The Best Ways To Sleep During Pregnancy
A good night's rest is important, with positive effects on health, mood, thought, and decisions (via health.gov). This is especially vital for those who are expecting, but a common problem during pregnancy is issues with sleeping. There are changes in the body and in hormones, and Healthline reports that things like the need to frequently go to the restroom, nausea, pain, discomfort, and cramps can keep people up at night.
While waking up and not feeling rested is never a good feeling, there are risks associated with this, as well. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that pregnant people who do not get enough sleep may see an increase in complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and longer labors.
That being said, it is good for those who are pregnant to learn about the different ways to sleep, the influence these positions have on the body and the baby, and the best option.
With several options, one sleep position seems to be the most popular and beneficial
Some people prefer sleeping on their stomachs, though for pregnant people this becomes an issue (for obvious reasons!). Others enjoy sleeping on their backs, but this puts the pressure of the uterus and the baby on the back, the intestines, and the vena cava (the vein that moves blood from the lower body to the heart). This can lead to backaches, hemorrhoids, hypotension, and issues with digestion and circulation, as stated by What to Expect.
It is also popular to sleep on the left or the right side of the body, as 74 percent of people do, according to a national sleep survey (via PR Newswire). This is ideal during this time. It allows for an efficient flow of blood and nutrients, which go to the placenta/baby, and it can help decrease swelling, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids (via American Pregnancy Association).
While the research and the polls are in, What to Expect also states that experts want pregnant people to not worry too much and to try to find a position that is the most comfortable. Good luck!