Correct sleeping position in the third trimester

In the third trimester, the fetus continues to develop, and the activities of the pregnant mother become more inconvenient. Insufficient sleep of pregnant mothers may affect the development of the fetus, so how can pregnant mothers adjust their sleeping positions in the third trimester to sleep well?

1. The best sleeping position in the third trimester - lying on the left side

The best sleeping position in the third trimester is the left side. The sleeping position in the left lateral position is conducive to changing the dextrorotation of the uterus, reducing the tension of the uterine blood vessels, ensuring the blood flow of the placenta, which is conducive to the development of the fetus. The left lateral position helps to turn the uterus into an upright position, thereby achieving the effect of normal fetal position conversion and normal delivery. The sleeping position of the pregnant mother lying on the left side is also beneficial to the fetus to better obtain oxygen, nutrients, and discharge carbon dioxide and waste. At the same time, it can avoid the oppression of the uterus on the inferior vena cava, reduce the swelling of the limbs of pregnant women, promote blood circulation, and reduce the risk of premature birth. Therefore, the sleeping position during pregnancy, especially the sleeping position in the third trimester, is best to take the left lateral position.

Lying on the left side is the ideal sleeping position for pregnant mothers. There is no guarantee that pregnant mothers can maintain this sleeping position to sleep all night, and the left and right lateral positions can be used alternately.

2. Unsuitable sleeping positions in the third trimester

(1) Supine sleeping position

It is not advisable to use the supine sleeping position for a long time in the third trimester of pregnancy. Because when sleeping on the back, the enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, affects blood circulation, and causes edema or varicose veins of the lower extremities and vulva. It also reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart from the lower extremities, leading to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. Pregnant women will feel dizziness, palpitation, nausea, suffocation and other symptoms. Once symptoms such as pale complexion, limb weakness, and cold sweat occur, they should immediately sleep on the left side. The blood pressure will gradually return to normal and the symptoms will disappear.

(2) Right lateral position

Lying on the right side causes the uterus to rotate to the right in varying degrees. This puts tension on the ligaments and mesentery that maintain the normal position of the uterus. The blood vessels in the mesentery are stretched, affecting the blood supply of the fetus, resulting in chronic fetal hypoxia, and in severe cases, fetal asphyxia and death. Therefore, pregnant mothers should not sleep on the right side for a long time. When the sleeping position on the left side is uncomfortable, it can be properly interchanged with the sleeping position on the right side.

Precautions for sleeping positions in the third trimester

Note 1: The best sleeping position: lying on the left side.

The best sleeping position in the third trimester is the left side. This sleeping position helps to change the correct rotation of the uterus, reduces the tension of the uterine blood vessels, ensures the blood flow of the placenta, and is beneficial to the development of the fetus.

Note 2: Avoid lying on your back and sleeping on your right side.

In the third trimester, sleeping on the back and right side is not recommended. This is because lying on the back and sleeping on the right side will compress the inferior vena cava, affect blood circulation, and reduce blood circulation in the lower extremities; while sleeping on the right side will affect the blood supply of the fetus, causing chronic hypoxia of the fetus and causing serious harm to the fetus. Therefore, try not to take supine and right-side sleeping positions in the third trimester of pregnancy. Of course, it is impossible to maintain only one sleeping position all night, and you can alternate between lying on your left and right sides.

For pregnant women with lower extremity edema or leg varicose veins, it is best to properly elevate the legs while taking the left lateral position to facilitate blood return and reduce lower extremity edema.

Note 3: Get enough sleep.

In addition to adopting the correct sleeping position, you must also ensure adequate sleep. Doctors recommend that pregnant women should maintain at least 9-10 hours of sleep in the third trimester, maintain optimal sleep quality, and develop regular sleep habits.

Note 4: A comfortable environment.

Sleeping in the third trimester should not only pay attention to the best sleeping position, but also have a good sleeping environment to reduce the occurrence of insomnia and other phenomena. Ensuring a good indoor environment and choosing comfortable bedding will help improve the sleep quality of pregnant mothers.