The problem of good sleep during the last trimester is multi-pronged. During this time, your sleep can be disturbed not only because of the frequent trips to the bathroom but also to the fact that you are big now with a bigger tummy and falling asleep carrying an extra few kilograms can be a challenge. To add to this are a few “No’s” during pregnancy regarding sleeping positions. It is usually better to avoid sleeping on the back during the latter half of pregnancy. It is believed that by sleeping on the back, you put pressure on the big blood vessel called inferior vena cava, aorta which can in turn cause decreased blood supply to the baby.
It can also cause
- Low blood pressure or high blood pressure
- Nausea
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness
- Clammy feeling to the skin
- Heartburn and abdominal pain
This can affect the baby as the baby depends on your blood supply for its nutrition and oxygen. Sleeping on the left side is the best position as the pressure of the uterus does not fall on any vessel, but don’t get worked up about it and it is Okay if you tend to fall asleep sometimes on your back. It is natural, for the mother to change positions in the night and the kicks of the baby may also wake you up and when you wake up, try to go back to side sleeping. Sleeping on the left side can allow for better blood circulation, which can reduce swelling, particularly in our ankles
Now to the second part of the question - Can pregnancy pillows help?
Pillows are usually soft and can be pretty useful to you during pregnancy. It can help in relieving some pressure off your back. You can also put them between your legs close to your knees which can help in getting your hips upright and lower your back pain or you can use it behind your neck and head. A body pillow can give you support all over. You can sleep hugging the pillow or just throw it on the side and it helps in giving you back support.
A U-shaped pillow offers dual support for the back and belly, reducing the chance of heartburn.
Check out different body pillows here.
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