Expectant mothers, especially those in advanced pregnancy, often complain about not being able to find the right and ideal sleeping position, and thus they get very little sleep for most of the night. Hip pain, heartburn, waking up because the baby is changing its position in the stomach, and sore muscles, are only some of the problems that future moms face in this blessed condition. The consequences of all that can be increased stress, nervousness, and tiredness during the day.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the sleeping position of the mother is not of utter importance for the proper growth and development of the baby. During that time, it is possible to sleep even on your stomach, if that is comfortable for you. However, after the first trimester, you will have to steer clear of sleeping on your back, because if you don’t, the uterus will press the veins, which will send blood back into the heart, and it will also limit the amount of blood and nutrients that baby will get. Sleeping on your right side is also not recommended, however, it is better than sleeping on your stomach.
Doctors state that it is best for the future mom and her baby that after the first trimester, she sleeps more often on her left side. In that manner, the baby will get a proper amount of nutrients and oxygen through the placenta. This position also improves blood circulation, so mother’s body will not have to struggle to provide a sufficient amount of blood, and at the same time, the baby will be able to be comfortable and to grow. Besides that, one New Zealand study showed that sleeping on your left side also decreases the risk of premature labor.
Everyone who was forced to stay in the same position for a long period of time, whether it was because of pregnancy or for another reason, knows how hard and frustrating that can be. Our customer Ksenija states that „Sedent“, pillow of the „Novitet“ company, from the Sanus line of pillows, helped her a lot during pregnancy.
My mother bought me a Sedent pillow and I used it with pleasure during pregnancy. Now I’m using it while I’m feeding my seven-month-old baby and it also provides my baby with great stability while it is playing. The baby is really enjoying it.
Sedent is a crescent-shaped pillow which helps expectant moms to choose a perfect sleeping position, especially in advanced pregnancy. Due to its shape, it provides moms with stable and comfortable support for the back, stomach, and legs, and it is also great for an afternoon nap and relaxing time. This pillow helps a lot during nursing but also with fencing the child (while they are playing or eating). One of its many excellent features is that it is easily washable. 
For better sleep in pregnancy and better body relaxation and regeneration, the experts advise the following:
- While you are sleeping on your side, keep your legs and knees mildly bent and put the pillow between them.
- If you’re experiencing backache, try putting the pillow under your stomach while you are sleeping in the SOS position.
- If you happen to experience hot flashes during the night, it is recommended that you support your upper body with lots of pillows and cushions.
- Also, in advanced pregnancy, in the second and the third trimester, you may also encounter heavy breathing. To make it easier for yourself, raise your upper body with pillows.
Pregnancy is, indeed, a different condition, so it is necessary that every woman, a future mother, changes some of her habits and adapts to a new situation. In order to feel better during pregnancy, you should help your body relax and regenerate because it is now “feeding” and “supporting” two beings – a mom and a baby. Here is some practical advice:
- Try to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Spend most of the day with your dear people, without nervousness and tension, and if you’re working, limit your work obligations to a reasonable degree. Don’t forget, priorities are different now.
- Relax before going to sleep – listen to relaxing music, watch your favorite tv show. You will also easily fall asleep by reading an interesting book.
- Adjust your diet to your own needs, but make sure to take vitamins and minerals which are necessary for the proper growth and development of the baby. Fruit and vegetables should become a “must-have” on your table, you should have more frequent meals. Have a light dinner, but not right before going to bed, in order to avoid heartburn. You can drink tea in the evening which will relax you and prepare you for sleep.
- Make a hot bath and treat yourself to a home-made aromatherapy session.
- Many expectant mothers are complaining about leg cramps. You can prevent those by keeping your feet up while you relax in the evening or while you are getting ready for bed.
- Try to wear comfortable sleeping clothes and to always use cotton bedding. If you use the appropriate pillow, which will keep your head and kneck in the right position, it will also help you relax and drift off to sleep easily.
- The last but not the least, which you should not forget during nine months – in order for the baby to be content and comfortable, it is necessary that the future mom is content too.