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Why sleeping on your left side is the best choice starting from now

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

As your pregnancy progresses, sleeping on your side may be more comfortable for you than on your back or front as your bump grows bigger. It is also good for your growing baby as blood and nutrients reach the placenta easily when you sleep on your left side.

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After 16 weeks of pregnancy, it is not a good idea to sleep on your back because your baby is pressing on your blood vessels. This can make you feel dizzy.

To get comfortable on your sides, try to support your belly with pillows and keep an extra pillow between your legs. This helps to lessen the pressure on hips and pelvis.

If you wake up in the night and find yourself lying on your back or front, don’t panic. Gently turn over to your side and go back to sleep again.

It is recommended by experts to not sleep on the back during second and third trimester. Sleeping on the back, puts all the weight of the growing uterus and baby on your back, intestines and your main vein, which carries blood back to the heart from your lower body. This pressure can increase backaches and also impact digestion and circulation, and may cause hypotension or low blood pressure, which can make you dizzy. Lesser blood flow may hinder with oxygen supply to your baby.

If you are not used to sleeping on your side or you are not getting enough sleep, here are some tips to make you comfortable for sleeping.

•Use pillows While sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your legs. Keep another pillow behind the back. Another option is to stack a couple of pillows behind the back and sleep on the side to ensure that you don’t turn.

•Special pillows Wedge shape pillows or long pillows are available to provide extra support.

•Reclining If pillows are not helping you , lie down in a reclining position or use a recliner instead of the bed.

Remember that it’s normal to feel uncomfortable for a few nights or weeks. Slowly your body will get accustomed to the side position and you will be able to sleep well.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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