Why is it recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left side?

Doctors generally recommend sleeping on the left side only when pregnant women enter the third trimester. The reason why there is a saying that pregnant women sleep on their left sides is mainly from these two perspectives.

1. Dextral uterus

For most pregnant women, uterine dextrorotation will occur in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sleeping on the left side can alleviate the degree of dextrorotation of the uterus, thereby reducing the tension of the uterine blood vessels, ensuring placental blood flow and blood oxygen supply to the fetus.

2.? Smooth blood circulation

For most of us, the inferior vena cava is on the right side of the spine, and the abdominal aorta is on the left side of the spine. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is fully developed and the uterus is enlarged. At this time, random sleeping positions are likely to cause the uterus to compress the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta. At the same time, venous compression has a more serious impact than arterial compression, so for the safety of the fetus, doctors will recommend pregnant women to sleep on their left side to ensure smooth blood circulation.

The correct sleeping position for sleeping on the left side

Many pregnant women think that sleeping on the left side means that the body and the bed should be at 90°, but this is not the case. When sleeping on the left side, the pregnant woman's body is 15-30° to the bed, which is more comfortable. If it is 90°, normal people will feel uncomfortable, let alone pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women should understand this and not sleep wrongly.

Are all pregnant women suitable to sleep on their left side?

You must know that not all pregnant women are suitable for sleeping on the left side. If the pregnant woman has the following two conditions, sleeping on the right side will be more suitable:

① The uterus of pregnant women is naturally left-handed. , not suitable for sleeping on the left side;

②Pregnant women’s hearts are not very good, or they have heart disease. Sleeping on the left side will only increase the burden on the heart and is not good for the health of pregnant women.

What should I do if I feel uncomfortable sleeping on my left side?

Some pregnant women say, "I don't have the above two characteristics, but I feel uncomfortable sleeping on my left side. What should I do?" At this time, pregnant women should not foolishly insist on sleeping on the left side, because you don't If it is comfortable, the fetus will also be uncomfortable. In fact, the standard for pregnant women to sleep is comfort. Only when the pregnant woman is comfortable will the fetus be comfortable. If you find that sleeping on your left side makes you uncomfortable, sleep on your right side, or half-lying down. Similarly, if a pregnant woman feels that a certain sleeping position will cause more fetal movement, this is a signal from the fetus to you: I am not feeling well. At this time, pregnant women need to change their sleeping position. Even if there is no discomfort for pregnant women sleeping on their left side, it is not recommended to maintain this position all night. You can adjust your sleeping position in due course.

The sleeping positions of pregnant women are different at different stages of pregnancy

At different stages of pregnancy, the sleeping positions of pregnant women are also different:

Early pregnancy: The sleeping positions of pregnant women at this time The position is relatively casual, because the uterus has not yet enlarged, so you can sleep however comfortable you want, but it is best not to sleep on your stomach.

Second trimester: From the second trimester onwards, it is recommended that pregnant women sleep on their side. As for left or right, it depends on your comfort level. If a pregnant woman feels that her lower limbs are heavy, she can use pillows to slightly elevate them.

Third trimester: It is recommended to sleep on the left side. If it is uncomfortable, you can sleep on the right side, but it is best not to sleep on your back.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the sleeping position of pregnant women is related to the safety of the fetus, so expectant mothers should pay attention to it. Sleeping on the left side is the best sleeping position, but pregnant women should also have a correct understanding of sleeping on the left side. Don't insist blindly, otherwise you will feel uncomfortable and your child's development will be affected.