Is It Bad To Sleep On Ur Back While Pregnant

So what can this actually do?

Researchers in New Zealand found that there was a potential increased risk of stillbirth for those who slept the entire night on their back. But Dr. Zanotti says these and similar studies were small, not randomized and shouldn’t be taken as definite proof.

For instance, the studies examined individuals who slept all night on their backs without getting up to use the restroom. But even if they wish they could, most people don’t sleep through the night at that point in pregnancy, according to Dr. Zanotti says.

It’s also difficult to attribute stillbirths or other pregnancy-related issues to just one factor, she continues, because there are so many others. Many back sleepers could snore or have sleep apnea, according to research. The problem with these studies is that you can’t eliminate all of those factors. ”.

How Can I Sleep More Comfortably During Pregnancy?

To reduce the strain on your back, maintain your legs bent and place a pillow between your legs.

If you find that you are having problems with back pain, use the “SOS” position, and try placing a pillow under your abdomen as well.

If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, you may want to try propping your upper body with pillows.

In late pregnancy, you may experience shortness of breath. Try lying on your side or propped up with pillows.

Especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, these suggestions might not sound particularly comfortable, but give them a try. You may find that they work. Recognize that you might not sleep in the same position all night; switching positions is acceptable.

What could cause the increased risk of stillbirth?

Sleeping position is crucial during the third trimester because lying on your back while carrying a child puts pressure on other body organs.

Researchers are unsure of the precise cause of the elevated risk of stillbirth, but the following factors are already known and may contribute:

When sleeping/lying on your back the baby and womb put pressure on the main blood vessels that supply the uterus and this can restrict blood flow/oxygen to the baby.

Further recent studies have shown that when a woman lies on her back in late pregnancy (compared to lying on side) the baby is less active and has changes in heart-rate patterns. This is thought to be due to lower oxygen levels in the baby when the mother lies on her back.

Is It Harmful to Sleep on Your Back While Pregnant?