Is tummy-down your favorite sleeping during pregnancy position? But even after knowing that it is okay to stay a stomach sleeper until your baby bump makes it impossible, you just can’t sleep on your belly. The constant thought of your little one doesn’t let you do so.
You may have been trying to do everything by the books during this time. You have maintained healthy weight gain during pregnancy and you have been very conscious about your diet. But pregnancy is a time when seemingly harmless and comfy habits can bring up questions about the safety of your baby.
No matter what was your preferred pre-pregnancy sleep position, you will have to make adjustments to stay safe and comfortable.
Pregnancy is a Testing Time
You may have managed to look classy during pregnancy, with all the glow and taking care of all the pertinent things. But your body deals with so many changes that it’s hard to cope up. Some common symptoms, which cause discomfort are:
- Backache.
- Shortness of breath.
- Heartburn.
- Insomnia.
- Increased size of the abdomen.
- Body pains.
All these things can interfere with your sweet slumber. You may find yourself tossing and turning in bed trying to achieve a comfortable position to finally fall asleep. Regular sleep positions won’t work for you anymore.
Sleeping Tummy-Down during Pregnancy
During early pregnancy, sleeping on the belly is unlikely to do any harm to the baby. As long as the bump is sizeable, lying on your tummy is safe and for some, it is comfortable as well. As the bump grows in size, laying upside down is going to be uncomfortable.
Before discomfort kicks in, some women are conscious about their unborn baby. And they are unable to sleep upside down. But as far as the safety is concerned, the bump simply makes tummy-down position impractical. It still isn’t dangerous.
With so many other symptoms kicking in, and amid reading about Gingivitis vs Periodontitis, it’s hard to compromise of quality sleep. Therefore, we are going to talk about the optimal as well as dangerous sleeping positions.
Sleeping on Your Back During Pregnancy
Sleeping on your back seems practically convenient during pregnancy and most women try to adopt it. However, this sleeping position can cause several potential problems in your pregnancy. Especially post 20 weeks.
There are many myths about the dangers of fat but this is not a myth. Beyond 20 weeks, the weight of the baby starts increasing and so does yours. Laying on your back can make your uterus compress the aorta. This will result in a decrease in blood supply to the fetus.
Sleeping on your back during pregnancy can also cause issues with your digestive and respiratory systems. It can also instigate hemorrhoids and backaches. In addition, stillborn babies have been linked with poor blood circulation.
The Optimal Sleeping During Pregnancy Position
Now let’s talk about the best sleeping position during pregnancy. It’s the SOS or sleep-on-side. Most mums-to-be find the side-sleeping position to be the most comfortable. In addition, it is the safest position too.
For those who already are side-sleepers, this one is good news! Experts have now recommended sleeping during pregnancy on the left side to be most beneficial. It ensures the optimal supply of blood and nutrients to the baby via the placenta. The risk of stillbirth also decreases.
Achieving the SOS Position
We would recommend investing in some additional pillows during your tough pregnancy months. This includes body-length pillows to ensure a good night’s slumber. You can also keep many pregnancy ailments at bay with the help of extra pillows.
Keep the knees and legs bent and insert a pillow between the legs. For those who have a backache or sore back issues, consider placing a pillow under the abdomen. If you experience shortness of breath, prop yourself up with pillows during SOS. For heartburn, prop up your upper body with the help of pillows.
Sleeping during pregnancy at one particular side or angle can make your body numb. Therefore, rotating different positions is perfectly all right.
Laying Tummy-Down While Exercise during Pregnancy
Performing gentle and simple exercises during pregnancy can strengthen your muscles, immunity system, and overall health.
During the early days, laying down on your stomach during exercise is safe. Your uterus is small and your pubic bone acts as a shield. With the protective fluids constantly increasing, your baby will be just safe. Especially in the first trimester.
But as the pregnancy progresses, the abdomen expands. Laying tummy-down can be both, uncomfortable and unsafe for the baby. Make necessary changes to your exercise routine and positions as you enter the second and then third trimester.
It would be wise to exercise with a fitness expert to avoid any risks.
