During pregnancy, you may find yourself wrestling in bed trying to get comfortable before falling asleep. Unfortunately, your regular sleep positions may no longer work for you during pregnancy. There are a number of reasons that cause this new discomfort, but there are some positions that you can try that may help you get your much-needed rest.
The best sleep position during pregnancy is sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your left side, in particular, will increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. Bend your legs and place a pillow between your knees to reduce back pain. A pillow under your abdomen will help support the weight of the uterus, while a pillow behind your back will provide extra support.
Avoid sleeping on your back as this can cause problems with breathing, low blood pressure and decrease circulation and oxygen to you and your baby. This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels (aorta and vena cava). Understandably, as you progress with your pregnancy, your abdomen undergoes physical changes that make it difficult and uncomfortable lying on your stomach. If you find it uncomfortable lying on your side, then lie on your back propped up with pillows in a semi-upright position to minimise pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels.
Many pregnant women find themselves lying on their back when they wake up in the morning without any reported complications as a result. Some research suggests that it is only in labour, when the uterine blood flow is somewhat compromised by the frequent contractions, that lying on one's back is not recommended. Prolonged, motionless standing during pregnancy tends to decrease blood flow (cardiac output) significantly more than lying on your back. Remember you will always feel uncomfortable as a warning sign long before your baby does.

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