As you continue on your pregnancy journey, why not begin sleeping on your left side now? According to BabyCenter Sleep Expert, Donna Arand, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Kettering Sleep Disorders Center and Associate Research Professor in neurology at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University explains:
“Sleeping on your side is best while you’re pregnant. In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands.
It’s a good idea to start training yourself early in pregnancy to sleep on your left side whenever you can. Of course, staying in one position all night isn’t likely to be comfortable, so turning from side to side while favoring your left side is probably the best strategy.
As for sleeping on your back, avoid that position throughout pregnancy, especially in the later months.” To learn more, please visit visit week 15 of My Empowered Pregnancy.
Did you know some pregnant women prefer an air bed for comfort? Air beds provide an adjustable technology creating a desired firmness or softness that accommodates a mom’s changing weight, dimensions and comfort levels. For more information on pregnancy and sleep, please visit BabyCenter and the National Sleep Foundation.
