It is really important to get enough sleep during your pregnancy, often this is not a problem for some women as it is all
they want to do, but it is very important as your body is working hard to accommodate a new life, so you'll probably feel
more tired than usual. The problem arises as your baby gets bigger, it will be harder to find a comfortable position when
you're trying to sleep.
Sleeping positions
Lying on your side with your knees bent, is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. It
also makes your heart's job easier because it keeps the baby's weight from applying pressure to the large blood vessels that
carry blood to and from your heart and your feet and legs. Lying on your side can also help prevent or reduce varicose veins,
constipation, haemorrhoids, and swelling in your legs.
Your doctor may specifically recommend that you sleep on the left side. Because your liver is on the right side of your
abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. Lying on your left side also optimizes blood
flow to the placenta and, therefore, your baby. It is best to ask what they recommend. In most cases, lying on either side
should help take some pressure off your back it may help to place a pillow between your legs, behind your back, and underneath
your belly, it’s a case of trying it to see which way suits you best. Some companies make pregnancy pillows that
help to get you in the right position but they work for some of our mums and not others, give them a go if you are having
problems.
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