GOOD SLEEPING POSITION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

During pregnancy, it's difficult to get a full sleep at night as the fetus is gradually developed and the maternal abdomen get bigger and bigger. At this time, choosing the right sleeping position is very important, not only helping the mother improves her sleeplessness but also ensuring the fetal growth. Below is some useful information to support Mothers-to-be about sleeping position, let’s learn together with American International Hospital (AIH)!
 
Lying on the left side is considered the most ideal sleeping position, especially for mothers from 28 weeks pregnant because this position helps reduce the vena cava pressure, increase blood circulation from the mother to baby, limit of edema, back pain and knee pain. At the same time, the maternal body will be more comfortable to fall asleep.
 
However, if  mothers have not been familiar with sleeping on side  yet, they can apply a few ways to feel more naturally with this position:
 
► FIRST TRIMESTER
 
During the initial months of pregnancy, due to hormonal changes as well as anxiety during pregnancy, mothers may feel hot, restless and struggling in  falling asleep.

Mothers can place a pillow between their legs to relieve discomfort in the hips and lower half of body. If they want to be a bit higher, an active memory foam orthopedic pillow can be considered.

Additionally, foot massage, warm showering and appropriate room temperature also contribute to sleep quality improvement.
 
► SECOND TRIMESTER

Ensure  the mattress is firm so the maternal back is not curved. If the mattress is too soft, mothers can consider to thread a plank between the mattress and coil springs.

In addition, mothers should consider a U or C shaped pillow for support, wrapping around entire maternal body provides more comfortable side sleeping. Pillows are placed longitudinally along the back and hugged in the front, and threaded between the knees.
 
► THIRD TRIMESTER

Mothers continue to use support pillows, but if they feel a bit cumbersome with a growing belly, let’s refer to wedge pillows. Mothers can put them underneath  abdomen and behind the back for roll avoidance.
 
If above methods have been tried on  but mothers are still  not  get used to side sleeping, try using a pillow to elevate the upper part of body to a 45-degree angle. By this way, mothers will not lie on the back and avoid inferior vena cava compression.
 
Do not worry too much  if mothers wake up in a supine position, just turning to lateral recumbent and continue sleeping.
Hopefully, the above tips will help mothers get a good sleep and rest during pregnancy.
 
In AIH, physicians and nutritionists will monitor and provide specific recommendations for individual parturient in order to create the best care plans for parturients and babies . AIH is the pioneer international hospital in Vietnam applies a system of American standrad delivery suites - LDRP, which bring parturients and families to comfortable and convenient experience of childbirth as placing them in an unique versatile room for entire delivery process: labor- vaginal delivery – recovery – postpartum.

Especially, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU) is fully equiped with standard state-of-the-art medical devices, together with leading medical experts including neonatologists, neonatal nurses, physiotherapists, pediatric nutritionists to ensure safety and excellent care for babies once birthing.