Peaceful sleep and Proper rest at night are crucial during pregnancy. But it is challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy, owing to the expanding belly, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
If sleeping on your back is your favorite position, you may have to give it up during pregnancy. Although there is no proven evidence available, which hints that sleeping on the back during pregnancy is harmful, it is suggestible to avoid doing so, as it can be very uncomfortable, particularly after the 1st trimester. It may also lead to health problems.
If you are sleeping on your back, you may still be able to do so even until the end of the 1st trimester of your pregnancy. But as you progress in your pregnancy, you may have to switch to a more comfortable position.
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Sleeping on your back, especially during the ensuing stages of pregnancy can feel more and more uneasy because of the developing belly. Moreover, it may not be an excellent position for your baby. Here are the effects of sleeping on the back while pregnant(1):
When a pregnant woman relaxes on her back, the weight of the expanding uterus can put pressure on the critical blood vessels, adversely affecting the blood supply to the baby, which means fewer nutrients and oxygen for the developing fetus. The limited blood flow may also lead to low blood pressure that may cause you to feel giddy and faint.
There might be a link between the lying down position of the mother and the risk of stillbirth. Sleeping on the back, for a prolonged period, may be harmful to the growth of the fetus, and in case of complicated pregnancies, it can further distress the fetus resulting in stillbirth in some cases.
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According to some studies, the fetus tends to be in a less active state when pregnant women sleep on their backs.
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While some pregnant women may choose sleeping on the back even during pregnancy, it is suggestable to practice and try sleeping on the left side instead. Pregnant women may also talk to a doctor to discuss their options for comfortable sleeping positions during pregnancy.