Why can't you sleep on your back? From what week and why pregnant women should not sleep on their backs. How long to sleep on your back

For the birth of a healthy baby, the expectant mother needs not only to eat right, lead a healthy lifestyle, but also get enough sleep. According to statistics, 90% of pregnant women have sleep problems, mostly due to an unusual posture during sleep. Women are worried about whether pregnant women can sleep on their backs.

How to sleep as a pregnant woman

Expectant mothers often complain of constant drowsiness, especially in the last months of pregnancy. does not allow you to relax normally in an unusual position, and in your head - only thoughts about the upcoming birth. At night, a woman suffers from insomnia, and during the day she feels tired and sleepy. Many pregnant women are concerned about the question of whether pregnant women can sleep on their backs (6 months). Simple methods to improve sleep help - a walk, aromatherapy or a cup of mint tea.

What position to choose for a pregnant woman to sleep

The expectant mother in the first trimester can sleep in any comfortable position without fear for the health of the child. But a woman in position, having learned about her pregnancy, should gradually get used to other postures during sleep, which are recommended for subsequent terms.

When the stomach begins to round and becomes noticeable, sleeping on the stomach is not only not possible anymore, but it is also not recommended by doctors.

Can pregnant women sleep on their backs?

All women face the problem of having to change all their habits. One of these is rest and sleep on your back. Many are well aware, but is it possible for pregnant women to sleep on their backs? No doctor will say that it is worth changing this position for all 9 months. In the first trimester, the expectant mother can sleep as she likes, but she should already gradually change her body position in order to get used to it faster. After three months, the baby begins to grow faster and the belly increases accordingly. The uterus increases both in weight and in volume, loading the internal organs. The kidneys, intestines and liver are most affected.

The uterus presses on one of the largest veins in the body - the vena cava, through which blood moves from the heart to the lower extremities. This affects the health of not only the mother, but also her unborn child. In this condition, he often feels short of breath, palpitations, and sometimes fainting is observed. And nutrients cease to flow to the child, which leads to his oxygen starvation. If the vein is squeezed for a long time, then there may be problems with the bearing of the fetus and childbirth. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible for pregnant women to sleep on their backs in the 3rd trimester disappears by itself.

Can pregnant women sleep on their stomach

You can sleep on your stomach for up to 3 months, until the uterus with the fetus goes beyond the small pelvis. Until this time, a woman is allowed to sleep in her favorite position, but this is not always possible due to the high sensitivity of the breast. Starting with, you should forget about resting on your stomach for the benefit of the child.

In order for the rest to be complete, a pregnant woman should follow several rules. An unusual posture at first will affect the quality of sleep, you need to make sure that the body rests completely at night.

Proper nutrition plays a huge role during pregnancy, there is no place for overeating. It is recommended to eat often, but in small portions. It is better to limit trips to the kitchen three hours before bedtime, this also applies to mineral water and caffeinated drinks. But a glass of warm milk with honey will calm the expectant mother and have a beneficial effect on a night's rest.

Do not neglect physical exercises for pregnant women, which you need to perform during the day so as not to burden the body before bedtime.

Before going to bed, it is better to stop watching TV and reading books. Soothing music is perfect to help you relax and fall asleep.

Every expectant mother should have a daily routine and stick to it, going to bed and waking up at the same time. In order not to suffer from insomnia, you should forget about daytime sleep.

A short walk before going to bed and a ventilated room will make sleep more sound and deep.

Take only a warm shower, excluding hot water.

The clothes of a pregnant woman should be pleasant to the touch, made of natural material that does not hinder movement.

It is strictly forbidden to take sleeping pills that adversely affect the health of the child. On the question of whether pregnant women can sleep on their backs or not, only the attending physician can answer in more detail.

Simultaneously with the news of the birth of a new life in the bosom of a woman, she learns about many rules and restrictions that should now be firmly included in her daily routine. They relate to some food addictions, household habits.

A little later, the doctor can tell the expectant mother about the undesirability of rest in some positions, including the tummy up. To understand why you can’t sleep on your back during pregnancy and at what time, the study of all stages of fetal development and the restructuring of a woman’s body will help. This is important for the correct formation of the baby, his health and well-being of the expectant mother, preventing the appearance of various pathologies in her.

When considering the question of whether it is possible to sleep on your back during pregnancy, you should take into account all the positive and negative effects on the body of the mother and child. In the last trimester, it is difficult to find a comfortable position for rest, the expectant mother spins a lot, does not sleep well. But this is very important before childbirth, a woman needs to gain strength.

The sleeping place should be carefully prepared, it should be comfortable. The mattress must be selected with medium hardness, the best option is orthopedic. It will provide an even distribution of the load, well repeat all the contours of the body.

You can buy special pillows, they are produced in various configurations, accessories will come in handy even after the birth of a baby during breastfeeding. There are many good reviews on the World Wide Web from pregnant women who have used them in an interesting position. Ordinary ones are also suitable, it is convenient to put them under the tummy, shins, between the legs. You can place products under your back so that you do not turn into this position in a dream, but sleep on your side.

A short stay on the back is allowed. For example, in this position, you can perform special exercises for good sleep:

take a horizontal position;
close eyes;
relax your shoulders;
lower the chin to the chest;
put your hands to the lower abdomen;
take a slow, deep breath;
exhale in a normal rhythm.

After several repetitions, turn to the left side. Place pillows if necessary. Continue to breathe in a given rhythm, then a deep, restful sleep will come.

First trimester: do or don't

In the first trimester of pregnancy, lying down, sleeping on your back is not prohibited, especially if a woman is so used to it. With such a period, this will not bring discomfort, the posture will also not have a harmful effect on the fetus and the expectant mother.

Doctors recommend from the first weeks to accustom yourself to sleep on your side, this habit will then be very useful closer to childbirth. It is better to be on the left side, so more oxygen is supplied to the child. It should also be borne in mind that attacks of toxicosis are aggravated in the position on the stomach or back.

How long to sleep on your back

Already from the second trimester, doctors categorically do not prohibit, but recommend excluding sleeping on your back. It all depends on the state of health and the presence of discomfort.

If the belly is small, then this position may not cause disturbing symptoms in a woman. But if they are, and also when the fetus is large, or twins are expected, it is better to sleep on your side.

Attention! Sleeping on your back during pregnancy from 6 months is unacceptable.

Dangers of position in the second half of pregnancy

According to scientists, those who sleep exclusively on their backs during late pregnancy increase the risk of intrauterine fetal death. Babies born more often have developmental problems, they lag behind their peers. The reason for this lies in the following factors:

In this position, the blood stagnates in the pelvis and lower extremities, which swell, the brain experiences a lack of nutrients and oxygen because of this.
There is pressure of the uterus on the bladder, intestines, there are frequent urges to the toilet.
Blood circulation to the placenta is disturbed, the child experiences oxygen starvation.
In a woman, the nutrition of internal organs is disturbed.
Varicose veins often develop.
There are pain in the pelvis and spine.
The trophism of the tissues of the back is disturbed, prerequisites for bedsores may occur.
The load on the cardiovascular system causes an increase in blood pressure.
Hemorrhoids may develop.

All these symptoms are dangerous for the health of the expectant mother and her child. When they appear, be sure to consult a doctor, you can not neglect such manifestations. Timely action will help to avoid serious consequences.

Unpleasant symptoms

A common complaint of women in late pregnancy is the appearance of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, difficulty breathing while taking a pose lying on their back. There are even cases of loss of consciousness. These are manifestations of pressure on the inferior vena cava.

There are frequent urges to the toilet due to the pressure of the grown baby on the bladder. The spine may hurt, discomfort from the kidneys, liver, and intestines is manifested.

Effect on the fetus

According to medical observations, if the expectant mother lies on her back in the third trimester of pregnancy, the heart rate of the fetus is significantly reduced. This indicates a violation of the hemodynamics of the baby.

This condition causes a lack of vital nutrients to the infant. The result can be intrauterine growth retardation, the occurrence of serious pathologies, placental abruption, and even the death of an unborn child.

Risk to the mother

In addition to unpleasant sensations in the form of soreness, frequent urination, dizziness in a pregnant woman, when falling asleep on her back, respiratory failure and sleep apnea may develop. This condition is dangerous for both mother and baby. The child usually reports his discomfort with increased activity, he spins, pushes, wakes up the woman, forcing her to roll over.

Violation of the movement of blood through the vessels as a result of pressing the inferior vena cava can cause health problems. The most common are hemorrhoids, varicose veins.

Other positions and their features

Sleep in the first trimester of pregnancy, in the absence of contraindications, is allowed in any position convenient for her. But already from 10-12 weeks, rest on the stomach is undesirable. Many expectant mothers cannot lie like this from the first month from conception: the mammary glands swell, increase, and turning over on the stomach, the woman squeezes them. This leads to discomfort and pain.

Advice! Doctors usually do not recommend sleeping on the right side. This has a bad effect on the digestive tract. An enlarged uterus presses on the liver, gallbladder. There are stagnation, bile does not flow well. Pain is felt in the stomach, right hypochondrium, the pregnant woman begins to complain of heartburn, bloating, constipation.

Proper rest before childbirth: how best to lie down

The most correct position for the expectant mother, especially in the second half of pregnancy, is the lying position on the left side. This is the most favorable condition for mother and child.

The positive action is:

blood circulation is unimpeded;
the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients in full;
reduced swelling of the legs;
muscles relax;
the number of seizures decreases;
there is no compression of the liver;
the heart is functioning normally;
the load from the pelvis and back is eliminated, pain disappears.

It is good to use several pillows in the third trimester. They can be placed under the tummy, between the knees, under the lower back. This will greatly improve the quality of your holiday.

A contraindication to this position of the body during rest is heart problems. There is pressure on the organ and large vessels. There may be rhythm disturbances, increased stress on the muscle. In this case, you should definitely consult with your doctor about the optimal sleeping position.

These recommendations are suitable for the correct position of the fetus in the uterus. If the child lies across, you should rest on the side where the head is. In breech presentation, it is necessary to change the position at least 4 times during the night.

Advice! A woman should be attentive to her feelings, the behavior of the baby. If unpleasant, alarming symptoms occur, the child is spinning too actively, pushing, you need to change the position of the body and consult a doctor in the future.

Conclusion

It is worth accustoming yourself to the correct sleeping position during pregnancy from an early date. This will make it easier to rest before the birth of a child, when it is very difficult for a woman to find a comfortable body position.

This is important for the health of a pregnant woman and her baby, and will help prevent the development of serious consequences for the body. No matter how much you would like to lie down in your usual position, you should first of all think about the harm and possible negative impacts that can bring many problems in the future.

Pregnancy is that period in the life of every woman when she is responsible not only for herself, but also for the one who lives in her tummy. But her behavior is regulated by so many rules and regulations that it is simply difficult to remember everything. But it is no less difficult to understand why this or that rule prescribes to act in this way and not otherwise.

After all, it happens that there is no rule as such, but there are only rumors circulating around it. So we have to look separately for answers to many questions.

Let's say a Why shouldn't pregnant women sleep on their backs?

And really, you can't? And how then to sleep? After all, it is definitely uncomfortable on the stomach, especially for long periods. Yes, not only uncomfortable, but generally dangerous for the child. It seems that just the position on the back will be the most optimal for the expectant mother, because in this case her tummy will not experience any pressure. However, as doctors say, nothing like that! Sleeping on your back carries a lot of negative things.

During pregnancy, the uterus constantly increases. As a result, it acquires a very impressive weight. And, when a woman lies on her back, the uterus presses on the inferior vena cava. And this vein is responsible for blood flow in the lower extremities, in the pelvic area. More precisely, from these organs to the heart. It is clear that with pressure on this vein, blood circulation can be upset in a very serious way.

It can be bad for both the woman herself and her fetus. She may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, and someone may even lose consciousness. For a baby, this is even fraught with hypoxia. Only all this is important after about the 20th week of pregnancy, and before this period, the uterus does not yet acquire such menacing dimensions.

But there are two more reasons why why pregnant women shouldn't sleep on their backs

Firstly, for those who are prone to varicose veins, this position is definitely not suitable. Because sleeping on your back can also lead to varicose veins in your legs. But that's not all. Compression of the ureters is another reason that a pregnant woman sleeps on her back. And this result, in turn, leads to the fact that urine stagnates in the kidneys and gives complications. The least of them is bad health. But there may be a temperature, and lower back pain, and so on.

So this question actually looks much more serious than it might seem at first glance.

So, how can a woman sleep in the end?

It turns out that only the pose on the side remains. Yes, it is the most optimal, but at the same time on the left side. Because sleeping on the right side also gives undesirable consequences. This is due to the same lack of oxygen. In fact, it’s hard to say why the uterus does not squeeze the veins on the left side, but yes, on the right side, but doctors know better. They said that it is better on the left, then so be it.

And in the end, everything can end up with a reclining sleep. This is the option when, for complete comfort, a woman does not help sleep on her left side. It also happens that a large uterus presses on the diaphragm and prevents the expectant mother from breathing normally. In this case, it is the reclining position that will be the most suitable.

Difficult, right? But every mother knows for sure that for the sake of her baby she is also ready not for such sacrifices. Think about it: sleep for six months on only one side or in a semi-sitting position? It is not always convenient, but in the end he will receive a normal birth and a healthy baby. And for that, it's worth the patience.

Anxiety for a little peanut makes a pregnant woman take a different look at everyday things and habits. So, for example, already at the very beginning of pregnancy, expectant mothers try to find the optimal position for sleeping and relaxing. There are many recommendations in this regard, in particular, discussions regarding lying on your back do not subside. Today we will try to objectively answer this burning question for ladies in position.

How long can you lie on your back while pregnant?

While the tummy is barely noticeable and the uterus is reliably protected by the bones of the small pelvis, the expectant mother is not at all worried about whether it is possible to lie on her back during pregnancy. At first, the position during sleep in no way affects the well-being and development of the baby. On the stomach, on the back or side - a woman has the right to use the opportunity to sleep and rest in a comfortable way for her to the fullest, since in a couple of months she will not have such a prerogative. As soon as the tummy begins to round, sleeping on her stomach will be uncomfortable and unsafe for her. As for the back, gynecologists are allowed to rest in this position until about 28 weeks. However, doctors advise to gradually get used to and choose a comfortable position for rest in advance, so as not to overshadow the last months of pregnancy with chronic lack of sleep and fatigue.

Can pregnant women lie on their back in late pregnancy?

Having reached a huge size, the belly significantly limits the freedom of movement of a pregnant woman. Of course, you can no longer sleep on your stomach, and the position on your back is not the best solution. In this position, the uterus strongly compresses the vena cava, through which blood moves from the legs to the heart. Violating blood flow, a pregnant woman may feel unwell, dizzy, breathing may become rapid and intermittent. But, most importantly, with such violations, the child also suffers - he begins to experience an acute lack of oxygen.

In addition, prolonged lying on your back can cause lower back pain or increase

However, many doctors say: it is possible to lie on your back during pregnancy, but not for long. An alternating change in body position with a favorable course of pregnancy can in no way harm the baby and mother. But, nevertheless, answering the question of how long you can lie on your back during pregnancy, gynecologists do not advise abusing this position, and warn that with the slightest ailment, the position of the body should be changed immediately.

What position should a pregnant woman take for a restful sleep? Obstetricians urge to get used to the position on the side. This article explains why pregnant women should not sleep on their backs.

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Features of sleep during pregnancy

In the first trimester, it is all the same for a pregnant woman how to spend a night's rest. She can fall asleep in your favorite position.

However, doctors advise changing habits and learning to sleep on your side. While the belly is small, the embryo is protected from external influences by the amniotic membrane, and the uterus does not significantly compress the organs and blood vessels.

Therefore, there is no need to change the usual position during this period of gestation.

A woman preparing to become a mother can still lie on her back or on her side without consequences. The position on the stomach is also allowed, but up to a period of 80-85 days.

The uterus increases, this position leads to its squeezing. In the first third of gestation, the breasts begin to swell, which is accompanied by soreness of the nipples, so there are problems sleeping on a growing belly, the pregnant woman is shifted to her back.

However, after a three-month period, the uterus is growing rapidly. When a pregnant woman is belly up for a long time, the uterus presses on the vertebral cord, begins to compress large vessels. Therefore, when a pregnant woman lies for a long time, it is necessary to change position more often. Prolonged stay in the supine position causes constriction of blood vessels and congestion leading to diseases.

When should a woman rebuild her nightly rest? Obstetricians recommend starting with the initial trimester, although the need for this arises in the second. There is a squeezing of the vessels supplying blood to the heart. A woman may experience dizziness and even lose consciousness.

How to sleep late? In the last third, sleeping on your back during pregnancy causes squeezing of the portal vein massive uterus. The future mother suffocates in a dream, the embryo experiences the same sensations. The position is corrected by flipping to the side.

How to sleep better

During the bearing of the fetus, the nuances that the woman did not take into account before become decisive. The state of health depends on the duration of sleep and position. A comfortable position should be considered when it is comfortable for the pregnant woman and the embryo. If he does not have enough incoming blood, then the mother will also become ill. Short-term hypoxia occurs, which is corrected by a change in body position. Doctors from the twenty-eighth week forbid pregnant women to lie on their backs.

While the abdomen is small, the uterus is protected from external influences by the skeleton of the small pelvis. Is it possible to lie on your back during pregnancy in the initial weeks?

Of course it's allowed. As long as the belly is small the uterus is protected from external influences the skeleton of the small pelvis.

With an increase in the size of the abdomen, a woman will not be able to lie on it, so you will have to choose a lateral or dorsal position.

Sleeping on your back during pregnancy becomes uncomfortable - lumbar pain appears, blood pressure rises. Fatigue is falling on a woman as a result of chronic lack of sleep.

If there are signs of malaise, the posture must be changed. Why shouldn't pregnant women sleep on their backs? Because the uncomfortable position will force her to wake up and change her position.

Is it possible to lie on your back during pregnancy? Obstetricians recommend not allowing expectant mothers to stay in this position for a long time during daytime rest and night sleep. A pregnant woman will be awakened or forced to involuntarily change position by discomfort or lumbar pain. The woman tosses and turns and looks for a comfortable position on her side.

Which side should you lie on? Most gynecologists consider the left side to be safe and comfortable. For convenience, it is recommended to put one foot on the other, placing an additional pillow between them. Why shouldn't pregnant women sleep on their backs? Because this position causes discomfort to the embryo in the womb. He stirs, does not let the mother fall asleep, and she is forced to take a position in which the unborn child will stop bothering her. In addition, the following points must be taken into account:

disruption of the digestive tract;
pressure drops, which is accompanied by nausea and dizziness;
there is a threat of varicose veins in the legs, thrombophlebitis is not excluded.

Important! When a pregnant woman rests on her back, a massive uterus compresses the blood vessels, which causes hypoxia of the embryo and mother's organs. There is a threat of fainting, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.

The procedure for getting up and laying down is important. Initially considered correct gently raise the torso from a supine position, lower your legs from the bed, slowly get up. In this case, there will be no concussion of the uterus, it will not contract, blood pressure will remain normal.

Most obstetricians believe that sleeping on the left side is considered convenient, as well as safe for the unborn child and his mother.

This will allow avoid the pressure of a heavy uterus on the liver and right kidney.

Otherwise, the ureters are clamped, urine stagnation develops. A situation conducive to the occurrence of pyelonephritis is created.

The pregnant woman bends her left hand at the elbow, and places her right hand over her stomach. This position allows you to reduce the load on the spinal cord and organs.

It is best to lie on your left side, bending one-sided arm at the elbow, and the right over the abdomen. Sleeping on your back during pregnancy will be short. Unpleasant sensations will force a woman to change position. A few more tips:

Do not put your hands under your head - they will become numb.
The legs should be bent, placing the knees obliquely from the body.

A more comfortable adopted position will make it possible to make pillow for pregnant women. It is customary to put it under the knees. The dimensions of the accessory purchased in an orthopedic pharmacy are selected arbitrarily. A pillow is placed under the abdomen or back to give the torso a comfortable position. The device helps to reduce leg swelling that occurs in sleeping people.

A pillow or rolled-up towel is placed under the raised feet. It is necessary to choose the appropriate elasticity of the bed, as well as its density.

How to sleep for a future mother in the last stages of pregnancy? Quilts, beds with metal nets are excluded. The mattress is chosen elastic, well supporting the body.

High pillows are replaced with orthopedic ones. This allows you to relax the cervical vertebrae, which prevents the occurrence.

A thinner pillow is slipped under the stomach, thicker and larger between the legs. The left must be extended, the right must be bent at the knee. In this case, swollen limbs bother the pregnant woman less, the load on the lower back and pelvis is reduced.

Important! To improve the regulation of body position during night rest, special headboards for pregnant women are used. When there is no desire or opportunity to purchase all the options, they stop at the universal one. Such a pillow supports the stomach, allows you to relax your back, and can be useful when feeding an unborn child.

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