Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy - #SOLS

groan… grunt… rollover… repeat. sound familiar?

Pregnancy is beautiful and special with the most incredible prize at the end…

But nobody pretends that it’s easy.

The American Pregnancy Association put together a wonderful article about sleeping when you're pregnant.  Check it out...

During pregnancy you may find yourself wrestling in bed trying to get comfortable before falling asleep. Unfortunately, your regular sleeping positions may no longer work for you during pregnancy.

There are a number of reasons for this new discomfort, but there are some sleeping positions that you can try that may help you get your much needed rest.

why am i so uncomfortable in my normal sleeping positions?

When you are pregnant your body goes through a variety of changes. These changes tend to disrupt your usual peaceful slumber.

Reasons for your discomfort may include:

• Increased size of abdomen
• Back pain
• Heartburn
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia

what are the best sleep positions during pregnancy?

The best sleep position during pregnancy is “SOS” (sleep on side). Even better is to sleep on your left side. Sleeping on your left side will increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. 

hiccapop's Pregnancy Wedge Pillow even has a great reminder... #SOLS (Sleep On Left Side) embroidered into the washable cover.

Keep your legs and knees bent, and put a pillow between your legs.

• If you find that you are having problems with back pain, use the “SOS” position, and try placing a pillow under your abdomen as well.
• If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, you may want to try propping your upper body with pillows.
• In late pregnancy you may experience shortness of breath.  Try lying on your side or propped up with pillows.

These suggestions may not sound completely comfortable, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, but try them out.  You may find that they work. Keep in mind that you may not stay in one position all night, and rotating positions is fine.

what sleep positions during pregnancy should i avoid?

Sleeping on your back: This can cause problems with backaches, breathing, the digestive system, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and cause a decrease in circulation to your heart and your baby.

This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels (the aorta and vena cava).

Sleeping on your stomach: When you are farther along in your pregnancy, your abdomen undergoes physical changes and makes it more difficult for you to lay on your stomach.

the american pregnancy association - learn more

The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education,  support, advocacy, and community awareness.

Compiled using information from the following sources:

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/sleeping-positions-during-pregnancy/

Nemours Foundation, http://www.kidshealth.org

Your Pregnancy Week by Week Fifth Ed. Curtis, Glade B., OB/GYN, et al. Week 16

We found another great article here "Best Sleeping Position for Lower Back Pain" and here "How To Use a Pregnancy Pillow For Better Sleep"