woman becomes more sensitive in her sleep. It basically becomes uncomfortable for her to lie on her stomach as it grows, so it is simply impossible to take such a position unconsciously. As for sleeping on your back, nothing terrible will happen from briefly positioning your body in this position. And in case of discomfort, the pregnant woman will wake up and quickly take the correct position. In extreme cases, the baby will not hesitate to inform her that he is feeling unwell with a targeted kick to the tummy.

Results: why you shouldn’t sleep on your back during pregnancy

Pregnancy, although not a disease, is still a period of various restrictions. This does not mean that we should now be afraid to take an extra step, but reasonable measures are necessary in everything.

Many people say that they feel comfortable sleeping on their back during pregnancy and do not feel any discomfort. However, even in the absence of signs of deterioration in health, you should remember that the baby in the stomach can still feel uncomfortable and even feel bad. If he suddenly begins to kick strongly and sharply, this may be a signal that his mother has taken an uncomfortable position and he does not have enough oxygen. In this case, the woman should still change her favorite position and open the window. A breath of fresh air will quickly calm the baby, and the comfortable position of the mother on her side will not allow her to continue to feel such discomfort in the future.

Now you know why you should not sleep on your back during pregnancy. In any case, these are temporary inconveniences, and modern industry allows pregnant women to sit with maximum comfort while sleeping. 9 months will pass very quickly, and very soon the new mother will happily lie down on both her stomach and her back.

Video: You can’t sleep on your back during pregnancy

During pregnancy, little things that a woman usually does not pay attention to become important. For example, the state of health and well-being can be influenced not only by the duration of sleep, but also by the position that a pregnant woman takes in bed. The most common cause of controversy is sleeping on your back. Is it possible for pregnant women to sleep on their back? You can understand whether the expectant mother should give up her usual position by studying all the opinions and contraindications.

Sleeping on your back: when to stop sleeping

In the first trimester a pregnant woman can sleep as she is used to. Some women sleep on their stomachs without problems, others prefer to lie on their backs, and others change positions many times during sleep. During this period, the stomach is still small, the uterus does not put pressure on the internal organs and does not interfere with movements during sleep. The embryo is reliably protected by the amniotic sac from accidental shocks during turns and changes in body position.

During the first trimester, there is no particular need to control posture. However, obstetricians-gynecologists recommend gradually get used to the position on your side. This habit will be very useful in the second trimester, when the belly begins to increase in size. At this time, it will no longer be possible to turn on your stomach, and sleeping on your back with constant pressure from the enlarged uterus on the internal organs and spine will not allow you to rest properly.

During the third trimester, a pregnant woman gains weight and it becomes difficult for her to change position while sleeping. It is recommended to take a comfortable position when falling asleep, this will give the opportunity to relax not only the expectant mother, but also the fetus. Obstetricians and gynecologists are sure that a stable, comfortable position is very useful for the baby, he behaves calmer. In the last trimester, sleeping on your back or stomach is contraindicated, you need to rest only on your side or in a semi-sitting position.

Why you shouldn't sleep on your back during pregnancy

During the second trimester, a pregnant woman's body undergoes serious changes. The ejection makes the pelvic bones and vertebrae softer and looser, and the uterus gradually increases in size. The fetus gains weight and begins to put pressure on the woman’s internal organs.

A standing or sitting woman does not feel much discomfort. But in the supine position, the enlarged uterus with the growing fetus has pressure on the spine and vena cava, passing along it.

The larger the belly, the stronger the pressure becomes. Pinching the vein disrupts blood circulation, the woman experiences a condition close to fainting. She has breathing quickens, arms and legs go numb, dizziness begins. In some cases, a pregnant woman may lose consciousness, which is especially dangerous during sleep. Compression of the vena cava is especially dangerous for women prone to varicose veins, thrombosis, etc.

Another trouble - pressure on the pelvic organs. Lying on your back can cause urinary incontinence, which occurs when the bladder is compressed. A woman may experience heartburn, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms. The supine position often causes. This is especially true for women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or have spinal problems (kyphosis or lordosis).

The influence of sleeping position on the position of the fetus

A pregnant woman, accustomed to sleeping on her back, will soon feel that the fetus is not too happy with this position. Compression of the vena cava causes oxygen starvation, the amount of nutrients supplied through the placenta decreases sharply. Staying in this position for a long time can cause many unpleasant consequences, from placental abruption to immune problems after the birth of the baby.

In the supine position, the uterus moves from its usual place, the displaced fetus can actively move, trying to take its usual position. Sudden movements prevent the expectant mother from falling asleep, which does not have the best effect on her well-being and mood.

Most obstetricians and gynecologists believe that Sleeping on the side is safest for mother and baby. It is most convenient to lie on your left side, bending your left arm at the elbow and placing your right arm over your stomach.

There is no need to put your hands under your head to prevent them from becoming numb in your sleep. Legs bend at the knees at an angle to the body. This pose helps to relax the spine and relieve stress on a woman’s internal organs.

Helps make the posture more comfortable pillow placed under knees. The height and density of the pillow varies at will; the necessary accessory can be purchased at an orthopedic store. A pregnancy pillow can be placed under the back or stomach, fixing the most comfortable body position. If a woman has swollen legs, she can slightly elevate her feet while sleeping on her back by placing a pillow or rolled up towel under them.

A very important point - density and elasticity of the bed. In the last trimester, beds with sagging armor-like mesh, feather beds, and lumpy mattresses are strictly excluded. An elastic mattress with springs and a latex base that provides good body support is ideal. It is recommended to replace high pillows with flat orthopedic ones, which allow you to relax your neck and do not provoke headaches.

The second and third trimester of pregnancy requires care when taking and getting out of a lying position. Categorically It is not recommended to get up suddenly, a drop in blood pressure can cause severe dizziness and loss of balance, which is very dangerous for a pregnant woman. When going to bed, you need to sit on the edges of the bed, and then carefully lie on your side, supporting yourself with your hands. After this, it is recommended to place your legs with your knees bent and give your body a comfortable position using a pregnancy pillow.

When rising, you need to turn on your side, then lower your legs from the bed and raise your upper body, helping yourself with your hands. All movements should be smooth and calm, it is advisable to always have reliable support at hand: a bedside table, the back of a chair or bed.

Video about sleeping positions during pregnancy

You can find out more about the best sleeping positions by watching a short video.

Share your experience What sleeping positions were most comfortable for you during pregnancy? Have you used a pregnancy pillow? Did you have problems sleeping in the third trimester and how did you deal with it? Any experience of expectant mothers will be useful for our readers.

Pregnancy is one of the most crucial periods in the life of every woman. Expectant mothers begin to look for answers to a variety of questions in order to carry their baby as safely as possible.

Many are tormented by the question of whether it is possible to sleep on your back during an interesting period. This will be discussed in this article.

There are several unpleasant consequences of sleeping on your back:

increased pressure on important blood vessels. When lying on your back, the uterus begins to compress the inferior vena cava - one of the largest veins in the entire body. It is she who rapidly delivers blood flow to the left ventricle of the heart, and then to the lungs. If the vena cava is compressed for a long time, then with a high degree of probability the woman will have impaired blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart, dizziness will begin, and breathing problems will also arise. In addition, in such a situation, the pulse drops almost twice, which can cause hypoxia. The fetus will receive insufficient nutrition, and oxygen starvation may begin;

Important! With regular compression of the inferior vena cava, the expectant mother may develop varicose veins in the legs.

. The uterus will constantly put pressure on the spine, as a result of which important arteries and nerve endings will begin to be pinched in it. This is fraught with impaired blood pressure levels, dizziness, back and lower back pain. And since the spinal cord controls many vital functions, harm to the fetus and its proper development is possible;

the uterus creates increased pressure on the bladder and intestines. The fetus is constantly growing, and the center of gravity is constantly changing. When the expectant mother sleeps on her back, the uterus will put pressure on the bladder and intestines, resulting in the need to constantly visit the toilet. In addition, frequent pressure on the intestines can lead to indigestion, constipation or diarrhea.

In addition, sleeping on your back in the second half of pregnancy can lead to tachycardia, irregular heart rhythm, and the development of hemorrhoids.

Until what week can you sleep on your back?

Many experts say that until the beginning of the 28th week of pregnancy, sleeping and resting on your back are allowed. From the second half of pregnancy, the fetus becomes quite large and is already able to exert increased pressure on the veins, bladder and spine.

Western scientists have concluded that sleeping on the left side strengthens the lymphatic system. In addition, this position stimulates the rapid processing of waste products from the brain. While sleeping on the right side, stomach or back significantly disrupts some vital processes in the body.

Did you know? Parents of newborn children lose 400-750 hours of sleep in the first year of their life.

It should be noted that for women who already have pathologies of the cardiovascular system, bladder, etc., it is better not to sleep with their stomach up from the second month.

In this case, you should visit an experienced specialist and create a program of moderate training that will keep the muscles of the back and internal organs in optimal tone.

In some cases, you can lie on your back for a while, but you must use a special pillow for pregnant women.
Special pillow for pregnant women This pillow reduces the load on all internal organs and the spine.

It is important to understand that lying on your back should be controlled, that is, the woman should not fall asleep, since during sleep blood pressure already drops, and when arteries and veins are pressed, extensive hypoxia can begin.

In any case, it is best to consult a doctor. He will tell you how long you can lie in this position and how to do it correctly.

Video: Is it possible to sleep on your back during pregnancy?

How to change a habit: forget about resting on your back

To learn to sleep on your side, try placing 3-4 pillows next to you for support.. They will help fix the position of the body and become an obstacle to turning over on your back while sleeping.
Before going to bed, place a pillow between your legs and lie on your side.. The pillow will help relieve pressure from the spine, pelvis and lower back.
Place several thin soft pillows under your head so that your head is in line with your spine. In this position, nerves will not be pinched and arteries will not be pinched.
When sleeping on your side, try hugging your pillow with your free hand.. In this case, it is better not to raise your arm higher than your shoulders, as blood circulation may be impaired.

Important! For good sleep and falling asleep, it is best not to watch TV or read books after 7 pm.

Try to consult a doctor and choose the most comfortable position for sleeping and relaxing.

If you are used to constantly sleeping on your back and it is very difficult for you to relearn how to rest in a different position, then you can try placing a pillow under your back so that the center of gravity moves to the side.

This position will be more or less optimal, since in this case the circulatory processes will function normally. You can also try to fall asleep in a reclining position: tilt your back 30-40 degrees from the horizontal position. To do this, you can use several pillows at once or fall asleep on a comfortable soft chair.

Doctors believe that the ideal rest option during pregnancy is to sleep on your side (preferably on the left). In this position, the fetus will not put pressure on the woman’s internal organs, and the spine will remain in an acceptable position.
It is important to understand that sleeping on your stomach is prohibited starting from the second trimester of pregnancy., since squeezing the fetus will not benefit either the mother or the child.

Each woman must choose the optimal sleeping position herself, relying on her internal sensations and the general recommendations of the doctor. But for a good sleep it is also important to follow some recommendations:

do not eat food 3 hours before going to bed;
minimize the number of stressful situations, do not become emotionally overtired;
before going to bed, you can drink a glass of unpasteurized milk with a teaspoon of honey;
use special orthopedic pillows;
walk more in the fresh air, do light exercise (discuss the details with your doctor).

And remember that for better sleep during pregnancy, you should not use sleeping pills and sedatives. They can negatively affect the general condition of the fetus.

Did you know? Scientists and doctors agree: sleeping on the left side during pregnancy improves blood circulation and relaxes the heart muscle. But an article was published in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology in which scientists confirmed the data that sleeping on the left side relieves heartburn.

So, we have listed the reasons why you should not sleep on your back in the second half of the interesting period, and indicated how to wean yourself from this habit.

Try to lead an active lifestyle and listen to your doctor’s recommendations, and then problems with the spine, bladder and intestines will not bother you.

Sleep is an integral part of every person's life. And first of all, it is necessary for pregnant women for the normal development of the baby.

A woman should sleep at least 8 hours a day. During this time, the body has time to rest and gain strength. If your sleep is restless or short, then during the day you may feel weak and want to lie down, and this will also affect your emotions. Lack of maternal sleep also affects the fetus.

Sleeping positions and risks

Each person chooses the position in which he sleeps (usually on his back or side), but pregnant women need to be careful, since they are responsible not only for their comfort, but also for their small lives. Therefore, at some point, every woman begins to worry about many questions about sleep. How to lie down correctly so as not to harm the baby? How can you not sleep and why? Is it possible to sleep on your back during pregnancy?

Consider the sleeping position by trimester:

In the first trimester, while the uterus with the fetus is small and is located mainly in the pelvis, a woman can sleep in a position that is comfortable for her (including on her stomach).
During the second trimester, intensive growth occurs in the fetus, the uterus increases significantly in size and begins to put pressure on the vessels, nerves, and spine with its weight in a supine position. It is not recommended to lie on your back at this time.
During the third trimester, doctors categorically prohibit pregnant women from lying on their back, as this negatively affects the woman’s health and, as a consequence, the condition of the baby.

Impact on a woman’s body

Doctors are often asked the question: why can’t pregnant women lie on their back? While the uterus is small, the woman will not feel much difference in her sleep, so she is allowed to sleep as she pleases. But as the fetus develops, from the thirteenth week, the uterus enlarges and begins to put pressure on the nearest organs: nerves, blood vessels, bones, thereby causing unpleasant sensations. Therefore, it is not recommended to lie on your back.

Due to pressure on the nerves, pain may appear in the lower back, numbness in the legs (especially in the feet), and a crawling sensation.

The abdominal cavity contains the celiac plexus, which is a nerve center and, in turn, is responsible for the productive functioning of organs. The uterus in the late stages (25–28 weeks), with the woman positioned on her back, reaches the site of this plexus and irritates it, which causes the following symptoms:

Decreased heart rate.
Lowers blood pressure as it dilates blood vessels.
Breathing slows down.
Sweating activity decreases.
Intestinal motility increases.
Enzyme levels increase.
There may be pain in the abdomen, sour belching, and bitterness in the mouth.

Along the spine there are important vessels, namely the vena cava and the aorta. An enlarged fetus with its weight can put pressure on these formations and cause unpleasant consequences.

From the vena cava, blood flows from the legs and pelvic organs to the right parts of the heart, and if it is pressed, the pressure in its lower parts increases, which can result in swelling of the legs, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis of the veins of the lower extremities, thrombosis, hemorrhoids, venous stagnation in the pelvic organs. Since less blood flows to the heart and other organs (lungs, brain), complaints of dizziness, fainting, headaches, and heart pain of a compressive nature may appear. Also in this case, there is a feeling of palpitations, lack of air, possible shortness of breath, rapid pulse.

The aorta has a stronger wall, so its compression occurs to a minimum. Due to significant pressure on the aorta, the lumen of the vessel decreases, the pressure rises and arterial hypertension can occur.

If you sleep on your back, the enlarged uterus can also put pressure on the kidneys and ureters, which leads to stagnation of urine in the collecting system. An inflammatory process may develop, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, and hydronephrosis may develop.

When a woman lies on her back, the enlarged uterus with the fetus can put pressure on the hepatic duct, which, in turn, leads to the development of obstructive jaundice and an inflammatory process in the pancreas (pancreatitis).

The symptoms described are not necessary, but some may appear when sleeping frequently on your back. Therefore, you should not sleep on your back in late pregnancy to avoid more severe complications.

Changes in the baby's body

Many women before pregnancy preferred to lie on their backs and stomachs, but with the birth of a new life, such positions cannot be taken. Why is sleeping on your baby’s back harmful and why should you avoid it?

As a result of changes in the mother’s condition, as described above, the unborn child also experiences changes that can lead to serious pathologies.

Since normal blood flow in the pelvic organs (in the uterus) is disrupted, the following consequences are possible:

The supply of oxygen and important elements to the fetus decreases.
Hypoxia occurs, which can lead to irreparable problems with organs (especially the brain).
The child may be born weakened and with defects. This happens if hypoxia occurs in the second trimester, when important organ systems are actively developing.

Why else should you avoid resting on your back? If the mother often lies or sleeps on her back in the second and third trimester, children may experience delayed speech and psychomotor development. Mild absent-mindedness, inattention, restlessness, and even headaches are also noticeable. More serious are damage to the nervous system in the form of poor hearing, vision, epilepsy, and encephalopathy.

You should not spend a lot of time lying on your back - this harms the health of not only the pregnant woman, but also provokes the development of severe pathologies in the fetus.

It is better to wait until childbirth and only then lie on your back and stomach.

How can you sleep?

All the problems that may arise for mother and baby if a pregnant woman sleeps on her back make you think about the question, how can you lie down?

The most correct sleeping position while waiting for the baby is lying on your side (both right and left).

To make it comfortable, lie on your left side, bend your right knee, placing a pillow under it. In this pose:

Fetal blood circulation improves. In this case, the uterus does not compress the vessels, and blood under normal pressure passes to the placenta at a good speed.
The supply of oxygen and microelements to the fetus increases.
Kidney function improves. The renal arteries and veins function without obstruction.
The risk of hemorrhoids in pregnant women is reduced.
Swelling of the lower extremities decreases.
The pressure on the liver is relieved (and accordingly the blood flow through the umbilical cord improves).
Pain in the lower back and legs stops.

The position at night can be changed from left to right side, but be sure to control yourself so as not to lie on your stomach or back.

To improve the quality of sleep for pregnant women, special pillows have been invented that establish the desired body position, thereby preventing nighttime turning over on the stomach.

A pregnant woman should sleep comfortably and for enough time so that the baby develops properly and is born healthy (at least without the pathologies that lying on his back causes). And even if you can’t lie on your stomach and back, you can create comfortable conditions for yourself.

It is better to purchase a medium-hard (non-firm) orthopedic mattress.
Clothes should be loose and not tight (especially the stomach).
Before you fall asleep, you need to listen to your body to understand whether you are comfortable, whether something is bothering you or not.
It is advisable to use additional soft pillows that can be placed between the legs, under the stomach, side, or back.
It is better to choose a bed that does not spring, so that the person sleeping next to you does not interfere with the pregnant woman’s sleep.
It is imperative to occasionally turn from side to side to prevent swelling of the legs (the vena cava runs closer to the right side, so lying on this side for a long time can lead to venous stagnation).
For the head, it is best to use an orthopedic pillow (to avoid cervical osteochondrosis and, as a consequence, headaches).
You should not drink water before going to bed, as this can lead to increased swelling of the lower extremities.
It is useful to take a short walk in the fresh air in the evening.

Every pregnant woman should understand that she is responsible for the life and health of the baby she carries under her heart. And in order to avoid health problems in the future, it is necessary to create conditions that are comfortable primarily for him, and not for himself. It is for this reason that you will need to abandon your favorite sleeping positions and choose a position only on your side.

The onset of pregnancy imposes a lot of serious restrictions on the expectant mother. They apply to nutrition, to usual activities, to the general lifestyle, and even to sleep. It is wrong to think that the best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is lying on her back, although there are enough reasons for such an assumption: the stomach is not compressed, the chest and heart are also more or less free, and besides, you can breathe easily! And this is so important for the future baby. But is it really so? We will consider this issue in more detail later in the article.

First half of pregnancy

At the very beginning of the development of a fertilized egg, many expectant mothers often do not yet realize their interesting situation and continue to lead their usual lifestyle. The same applies to sleeping positions that a woman prefers. At these times, even such a posture that is contrary to pregnancy, such as sleeping on the stomach, is not capable of causing serious harm to the baby - its size is so small that the uterus is hardly increased in size. However, starting from the 3rd month, the woman already feels weight in the lower abdomen. At this stage, the uterus increases three times in size compared to its original size and externally corresponds to the size of a large goose egg. The membrane of the fertilized egg is actively developing and, in addition to the weight of the embryo, the weight of the amniotic fluid begins to be felt.

When lying on her back, the woman already feels slight discomfort. This is explained by the simple physical law of gravity, according to which any weighted object rushes down, with a level of pressure on surrounding tissues directly proportional to the weight. In other words, in a pregnant woman, the uterus falls like a lump onto the internal organs located outside it, which means:

The intestines shrink: a woman may feel a slight tingling, accumulation of gases, seething, colic. Subsequently, this can provoke intestinal disorders, such as constipation or diarrhea, due to retention of contents at a certain level.
The liver, as well as the spleen and pancreas, may become slightly displaced, and this will cause tingling in the muscles.
The internal vessels at this stage do not suffer much, but, nevertheless, if they are weak or susceptible to a certain disease, when rising, the woman may feel slight dizziness or darkening in the eyes.
There is no significant discomfort from the kidneys at this stage, but, nevertheless, if there is an active phase of urine separation, a feeling of distension on the sides may be felt.

How does this affect the baby? Basically, there is mild hypoxia caused by compression of regional blood vessels located behind the uterus. This should not be overlooked, since a child’s regular lack of oxygen will lead to a slowdown in the development of his nervous system, and this, in turn, will negatively affect such processes as the timeliness of speech skills, mental development, intellectual abilities, etc.

Second half of pregnancy

The second period of pregnancy is considered the calmest. This is a period of active growth of the internal organs and systems of the fetus, as well as an increase in its size. The volume of amniotic fluid also increases significantly. By the end of it, the abdomen increases significantly in size, the level of the uterus reaches just above the navel. Her body is rounded, and the organ becomes like a chicken egg. At week 28, individual parts of the fetal body begin to be felt (head, sometimes limbs - with active movement).

It is already difficult for a woman to choose previously familiar sleeping positions, and obstetricians-gynecologists actively recommend the position of lying on the left side. This is explained by the fact that when positioned on the right side, the hepatic ducts are compressed, which creates serious obstacles to the outflow of bile, and, in addition, in most cases, the placenta is attached to the right edge and there is a risk of pinching its vessels, and this can be disastrous for the fetus .

How are things going with sleeping on your back? The pressure factor increases significantly day by day and serious problems with the vascular system passing posterior to the uterus are added to the troubles in the intestines:

Compression of the inferior vena cava: impedes blood flow to both the placenta and the mother’s lower extremities.
Clamping of the aorta: makes it difficult to provide comprehensive nutrition to the mother’s internal organs.

In addition, we should not forget about the nerve fibers, the compression of which will lead to disruption of the conduction of nerve impulses from the spine to the nerve leads of the lower extremities, and this is: a sharp decrease in the temperature of the internal muscle structures, a slowdown in blood flow due to the narrowing of blood vessels, loss of sensitivity in lower extremities. Also, lying on your back for a long time can cause cramps in the calf muscles at night.

Sleeping or lying on your back for a long time also causes considerable problems for the excretory system. Displaced by the stomach in the normal state, the kidneys have difficulty coping with the increased load placed on them. While the woman lies on her back, her kidneys are further compressed, which creates additional preconditions for stagnation of urine and the development of infectious processes inside the organs.

The spine that suffers most from such sleep is the weight of the fetus and the weight of the internal organs adjacent to it.

As we can see, there is nothing useful for a pregnant woman in sleeping on her back, and moreover, it causes irreparable harm to the baby, creating, first of all, a deficiency in the flow of oxygen, which can further qualitatively disrupt the overall development of the fetus.

How to choose the right sleeping positions

As previously written, the optimal sleeping position for a pregnant woman is considered to be lying on her left side. However, there are times when the child does not accept this position for some reason. Every expectant mother is quite able to feel this: the baby begins either to suddenly freeze, or, on the contrary, to push more actively than usual, expressing his dissatisfaction.

In this case, you should periodically change positions and listen to the child’s life, as well as your personal feelings. Every day the fetus changes its position, and an uncomfortable position yesterday today may well allow the expectant mother to get a good night's sleep and, thereby, restore the strength she and the child need.

Sometimes there are reasons why it is not possible to change position. This may happen when:

Bone fractures sustained during pregnancy.
Threat of placental abruption - in this case, the position is prescribed by the doctor and remains until the end of pregnancy.

In this case, the attending physician should monitor the condition of the pregnant mother and it is advisable to carry out any movements in his presence, and be sure to monitor the condition and reaction of the baby to these movements.

A pregnant woman's sleep is a necessary event to restore strength. However, you should be careful about body positions and always listen to your feelings and the wishes of your baby.