Is it OK to sleep on your left or right side during late pregnancy?

For many pregnant mothers, they will learn a lot of relevant knowledge during pregnancy to avoid affecting the development of the fetus due to their living habits during pregnancy. Among them, sleeping posture does not seem to have much impact on pregnant mothers and fetuses, but if pregnant mothers do not know the correct posture in the late pregnancy, they will also experience discomfort. So, is it okay to sleep on your left or right side during the late pregnancy?

In the late stages of pregnancy, it is best not to lie on the right side, but on the left side, because the inferior vena cava is located just to the right of the abdominal spine. If you lie on your right side, the enlarged uterus will not only compress the inferior vena cava, but the uterus will also rotate to the right to varying degrees, and the blood vessels will be pulled, thus affecting the normal blood supply to the fetus.

The lying position of a pregnant woman is important for her own safety and that of the fetus. Lying on the left side can correct the right rotation of the enlarged uterus, reduce the pressure of the uterus on the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries, improve blood circulation, increase blood supply to the fetus, and promote the growth and development of the fetus.

How to help pregnant mothers have a good sleep

For pregnant women, good sleep quality is very important. Doctors recommend that pregnant women go to bed before 10 pm every night and get 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Especially between 11pm to 4am the next day, you must ensure the best sleep quality. Develop a regular sleeping habit, go to bed at the same time at night and wake up at the same time in the morning. However, many pregnant women cannot sleep well during pregnancy. The quality of sleep is affected not only by external environmental factors, but also by the pregnant women’s own psychological factors. So, how can pregnant mothers have a good sleep?

1. Correct sleeping posture

When you lie on your back, the enlarged uterus will compress the abdominal aorta, affecting the blood supply to the uterus and fetal development, so try not to lie on your back, and it is best to sleep on your left side. It is more beneficial for pregnant women and fetuses to lie on their left side. Of course, it is impossible to maintain only one sleeping position all night. You can alternate between lying on your left side and lying on your right side.

2. Good indoor environment

The suitable indoor temperature is 17℃ ~ 23℃, and the suitable indoor humidity is 40% ~ 60%. You can also use an indoor air purifier to purify and disinfect the indoor air regularly.