Should I sleep on my left side or on my right side during the second trimester? What is the best sleeping position during the second trimester?

We all know that after a woman becomes pregnant, her belly will become bigger and she will feel uncomfortable sleeping. Many pregnant mothers have trouble sleeping at night, especially in the second and third trimesters. In the second trimester, the belly is already showing, and sleeping will be a little inconvenient. So what is the best sleeping posture in the second trimester? Let's take a closer look!

What is the best sleeping position during pregnancy?

1. Left side lying position

Lying on the left side is the most suitable sleeping position for pregnant women in the second trimester. The uterus of pregnant women will have a slight right rotation. Lying on the left side is conducive to improving the degree of right rotation, increasing blood flow to the placenta, and promoting the physical development of the fetus.

2. Right side lying position

Although the left side lying position is good, it is difficult for pregnant women to maintain this position all night, especially when pregnant women have edema in their lower limbs and frequent calf cramps. If pregnant women insist on sleeping in the same position, it will only make their bodies more uncomfortable. Pregnant women can occasionally use the right side lying position.

The fetus is buffered by amniotic fluid in the uterus, so pregnant women don’t have to worry that their sleeping position will hurt the baby. They can choose the most comfortable sleeping position for themselves. After all, the sleep of pregnant women is related to the development of the fetus.

What should you pay attention to when sleeping during pregnancy

Don't drink too much water before going to bed

This is because expectant mothers who drink too much water tend to urinate frequently during the night, which makes it difficult to fall asleep again after waking up in the middle of the night.

Don’t eat too much before going to bed, eat a light diet

If you eat too much before going to bed, the fetus will be easily excited, resulting in frequent fetal movements, making it difficult for pregnant mothers to fall asleep. In addition, if the expectant mother eats too much, her stomach will also be uncomfortable. A light diet is to prevent the expectant mother from eating irritating foods and causing diarrhea in the middle of the night.

Listen to some soothing music before going to bed and don’t look at your phone for too long.

Listening to some soothing music before going to bed can not only help expectant mothers fall asleep, but also do prenatal education for the baby. In addition, it is recommended that expectant mothers should not look at their phones for too long before going to bed, so as not to get excited and have difficulty falling asleep.

Adjust to a comfortable sleeping position

In the second trimester of pregnancy, expectant mothers do not have to insist on sleeping on their left side all the time. It is also okay to sleep on the right side occasionally. If sleeping on the left or right side is still uncomfortable, pregnant mothers can also lie flat for a short period of time or slightly turn sideways 30 to 60 degrees to relieve the discomfort.

How to take care of yourself during the second trimester

First, complete your prenatal check-up as planned.

At least two physical examinations should be conducted during the second trimester, at 16 to 20 weeks and 21 to 24 weeks. The main purpose of the second trimester checkup is to monitor fetal growth and development and screen for pregnancy complications. Ultrasound examinations should be performed between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy to understand fetal development, placenta and amniotic fluid, and to screen for severe fetal malformations. Between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, high-risk pregnant women can also choose to undergo Down syndrome screening with informed consent. Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women at high risk of diabetes need to undergo gestational diabetes screening.

Second, monitor fetal movement yourself

Count the fetal movements at a fixed time every morning, noon and evening, each time for 1 hour, 3 fetal movements multiplied by 4 is 12 hours of fetal movements. Fetal movements less than 20 times in 12 hours or less than 3 times per hour indicate fetal abnormalities. Fetal movements less than 10 times indicate intrauterine hypoxia and medical attention should be sought in time.

Third, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle

Starting from the second trimester, you should increase the intake of staple food, high-quality protein such as fish and poultry, seafood and milk to ensure calorie supply. You should consume at least 250ml of dairy products and 300mg of calcium every day. Eat iron-rich foods and fruits rich in vitamin C to promote iron absorption. Do moderate exercise, such as maternity exercises, yoga, walking, etc., but avoid strenuous exercise such as high jump and football.