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Sleeping Positions

Dear Anai,

Is it safe to sleep on my belly?

Answer:

Some women have questions and concerns about their sleeping habits during pregnancy. Some question if they can sleep on their back or on their stomach.

As your baby grows, you may begin searching for a position you are most comfortable with. You will notice that not only can't you sleep on your belly but also not on your back. So what position is best?

As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, it becomes increasingly more difficult to sleep on your belly. When doing so, you are putting added pressure on your uterus. When sleeping on your back to avoid harming your baby, you are also doing more damage than good. Beginning in the 16th week, the weight of the baby is more noticeable. As you attempt to lie on your back, you may feel dizzy. The reason for this when you lie on your back, you are allowing the weight of your uterus to push onto your aorta and inferior vena cava (blood vessel) causing poor circulation, poor oxygen intake.

When you reach the 16th week, begin lying on your left side (it promotes better circulation). Place a pillow in front of you, and behind you, preventing you to roll over either way. Some women experience intense back pain from lying on their side, this can be avoided by placing a pillow between your knees. That helps straighten the back, evening out the body structure.

Copyright ©1997 Anai Rhoads.