When it comes to sleeping during pregnancy, many women wonder when they should stop sleeping on their stomach. It is understandable to want to sleep in the most comfortable position possible, but there are certain things that pregnant women should keep in mind before deciding whether or not to sleep on their stomach.
What are the signs that I should stop sleeping on my stomach during pregnancy?
Sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and even unsafe for both you and your baby. It is important to know the signs that indicate you should stop sleeping on your stomach so that you can adjust your sleeping position accordingly.
One of the earliest signs that you should stop sleeping on your stomach is when you start feeling uncomfortable. It is recommended that pregnant women like you switched up from stomach to another position at about 16 weeks into their pregnancy. This is when the baby begins to grow and move around and it may become difficult to find a comfortable position. So, the best way here is to change your sleeping side.
Second sign of choosing different position for sleep than on stomach is if your doctor recommends it. Some health care providers may advise not to sleep on your stomach if you are experiencing any type of belly discomfort, such as back pain, stomach cramps, or hip pain. If your doctor recommends you to switch up your sleeping position, then it is best to listen to their advice.
Another sign that it may be the time to stop sleeping on your stomach is if you can begin to experience shortness of breath. Within baby growth, they may start to take up space in your belly, which can make it difficult to breath. If you start to feel short of breath or have difficulty breathing while sleeping on your stomach, then it is best to sleep on different side.
Finally, if you start feeling any kind of pain while sleeping on your stomach, then it is important to stop. Pain is usually a sign that something is not right and should never be ignored. If you experience any kind of pain when you sleep on your stomach, then it is the right time to modify your sleeping position immediately.
What are the risks of sleeping on my stomach during pregnancy?
Sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy is not recommended for a few reasons. It can cause discomfort for you and also pose a risk to the baby.
The most significant risk of sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy is the possibility of reducing the oxygen supply to both you and the baby. As the baby grows, your stomach area can become increasingly compressed, making it difficult for you and your baby to get enough oxygen. This can lead to complications such as low birth weight, premature labor, and birth defects.
What you should also be concerned about is that sleeping on your stomach may restrict blood flow to the baby. This can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the baby’s bloodstream, which can be dangerous. Additionally, stomach sleeping can also increase the risk of a miscarriage, due to the added pressure on the uterus and fetus.
Moreover, sleeping on the stomach can cause additional strain on the lower back and pelvis, which can cause aches and pains and disrupt sleep. This can also lead to pelvic instability, which is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and can increase the risk of preterm labour.
Finally, sleeping on the stomach can put added pressure on the spine, leading to an increased risk of sciatica, which is a condition characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back down the legs.
Are there any specific precautions I should take when sleeping on my stomach during pregnancy?
Sleeping on the stomach can be habitual and comfortable for you. However, from the second trimester, it is not recommended to sleep in that position. If you still feel like sleeping on your stomach during the first trimester, it is important to take certain precautions.
First of all, you should be sure that your mattress is providing sufficient support. As your stomach grows during pregnancy, it can become uncomfortable to lie on it.This is why it is important to ensure that your mattress is providing the right amount of support for your body.
A mattress with too much give can make it difficult to stay in the correct position and put pressure on your back. Make sure you have a supportive mattress that allows you to sleep on your stomach without putting too much strain on your body.
Secondly, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct pillow. A pillow that is too hard or too soft can cause your head to be pushed up or down, putting strain on your neck and shoulders. Make sure you have a pillow that is neither too firm nor too soft so that your head is in line with your spine.
Thirdly, make sure you are not putting too much pressure on your abdomen. Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your uterus, which can be uncomfortable for you and your baby. Try to place a pillow between your legs to keep your abdomen off the mattress, or use a body pillow to support your belly when you are sleeping on your stomach.
Finally, make sure to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping. If you’re having difficulty getting comfortable due to pregnancy-related changes, your doctor can recommend another sleeping positions and some tips to help make your nights more restful.
By taking those precautions you can ensure better sleep quality and no harm for your stomach and growing baby. For more information about sleep and how to improve it you can visit our article about how to sleep when pregnant.
What are the alternative sleeping positions to sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy?
If sleeping on the stomach is what you get used to do, it’s important to start switching to other sleeping positions. As your pregnancy progresses, your belly will grow and you may find it more difficult to sleep on your stomach. Besides, stomach sleeping during pregnancy can cause back pain, reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the baby, and can make the baby press against your internal organs.
Therefore, we are going to tell you how other sleeping positions can affect your sleep quality and your developing baby.
Left side sleeping during pregnancy is typically recommended by doctors as the best sleeping position. It helps to improve blood circulation and can reduce swelling in the legs and feet.
This position also helps decrease the risk of appearing some complications like the development of vena cava syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the uterus compresses the vena cava. This is a big vein that transmits blood from the legs to the heart, and can lead to dizziness and shortness of breath. Additionally, left side sleeping can help to improve digestion, as it facilitates the passage of food through the digestive system.
Right side sleeping during pregnancy can also be beneficial, as it helps to reduce acid reflux, which is common during pregnancy. However, it is not as beneficial for circulation as left side sleeping, and it can also increase the risk of vena cava syndrome. Additionally, lying on the right side can put pressure on the liver, which can lead to discomfort.
Back sleeping is also beneficial during pregnancy. It can help reduce back pain, as it helps keep your spine in alignment. It can also help with snoring and sleep apnea, which can be a problem during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that sleeping on your back can also reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your baby, so it is essential to make sure you switch to your side if you suddenly wake up at night.
To sum up, given the pros and cons of side and back sleeping, we can still recommend them as better positions to sleep as opposed to stomach sleeping. They are the most comfortable and can help ensure that both the mother and baby are getting the oxygen and nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy.
Check out our another article about does sleeping during pregnancy help baby grow. It explains about how sleep and other ways concerning pregnancy care can affect you and your baby’s development.
Are there any special pillows I should use to help with stomach sleeping during pregnancy?
Pregnant women often have trouble finding the right sleeping position that is comfortable and safe for both them and their baby.
It's important to note that stomach sleeping can be dangerous for pregnant women, as it may restrict the baby's growth and increase the risk of stillbirth. However, it is still possible to sleep on the stomach till the end of the first trimester. Choosing the correct pillow can help alleviate the risks associated with stomach sleeping.
The best pillow for stomach sleeping during pregnancy is a body pillow, which is designed to provide support to both the pregnant woman's body and the baby. A body pillow is a long, full-length pillow that is "U" shaped or rectangular shape. This body pillow fits around the entire body, providing support to the back, neck, and stomach. These pillows are designed to reduce the pressure points and strain on your back and stomach, while also providing extra comfort and cushioning.
In addition, there are pregnancy pillows specifically designed to support the stomach area and lower back during pregnancy. These pillows consist of two parts that are designed to fit around the stomach and back area and provide extra cushioning and support.
If you wish to experience more comfort and support for your body and sleep, we welcome you to visit our Pillow Pregnancy Collection where you can find the pillow that can meet your needs.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we recommend you to stop sleeping on your stomach as soon as you find yourself uncomfortable and also due to the risks associated with this position. It is important that you choose the appropriate pillow to support your belly and to keep you comfortable while sleeping on your stomach. If possible, it is best to sleep on your side or back, as these positions are the safest for both mother and baby and can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. By taking the necessary precautions and finding the right pillow, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible sleep during pregnancy.
SOURCES
Huizen J. Is sleeping on the stomach while pregnant safe? MedicalNewsToday, 6 January 2021
Pacheco D. Sleeping While Pregnant: Second Trimester. Sleep Foundation, 1March 2023
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH), Science Update: Sleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complications, NIH-funded study suggests, 20 September 2019
American Pregnancy Association, Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy, 2019
Shatzman C. These Are the Safest Pregnancy Sleeping Positions. The BUMP, 22 Dec 2022