Pregnant women often tell each other that
sleeping on left side is good for fetus. However, not all mothers know the real
benefit of this position.
Why should pregnant women sleep on left side?
For pregnant women, lying on left side will
increase blood flow and nutrients coming to the placenta and fetus. Mothers’
kidneys will also work efficiently, eliminating fluid and dregs in their bodies.
Sleeping in this position also decreases the oedema in foot and hand for mothers.
Especially, lying on left side helps avoid compression of the uterus on the
postcava, which reduces blood flow to the heart and causes decrease of heart
flow.
Lying
on left side is good for fetus
Pregnant women should avoid supine position
during pregnancy, especially during the last months for some following reasons:
sleeping in supine position makes uterus weigh down on the spine, back muscle,
intestines and major blood vessels. This can lead to backache, hemorrhoids and
circulatory decrease, which makes you uncomfortable and can cause circulatory
decrease to the fetus. Moreover, sleeping in supine position may cause
hypotension, dizziness, snore, weight gain and may lead to apnea in pregnant women.
Therefore, pregnant women should practice
to sleep on left side since the beginning of pregnancy. Sleeping in the same
position during the whole night will not be comfortable, so need to change the
position from this side to the other, but more left side lying is still the
best way to have good health for both mother and baby.
Sleeping
on left side helps increase blood flow and nutrients coming to the placenta and
fetus.
Some advices to have a good sleep
Say no to stimulating drinks such as soda,
coffee and tea.
Avoid large meals before going to sleep a
few hours. But remember to have adequate intake of nutrients and water
throughout the day. You may eat more in breakfast, lunch and eat less in
dinner.
Say
no to stimulating drinks such as soda, coffee and tea.
Make a habit of going to sleep and waking
up in a time frame every day.
Avoid heavy exercise right before bedtime,
but try relaxing activities such as soaking in warm water for 15 minutes, drink
a cup of hot milk with honey.
If a cramp wakes you up, trample strongly
on the wall. Try to provide adequate calcium in the menu to relieve the cramp.
If possible, take a nap about 30-60 minutes
to make up for the sleep last night.
