Once the baby has been successfully delivered, most women tend to care less about the process. In this case, the end justifies the means. The truth remains that the gestation period is one of the most challenging periods of a woman’s life.

It also comes with a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. These can range from lots of peeing, to avoidance of certain foods or pills. There’s a lot for you to consider as a pregnant woman, and your sleeping position is one of those.

During pregnancy, you need to consider your safety and that of your baby. This means that that your favorite sleeping position before you conceive, may have to make way for a safer one. It becomes more about what is safe than what is convenient.

Experts have suggested that sleeping on your side (preferably left) is the best sleeping position during pregnancy. The explanation is that it increases the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. Also, it enhances kidney function, which helps in the elimination of waste products. It also means less swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands.

It is not much of an issue to sleep on your back occasionally during the first trimester. However, we advise that pregnant women don’t sleep on their backs. This is primarily during the second and third trimesters. The back-sleep position puts the entire weight of the growing uterus and baby on your back.

This can also affect the intestines and vena cava. The vena cava is the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from your lower body. This particular sleeping position can cause backaches and hemorrhoids or even indigestion. Also, it can reduce blood flow to the fetus, which means less oxygen for your baby. We have ascertained that sleeping on your left side is the best for you as a pregnant woman.

Let us then look at a few tips that can help you have a better sleeping experience.
• Use lots of pillows. You can put the pillow between your legs and another one at your back. There are special pregnancy pillows for this purpose. You can shop for them.
• Elevate the upper side of your bed a few inches. This helps prevent acids from burning their way up your esophagus from your stomach.
• Avoid tight clothing. Ensure you wear loose and comfortable nightwear. Cotton fabrics will work just fine.
• Consume light food at night and also avoid spicy food. They can cause heartburn, which is usually worse at night.
Gestation is a very delicate period. Proper care should be taken to avert possible complications.
It may not always be convenient, but observing every precautionary measure is key. Something as simple as your sleeping posture can make a difference during pregnancy. Be on the safe side!

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