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How to sleep when pregnant: tips on sleeping positions for expecting moms

Stay comfy and keep your baby safe with our tips on sleeping during pregnancy.

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How to sleep when pregnant: tips on sleeping positions for expecting moms

As your pregnancy progresses, it’s not unusual to face a few issues. From back problems to morning sickness, it isn’t always an easy ride! One of the most common issues involves sleeping, and which position is the best for you and your baby. Check out our tips for how to sleep when pregnant to keep your little one safe.

Invest in a pregnancy pillow if you’re struggling with sleeping while pregnant - it might help you get a little more comfortable.

Why am I uncomfortable when sleeping while pregnant?

When you’re pregnant, you’ll probably experience some issues whilst sleeping. It might not be one of the most enjoyable parts of pregnancy, but it’s pretty much inevitable! This is mainly because of the increase in the size of your abdomen causing you to have to sleep in different positions, but you might run into some other issues including:

  • Back pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Struggling to sleep

  • Heart burn

Best sleeping position during pregnancy

A lot of women think it’s common to turn on your back whilst sleeping during pregnancy, but this isn’t actually the safest for your baby. When sleeping while pregnant, it can actually be better to position yourself on your side - particularly on your left. This will help to keep your blood and the necessary nutrients reaching your baby and make sure your little one stays healthy whilst they grow. To get into the habit, you should try to start going to bed in this sleeping position in the first trimester.

Pregnancy sleeping tips

The further along in your pregnancy you get, the harder it can be to get comfortable - and that means the positions you found comfortable in your first trimester may stop working by the second or third. If you’re struggling with third trimester sleeping positions, there are some ways you can try to make it more comfortable. Try these tips to help you out:

  • Adjust your sleeping posture during pregnancy by placing a pillow between your legs.

  • Prop your body up with pillows to avoid heartburn, particularly when adjusting your sleeping position in the second trimester and beyond.

  • Check with your doctor for the best tips for you as every pregnancy is different. What works for one mom might be a lesson in how not to sleep during pregnancy for you!

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Making sure you sleep properly during your pregnancy is crucial to keeping your child safe and staying comfortable throughout your trimesters. Follow our tips and see if getting into a new night-time routine can help you - then you'll just need to start reading up on how to get a good night's sleep with a newborn baby in the house!

  • Lie on your left side.

  • Keep your legs and knees bent.

  • Place a pillow between your legs if you’re uncomfortable.

  • Avoid heartburn by propping your head up with pillows.

Originally published