How to sleep pregnant in the second trimester. How to sleep during early and late pregnancy? The best and worst sleeping positions

All nine months of pregnancy are accompanied by numerous “don’ts.” Doctors limit certain products, alcoholic drinks, strong physical activity. Even some sleeping positions are prohibited.

Growing belly and overall change body poses multiple problems for a pregnant woman: how to properly go to bed in the third trimester and early stages, is it possible to fall asleep on your back during pregnancy and which side is preferable to lie on - left or right.

If a big belly prevents you from sleeping, expert advice will help solve this problem.

Pregnancy is characterized by a sharp increase in the need for sleep. Pregnant, not even suspecting it yet interesting position, notices that at any free moment he just waits for the moment to put his head on the pillow and take a little nap. “I sleep all the time,” is how women describe their condition.

This desire is associated with the physiological changes that accompany any pregnancy.

Immediately after conception, the hormone progesterone begins to be actively produced, as a result of which the pregnant woman feels constant fatigue, lack of initiative and, of course, drowsiness.

Good to know! If a pregnant woman wants to take a nap during the day, it is better to satisfy this need. Otherwise correct solution– increase vitality, for example, by drinking a cup of a tonic drink - green tea.

Pregnancy on later again accompanied by drowsiness. Similar condition also quite natural, since a woman needs to gain strength before labor and prepare for future events.

Sometimes pregnant women have to sleep 15-20 hours a day, interrupting only to eat.

In the second trimester, a pregnant woman may experience insomnia, since a sharply rounded belly disrupts all previous habits and prevents the woman from sleeping on it.

The way out of this situation is to sleep on the right or left side.

Beginning of pregnancy

In the early stages, a pregnant woman can choose her usual position - on the left or right side, the stomach or back is also suitable.

The chosen position is not able to affect the development of the child, since the fetus is still surrounded by the small pelvis.

Some pregnant women find it uncomfortable to sleep on their stomach, as the mammary glands become very sensitive and react painfully to such a position.

You can sleep on your back in the first trimester of pregnancy, but this position often increases nausea.

By the 14th week, pregnant women need to develop the habit of napping on their side. During this period, sleeping on the stomach is dangerous for the fetus, despite the muscular protection and “airbag” in the form amniotic sac. In addition, this position increases the risk of increased tone.

In the second trimester, doctors allow you to sleep on your back. The child is still small, and the uterus is not large enough to put pressure on the diaphragm and spinal column.

If the baby starts to move, it is better to change position. During this period, it is better for a pregnant woman to lie on her side, ideally on the left, but the right side is also allowed.

By the end of pregnancy, sleeping on an impressive tummy or back is excluded; you can sleep correctly on your left side, additionally placing a soft cushion (or) under your right lower limb bent at the knee.

This situation has a number of advantages:

Improves placental blood flow, which means that the child receives the amount of oxygen and other essential elements necessary for full development.
The urinary system works in optimal mode, which helps reduce swelling of the upper and lower limbs(this problem is especially relevant in the last weeks of pregnancy).
The enlarged uterus does not put so much pressure on the liver.
The unpleasant lingering pain in the pelvic area and lower back.
Everything works better the cardiovascular system body of a pregnant woman, which avoids various problems With high blood pressure, arterial or venous circulation.

But not all pregnant women manage to sleep peacefully on their left side.

IN last weeks pregnancy sometimes you have to choose right side. This is true if the fetal presentation is transverse. “Right-sided” sleep in this case helps the child lie down correctly.

As already mentioned, in the first weeks you can take a nap in any position, but if your pregnancy has passed the 22-week mark, you can forget about sweet dreams on your back. What are the risks for a pregnant woman in this position?

The uterus begins to squeeze internal organs, including the intestines. This leads to problems with its emptying and increased gas formation.
Lower back strain can lead to painful sensations in the area of the spinal column and pelvis. The pain can be different - both constantly aching and sharp, “shooting”.
This position threatens the course of pregnancy, so a pregnant woman who says “I only sleep on my back” risks her health. In this position, the inferior vena cava is compressed, allowing blood to move from the legs to the top part torso. In this case, pregnant women need help, as negative signs develop such as:
- lack of oxygen;
- a sharp drop in blood pressure;
- dizziness;
- disturbance of consciousness.
Pregnancy is a period when the well-being of the child depends on the condition of the mother. If a pregnant woman constantly sleeps on her back, it can be argued that the fetus is not getting enough required quantity oxygen. As a result of such fasting, hypoxia may develop, resulting in impaired formation child's body. After childbirth, the child eats poorly, sleeps poorly, and is characterized by increased anxiety.

If a pregnant woman is expecting two or more children or the pregnancy is accompanied by polyhydramnios, it is better not to sleep on your back from the 14th week. This advice is relevant if the baby’s head is very low and there is a risk of spontaneous abortion.

It doesn’t matter what month a woman is in, proper rest is required both at the beginning and at the end of the period of bearing a child. To regain strength and sleep, a pregnant woman should carefully read the following useful tips.

Do not use sedatives or sleeping pills without the doctor's prior approval. Each medication can negatively affect the condition of the fetus.
Before going to bed, avoid drinking drinks containing the tonic substance caffeine. It is important to give up both strong coffee and green tea.
Do not eat anything a couple of hours before going to bed (especially heavy food) to prevent heaviness in the stomach. You should also reduce the amount of liquid consumed three to four hours before going to bed.
An evening walk is a good opportunity to get some air, get distracted and get some exercise. However, from excessive loads Pregnant women should refuse.
Maintaining a daily routine - important condition good night. Try to train yourself to fall asleep and open your eyes at a strictly defined time.
Sudden cramps can provoke insomnia and frequent getting up at night. In this case, you should consult a doctor who will recommend relaxing massage movements, inclusion of foods with calcium or special medications in the diet.
“I don’t sleep because I’m afraid of childbirth,” is how many women explain their sleep problems. If you are still afraid of the maternity hospital, take courses for expectant mothers and talk to positive friends who have already given birth.
The right pillows for pregnant women can improve the quality of sleep. Rollers are available for sale various forms– in the form of a horseshoe, bagel, banana, etc. They allow you to sit comfortably on the bed and place your tummy in a cozy “nest”.

Provide good sleep the correct position will help.

Sleep is very important for a person, especially for pregnant women. After all, the healthy development of the fetus will depend on how much better a pregnant woman feels. During pregnancy female body constantly faces increased loads. will help restore strength. However, expectant mothers should know how to sleep properly in order to get a boost of vigor and energy for the whole day.

It is sometimes difficult for a pregnant woman to fall asleep and then have a “quality” sleep. The reason for this discomfort is the difficulty in choosing a sleeping position. Every person has his favorite poses that help him sleep soundly and peacefully.

If a woman is pregnant, it will be useful for her to know which position is best to choose in order to easily fall asleep without harming the unborn baby. Some pregnant women will have to give up their favorite body position for a while. It is necessary to give preference to safe positions that will not harm the health of the unborn child and the mother herself.

Preferred options

For a pregnant woman, the best position is considered to be one in which her body lies on her left side. It is this position that will not interfere with natural blood circulation, and the fetus will not put pressure on the liver. This is the only way to avoid back pain.

At night during short awakenings Doctors advise changing body position. You should turn over from one side to the other 3-4 times a night. In addition, you need to know not only about comfortable positions, but also how to get out of bed correctly. First of all, you need to first turn on your side, then slowly sit down. Such an action will relieve expectant mother from unwanted uterine tone (which can lead to an increased likelihood of miscarriage).

You are allowed not only to lie on your left side, but you can also lean back a little, leaning on your spine. For this purpose, you need to put a thick cushion rolled up from a blanket on the back. You can spread your legs without bending them too much at the knees, and place a special sofa cushion between them. All these actions will help you relax and...

What positions are prohibited?

Before three months Pregnant women are allowed to sleep in their favorite positions. However, over time you will have to rebuild to a safer position. You will have to forget about some positions during pregnancy.

This is especially true for the 3rd trimester. This is due to the fact that during this period it is strictly forbidden to sleep lying on your stomach or back, because:

The baby has grown noticeably,
the uterus compresses the intestines with the lower back,
compresses a vein from the blood supply system bottom part bodies.

In addition, a pregnant woman, due to improper positioning of the body during sleep, may then experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and breathing problems. Due to lack of oxygen future baby will begin to kick and push vigorously. That's why mom needs to know how to sleep properly during pregnancy.

Many specialists and accomplished mothers give a lot different advice How to sleep correctly for your child and yourself. First of all, it is advisable to ventilate the room before going to bed. This will ensure good vacation.

Sleeping in such a cool room, wrapped in a warm blanket, will be pleasant and easy. For those women who follow such advice, it will be easy to fall asleep, since their fetus will constantly receive plenty of oxygen, this will lead to the overall health of both organisms. Before going to bed, it is also advisable to check your night pajamas to see if they fit comfortably. It is advisable that it be several sizes larger. There are cases when women experience insomnia precisely for this reason.

During rest, you need to use an elastic pillow so that your head does not sink and discomfort does not appear. Similar products can be purchased at a store for expectant mothers. Every woman can choose a model that will meet her taste requirements. Today, stores sell a diverse range of products: body pillow, mother's pillow, U-shaped and wedge-shaped pillows. They all differ in filling, size, and colors. These products are used to support the abdomen and back, and relieve stress on the legs.

To get a full and healthy sleep, you also need to carry out a daily “relaxation” procedure. Sleeping after the “relaxation” ritual will become much more pleasant. You should do the following exercise to help relax your body: lie on your back, close your eyes tightly, and just focus on breathing. Then you need to stretch your neck, pressing your chin to your chest, and at the same time lower your shoulders. To feel your breath, you need to place your palms on your lower abdomen. This easy exercise can be performed throughout pregnancy.

It is recommended to take a soothing shower before falling asleep. To ensure a good rest, a pregnant woman should adhere to correct mode day. 3 hours before bedtime you are not allowed to eat or drink much. However, if a woman is constantly tormented by evening toxicosis, it is useful for her to drink a cup of herbal tea and eat a couple of crackers. Any active physical movements before bed, but you can take a walk outside.

To avoid leg cramps at night, you should perform a massage before bed. After tingling the leg muscles. If a woman is worried about fears or is worried about something, she needs to consult a specialist. The doctor will give useful recommendations, to night rest the expectant mother became calm.

So, healthy sleep is key correct flow pregnancy, as well as normal birth. Insomnia can cause various complications, chronic fatigue, which will ultimately negatively affect childbirth and disrupt the health of mother and child.

How to sleep during pregnancy worries many women. To have healthy and beneficial sleep, you need to know a few things:

It is not advisable to sleep on a surface with a very hard base; it is recommended to choose a mattress with medium hardness.
The mattress must follow the physiological contours of the body; orthopedic requirements meet these requirements.
It is necessary to take a convenient and comfortable sleeping position, which needs to be changed about three to four times throughout the night. Experts recommend sleeping predominantly on the left side; in this position, blood circulation is best in both the woman’s body and the flow of blood to the fetus.

Sleeping positions during pregnancy

Sleeping positions during pregnancy are of no small importance. By choosing the right and comfortable position, your sleep will be stronger and healthier.

During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, it is recommended to sleep on your side and best of all on the left, because on the right side more likely compression of the kidney by an enlarged uterus. In the side position, you can place a flat pillow under your stomach and a pillow between your legs to reduce stress on the pelvic area. There are even special pillows like bananas for these purposes.
Acceptance possible intermediate position– do not completely turn over onto your back, placing a bolster or pillow under it.

Is it possible to sleep on your stomach during pregnancy?

Sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy is not advisable, even in its earliest stages, although it will not harm the fetus. Because in the early stages, the placenta and amniotic fluid that surround the fetus reduce compression.

In the early stages, sleeping on the stomach can disrupt the soreness of the mammary glands, which is associated with physiological changes in the woman’s body.
In the later stages of pregnancy, when the stomach is enlarged in size, sleeping on the stomach will be extremely uncomfortable, and this position will have Negative influence on the fetus, which will be compressed by the weight of the pregnant woman.

Is it possible to sleep on your back during pregnancy?

Sleeping on your back during pregnancy is not recommended in the later stages (starting from the fifth month), because the fetus becomes heavier and the pressure of the uterus on the internal organs (liver, intestines, kidneys) increases. It is also possible to compress the inferior vena cava running along the spinal column, which is accompanied by a decrease in blood flow from lower area body to heart and deterioration general condition women. Besides, prolonged compression the inferior vena cava may be accompanied by a decrease in blood flow to the fetus and, accordingly, a decrease in oxygen and nutrients, which can negatively affect the condition of the fetus. Sleeping on your back during late pregnancy may be accompanied by pain in the back due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the spinal column. Taking this into account, the most successful and comfortable position for sleeping during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, is on the side, and better on the left.

Sleep disturbance during pregnancy

Sleep disturbance during pregnancy can lead to decreased immunity, irritability, weakness, bad mood and well-being, loss of appetite, which can negatively affect the pregnant woman and her unborn child. Sleep disturbances occur quite often in pregnant women (approximately 80% of cases) and there can be many reasons for this.

Sleep disturbances during pregnancy can manifest as insomnia, drowsiness, frequent awakenings at night or difficulty falling asleep.

In early pregnancy, sleep disturbances occur due to:

Hormonal changes in a woman’s body, namely an increase in the hormone progesterone, which is accompanied by severe drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night.
Early toxicosis - most often - nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation.
Disorders psychogenic in nature – increased anxiety, concern for your own and your child’s health.

In late pregnancy, sleep disturbances may be associated with:

Difficulty in choosing a comfortable sleeping position due to an increased belly size and excess weight.
Frequent urge to urinate due to an enlarged uterus, which puts pressure on bladder and there is a need for more frequent emptying.
Intense fetal movements.
The presence of heartburn (due to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, due to an enlarged uterus, which puts pressure on the diaphragm and stomach).
Pain in the lumbar region.
Possible occurrence of seizures, most often - calf muscles, due to disturbances in mineral metabolism.
A feeling of itching in the abdominal area, which occurs due to stretching of the skin.
Shortness of breath, which is due to the fact that the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm and lungs.
Late toxicosis - increased blood pressure, headache and etc.
Chronic fatigue.
Psycho-emotional disorders - anxiety about upcoming birth, about the child’s health, bad dreams.

Thus, sleep disturbance is possible at any stage of pregnancy and is associated with physiological processes, occurring in the female body. But this problem You shouldn’t ignore it; you need to tell your doctor about it, who will give appropriate recommendations to your loved ones in order to overcome it together.

Poor sleep during pregnancy

Poor sleep during pregnancy occurs in eight out of ten pregnant women (according to the American Sleep Association) and occurs mainly due to physiological changes in the female body. A properly organized day will help you cope with poor sleep during pregnancy.

Frequent and prolonged stays fresh air.
Performance physical exercise– do swimming, dancing or gymnastics for pregnant women.
Do yoga.
Rational and balanced diet– sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, dairy products.
Don't overeat at night; Avoid drinking coffee, strong tea, and chocolate (i.e., products containing caffeine).
Refuse nap, if available.
Avoid negative influences.
Take before bed warm shower and drink a glass warm milk, maybe with honey.
It is good to ventilate the bedroom before going to bed.
Very important psychological support loved ones.

You should tell the obstetrician-gynecologist who is observing the pregnant woman about poor sleep, who will help find out the cause. bad sleep and will give necessary recommendations. Sometimes just organizing your day is not enough; poor sleep can be caused by: serious violations in the body of a pregnant woman that require medical attention.

Scary dreams during pregnancy

Scary dreams during pregnancy can be associated with stress, anxiety, and depression that arise due to changes in hormonal levels women. Anxious dreams, most often, can be dreamed of in late stages of pregnancy, and they are associated, first of all, with the upcoming birth. Scary dreams are usually not a reason for worry, since they reflect the strongest experiences of a woman and thus the body gets rid of fear in the subconscious. Psychologists have noted a certain feature that the more scary dreams If a pregnant woman tells you about the upcoming birth, the easier it will be.

Restless sleep during pregnancy

Restless sleep during pregnancy is observed in many women and it can be associated with many reasons.

Concern for the health of the unborn child.
Worry - will I be a good mother?
Concerns about relationships with your husband, especially of a sexual nature.
Fear of upcoming birth.
Poorly chosen sleeping position.
Poorly ventilated bedroom.
Uncomfortable bed.
Regular overeating before bed.
Little exposure to fresh air.
Depression, bad mood.

Erotic dreams during pregnancy

Erotic dreams during pregnancy are not uncommon. For most pregnant women, the number and intensity of erotic dreams increase, which worries the woman.

The reason for such dreams lies in the compensatory reaction of the body, because... During pregnancy, some restrictions of a sexual nature arise and through such dreams, the pregnant woman’s body makes up for what it lacks in real life.
Besides, hormonal changes in the female body during pregnancy, increase libido, the need for caresses and tenderness, which can manifest itself in erotic dreams.
Also pregnancy and erotic dreams are interconnected, since pregnancy is a consequence sexual relations, and the woman needs to understand that the birth of a child is the result of sexual contact.

Orgasm in a dream during pregnancy

Orgasm during sleep during pregnancy can be experienced by many women and is normal occurrence, which is associated with hormonal changes, enlargement of the uterus and clitoris, which is accompanied by increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. Orgasm is beneficial for both the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Because contraction of the uterus is accompanied by increased blood flow and improved circulation in the placenta, as a result of which the fetus receives large quantity oxygen and nutrients.
Hormones produced during orgasm (enkephalins and endorphins) have a beneficial effect on psycho-emotional state woman and fetus.

Orgasm during pregnancy also has a positive effect on the muscles of the uterus, because... it can be considered as a training component for labor.

Sleep during pregnancy can be normalized if you organize your day correctly: walk more often in the fresh air, do not overeat at night, avoid stress, choose a comfortable sleeping position, and also share your experiences with loved ones and the doctor who is monitoring the pregnant woman. If you have a fear of childbirth, it is recommended to attend a school to prepare for childbirth, where they will tell you how to behave during childbirth, breathe correctly and the basics of caring for a newborn. By attending such a school, a woman will gain confidence, psycho-emotional harmony and a positive attitude.

During pregnancy, the load on the entire female body sharply increases, and its systems and organs work in an intensified mode to produce resources for two: both the mother and the baby. That is why even with light loads a woman feels overworked. Doctors advise expectant mothers to give Special attention work and rest schedule and give advice on how to sleep better during pregnancy in order to restore strength and not harm the baby.

Healthy sleep very important for the expectant mother. Experts recommend that pregnant women sleep 8-11 hours a day, dividing this time between daytime and night sleep. But during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes, so finding a comfortable position for sleeping can be problematic: either your back hurts, or enlarged breasts interfere, but your legs ache. And a comfortable position for the mother is not always safe for the baby.

How can an expectant mother sleep better in the first trimester?
In the first trimester there are no restrictions on sleeping positions. Since the fetus is still very tiny, and the uterus is located within the small pelvis, a woman is allowed to sleep in her usual positions, even on her back and stomach. But even your favorite position lying on your stomach can cause discomfort due to enlarged breasts, the slightest touch of which can cause not only discomfort, but also pain. But if such a dream is not accompanied by discomfort, then feel free to sleep on your stomach until the 12th week, that is, until the end of the 1st trimester.

Second trimester: comfortable sleeping positions
In the second trimester, the embryo begins to actively grow and develop, and the result of this is an increasing belly. Although the baby is protected by the uterus and amniotic fluid, experts do not recommend that the expectant mother sleep on her stomach in the second trimester. This is not only inconvenient, but also very dangerous, as there is a risk of injury to the fetus. Therefore, the expectant mother should in every possible way refrain from the desire to lie on her stomach. But immediately after giving birth, a woman will be able to fully enjoy sleep in a position lying on her stomach, since doctors recommend this position for better reduction uterus.

Recommended sleeping positions in the third trimester
Starting from 25-28 weeks you will have to stop sleeping on your back. The belly is already quite large, and the fetus compresses the internal organs of the expectant mother. If a woman allows herself to rest in such a position, the fetus will put pressure on the intestines and the inferior vena cava, which carries oxygen from the lower extremities to the heart. If you squeeze it, the pregnant woman may experience dizziness and acute shortage oxygen. As a result, the woman may lose consciousness. If you stay in this position for a very long time, the risk of fetal hypoxia increases.

Doctors consider the best position for sleeping to be on the left side. It is in this position that normal blood circulation occurs, back pain is not bothered, and the heart works better. But it’s impossible to sleep the whole night in one position, but it’s also not necessary, doctors say. The expectant mother can roll over from one side to the other as many times as she sees fit.

Doctors believe that sleeping on the left side is also a preventative measure. breech presentation fetus If the fetus is in a transverse position, experts recommend sleeping more often on the side where the baby's head is located. This will help the fetus take the correct position.

Miracle pillow for mother and baby
Placing pillows under your stomach, back and legs is good, but it is better to purchase a special ergonomic sleeping pillow. It has the shape of a horseshoe, moon or banana and is used to make it easier for a woman to find a comfortable sleeping position. You can hug her and throw your leg over her, and the expectant mother will not experience discomfort. If you purchase a pillow in the shape of a horseshoe, it will not allow a woman to accidentally roll over onto her back while sleeping. Such pillows are sold in large children's supermarkets and stores for expectant mothers. Ergonomic sleeping pillows are about two meters in length and about half a meter in girth.

Of course, a woman herself can choose a sleeping position that is comfortable for her and her baby. When choosing one, the expectant mother should listen to her feelings and monitor the child’s reaction. If he is not comfortable, he will begin to move his arms and legs intensively, telling his mother that it is time to change her position and lie down more comfortably.

The only correct and comfortable posture The sleeping position for the expectant mother during this period is lying on her side. In this case, it would be more correct to sleep lying on your left side, placing your right leg under your right leg, bent at the hip and knee joints, a large pillow. With this simple device you can improve the flow of blood from right leg. Instead of a pillow, a blanket or special devices are placed under the abducted leg.

Why is it better for pregnant women with a big belly to sleep on their left side? There is a simple logical explanation for this. The inferior vena cava, into which blood flows from the lower extremities, is located on the right. With such anatomical feature It is easy to avoid squeezing the vein by the enlarged uterus if you take a lying position on your left side.

Pregnancy is difficult period in the life of every family member, but it is especially difficult for the expectant mother. Healthy sleep, proper nutrition and harmonious family relationships are the key to a successful pregnancy outcome. Only calmness, love and affection can support the expectant mother in one of the most crucial periods in her life.