Best Sleeping Positions for Comfort in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

Best Sleeping Positions During the Third Trimester

Doctors recommend side sleeping during this time for optimal safety and comfort. The ideal sleeping position in pregnancy third trimester is to sleep on the left side. But why? Here are the reasons:

• Boosts Blood Flow

The growing uterus of the woman during the 3rd trimester requires increased blood flow. Sleeping on the left side is one of the best pregnancy sleep positions in the third trimester, mainly because it increases uterine blood flow. In other words, lying on the left improves placental blood circulation, supporting the baby's healthy growth.

• Reduces Pressure

Lying on the left side during the third trimester of pregnancy reduces pressure on the liver, a vital organ on the right side of your abdomen.

• Reduces Swelling

Lying on the left side during the third trimester of pregnancy can enhance the functioning of kidneys and reduce oedema or swelling in the feet and hands by reducing the accumulation of fluids and wastes.

Now, if left-side sleeping is ideal during the third trimester, is right-side sleeping a strict no-no? No, it is not like that. After all, it is not possible for all pregnant women to sleep on their left side all through the night. If you find your left side is aching after a few hours, you can switch to your right side, another sleeping position during pregnancy in the third trimester. Although there is a slight risk of compression of the inferior vena cava during right side-lying, doctors are not completely against it. Therefore, if you are tired of lying on your left side, you may occasionally change sides and lie on your right as well.

But one position you must avoid during your third trimester is lying on your back. According to studies, lying on the back during an advanced stage of pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth.