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What are the best sleeping positions when side sleeping just does not cut it anymore?

By Mary Sharman, edHelperBaby

Question
           What are the best sleeping position when side sleeping just does not cut it anymore?       

       Early in your pregnancy, you should try to get in the habit of sleeping on your left side. Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the best position as your pregnancy continues. Most doctors will tell you that the weight of the baby can apply pressure to a major vein (inferior vena cava) that runs along the right side of the spine and sleeping on your left side will prevent cutting off blood flow from this vein.       

       Doctors also state, however that you should not worry if you do roll over onto your back because if there were problems with blood flow you would have numbness in your legs that would wake you up.       

       Now that I have stated what the professionals have said about side sleeping I would like to address the fact that lots of pregnant women, including myself, cannot sleep in a side lying position and must find alternatives to sleeping that way. I am currently 5 months pregnant and have given birth previously, and I can say that propping myself up with the proper amount of pillows will provide support and create an alternative to side sleeping. Some women I have spoken to also find that sleeping in a reclining type chair is also a great way to relieve pain and help reduce swelling. I use a body pillow on each side of my body and stagger three thick pillows behind my back so that I am in an inclined position. I also use a neck pillow to support my neck and ease pain from my head tilting in one direction for too long.       

       When comparing body pillows, the poly fill pillows are softer than down pillows and less expensive. Most poly fill pillows run for $15 - $20 dollars. There are many places to pick up a body pillow and many stores carry pillows especially designed for pregnancy. These pillows may be a little pricier but, will be worth every dime if it helps you sleep better.       

       Talk to your doctor about what he/she recommends before you try anything other than side sleeping. Just know, you will make it though this time, and having the right information can only help make the journey easier.

   


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