Pregnancy is a magical time for a mother. The glow, the joy, the feeling of becoming a mother, and waiting to hold your baby for the first time, just makes it even more wonderful. The extra care and caution that follows with this period will determine the health and happiness of your child. Now, there are several health advice given by your health expert that you follow during your pregnancy, but some we just hear from random sources, tidbits, wannabe medical experts, and quacks. In such a sensitive time mothers tend to stress too much and do everything possible to prepare themselves for giving a healthy birth. But not all information is reliable, so, we are here to debunk some of these myths particularly related to healthy sleeping positions during pregnancy.
Myth-1: Sleeping On Your Back During Pregnancy is Okay!
Well it’s not that okay! During pregnancy women go through a lot, they stress about their baby and they are exhausted and overwhelmed. To care for its cub a mother will do anything and everything. Hence, they stress themselves too much whenever they do something they shouldn’t have during pregnancy. Now, we will clear this once for all. Sleeping on your back isn’t as good as you thought it would be. Sleeping on your backs when you’re expecting can run some serious birthing risks. Back sleeping after 28 weeks can induce the risk of stillbirth, evidently to up to 5.8% chances. So think before anyone lets you believe that it’s not harmful.
When you sleep on your back the entire weight of your body as well as the fetus is rested on your back which will stretch your spine out of alignment, and you know when that happens, it’s all back ache from there.
Recommended Sleeping Positions for Pregnant Women
| Sleeping Position | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sleeping |
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| Back Sleeping |
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| Stomach Sleeping |
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| Semi-Reclined |
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| Fetal Position |
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Myth-2: Sleeping On Your Stomach During Pregnancy is No Problem!
Pregnancy is a magical time indeed, but what we don’t see is how uncomfortable it is for the expectant mothers! The basic activities, regular routine, even eating normal food can be a herculean task for them. So, with all this going on for months one just wants to lie and relax the way they feel comfortable. Some women find it very relaxing to sleep on their stomach as it can lighten the weight of the fetus from their body by the support they feel from the bed or mattress they lie on. But as good as it may feel, it is not that healthy for you and the baby!
Sleeping on your stomach will create extra stress on your spine due to the extra weight of the fetus the back is supporting and you might experience constant back pain. While sleeping your tummy your neck remains unsupported at times. It is twisted on either side for hours which will severely strain your neck. Apart from this, stomach sleeping might put the baby in a difficult position inside the womb.
Myth-3: Sleeping on the Right Side is Wrong for Pregnant Women
Sleeping on your left side is often referred to as the “ideal” scenario during pregnancy. Positioning yourself on the left side of your body allows for optimal blood flow from the inferior vena cava (IVC). This large vein runs parallel to your spine on the right side and carries blood to your heart and, in turn, to your baby. Sleeping on your left side also takes the pressure off your liver and your kidneys. This means more room to function properly, helping with swelling issues in your hands, ankles, and feet.
So, if the left side is ideal — should you avoid the right side? Not necessarily. That 2019 review showed equal safety with sleeping on the left and right sides. There’s a slight risk of compression issues with the IVC when you sleep on the right, but it’s mostly a matter of where you’re comfortable.
Myth-4: Pregnancy Pillows Do Nothing!
This is absolutely wrong! No, pregnancy pillows can be really comforting for pregnant women. Some expectant mothers aren’t even aware of this product. Pregnancy is a difficult time when it comes to comfort. Women struggle to find the right and relaxing resting posture and end up suffering a lot of pain during the process. Pregnancy pillows, on the other hand, is one thing that can reduce this discomfort to a large extent and make these nine long months feel a little bearable.
Some of the popular pregnancy pillows that have proven the most effective are C-shape pillows, L-shape pillows, U-shape pillows, Full pregnancy body pillows, and many more! Pregnancy pillows are also known to improve frequent digestive disturbance common during pregnancy such as acid reflux and heartburn, by keeping the posture aligned while resting.
Myth-5: Any Regular Pillow Can Do The Job
Not true again! There is a reason why makers are coming up with innovative solutions to invent specific products to serve each individual’s needs. Hence, not all pillows can do the job of a pregnancy pillow. Not only that if you are someone who believes using more than one pillow can provide the comfort that of a pregnancy pillow, you’re wrong again. In fact it can give rise to other issues such muscle strain, misalignment, and fetus dislocation. Pregnancy pillows are made for pregnant women to offer them the comfort they need. Expectant mothers need way more care and nurturing than we think, so we should do what’s best for them and the baby!
Take Care…….
There’s a lot you may worry about during your pregnancy. Your sleep position doesn’t need to be at the top of the list. Doctors recommend resting on your side — right or left — to give you and your baby the optimal blood flow. Beyond that, you might try using some pillow props to get into the most comfortable position for you. Soak in all the sleep you can before your baby is born. And consult with your doctor if you have other questions about which position is best. Being pregnant is a special time, so don’t spend it worrying too much. Call your healthcare provider as soon as you think you’re pregnant. If you’re planning to get pregnant, see your healthcare provider before you conceive. He or she can give you advice based on your health history.
