Sleeping on the left side during pregnancy

How should mothers sleep during pregnancy? I believe everyone will definitely say "sleep on the left side", but many pregnant women do not have a detailed understanding of sleeping on the left side during pregnancy. Sleeping on the left side does not require pregnant women to sleep on their left side all night, nor does it mean that they cannot sleep in other positions, and it is not a mandatory requirement. Therefore, some pregnant mothers do not fully understand the benefits of sleeping on the left side, and blindly follow the crowd, which will harm themselves and the baby in their belly.

Doctors generally recommend pregnant women to sleep on their left side. This does not mean that they have to do so throughout the pregnancy, nor is it suitable for all pregnant women. What they recommend is sleeping on the left side in the late pregnancy. It does not mean sleeping at a completely 90 degree left side, but sleeping at around 15-30 degrees. This is slightly more comfortable. Sleeping on the left side at a 90 degree angle is really too tiring.

The main reasons for sleeping on the left side are:

(1) Circulatory system

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the baby's growth and development are complete and the uterus is significantly enlarged, and the mother also feels noticeably heavy. At this time, a casual sleeping posture may cause the uterus to cause certain compression on the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta, because the pressure on the vein will be more serious than the pressure on the aorta, and for most people, the inferior vena cava is on the right side of the spine, and the abdominal aorta is on the left side of the spine. Therefore, Chinese medicine practitioners will recommend sleeping on the left side to ensure smooth blood circulation and good sleep.

(2) Dextrorotation of the uterus

Most pregnant women, especially in the late stages of pregnancy, will have varying degrees of uterine right rotation. Sleeping on the left side is to avoid aggravating the right rotation of the uterus, and may even have a relieving effect, while ensuring the safety of the fetus.

The change in sleeping position is mainly due to the expansion of the uterus, so you don't have to force yourself to sleep on your left side in the early stage, and all suggestions should be based on your own experience-comfort. First of all, your own experience during pregnancy is the most important. If you feel that sleeping on your left side is uncomfortable and your sleep quality is reduced, then change your position resolutely. There is also the feeling of the baby in the belly. If you sleep on your left side and feel the baby's obvious fetal movement increases, it kicks randomly, which is a signal for you to change your posture.

There are also some people who are not suitable for sleeping on the left side:

1. The uterus of pregnant women is naturally left-handed, and sleeping on the left side will always aggravate the degree.

2. If the pregnant mother has a weak heart or has heart disease, sleeping on the left side will increase the pressure on the heart and threaten the health of the pregnant mother.

In any case, pregnant mothers do not need to force themselves to maintain the same sleeping position all night, they can just turn over and change positions normally.