Sleep during pregnancy
Sleep is the time when your body resets and repairs itself. It’s when your brain makes memories, making it an ally in your battle against baby brain. It’s how your blood vessels restore themselves, which is especially important now that they’re under increased pressure from the extra blood flow required to support your baby.
Sleep also keeps your immune system, which is suppressed to support your pregnancy, healthy. And sleep controls how your body reacts to insulin; not getting enough results in a higher blood sugar level, upping your risk of gestational diabetes.
But, HOW are we supposed to get comfy with this huge bump in the way?!
Sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy…
If your favorite position is tummy-down, that’s okay, until your baby bump makes it uncomfortable or impossible, at which point you’ll have to switch positions.
Sleeping on your back during pregnancy…
Some experts recommend pregnant women avoid sleeping on their backs during the second and third trimesters. Why? The back sleep position rests the entire weight of the growing uterus and baby on your back, your intestines and your vena cava, the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from your lower body.
Sleeping on your left or right side during pregnancy…
During the second and and third trimesters, sleeping on either side, preferably the left - if possible, is considered by some experts to be ideal for you and your baby-to-be.
This position allows for maximum blood flow and nutrients to the placenta and enhances kidney function, which means better elimination of waste products and less swelling in your feet, ankles and hands.
Not used to lying on your side? Here are a few tips to tackle pregnancy sleep problems and get yourself comfy sleeping in the side position:
➡ Use lots of pillows. Try crossing one leg over the other and putting one pillow between them and another pillow behind your back.
➡ Get a special pillow. For extra support, try using a wedge-shaped pillow or a 5-foot full-body pregnancy pillow.
➡ Prop yourself up. If pillows don’t help, try sleeping in a semi-upright position in a recliner instead of the bed.