Sleeping During Pregnancy

This is one subject that is driving me up the wall. Maybe it's because I'm so tired? Ha-ha!

What is the correct way to sleep during pregnancy, and how can we be expected to sleep a certain way when everything is SO UNCOMFORTABLE.

It's really hard to get a good nights sleep, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. I started flipping from side to side since I was around 15 weeks. Not because I was carrying more weight, or had back pain - but simply because my pelvis and hips were so sore from being in one position that it would wake me up and I would have to move.

This has been a constant, except now I wake up from sudden leg cramping, needing to pee, needing to drink ice cold water (very urgently, mind you) and the baby bouncing on my organs acting like he's a gymnast in the Olympics.

It's been a little confusing as I have been advised to sleep on my left side, but advised by another to sleep on my right. I have been told that sleeping on my back is a big no-no, and obviously sleeping on your tummy is not even possible. So, why? And what's correct?

My doctor advised me to try and always sleep on my left. Speak to you doctor if you have any questions about what is best for you.

I was told that if you sleep on your left it increases circulation and provides an easy route from your heart to your placenta which is great for nutrients and blood flow, it also relieves pressure on your organs, and pressure on your baby.

Sleeping on the right can put pressure on your liver, but is not that bad for short periods of time, so don't worry if you fall asleep on your left and find yourself waking up on the right. If this happens, just roll over to the other side & drift back off.

Studies have shown that how you sleep during pregnancy may have a link to the risk of having a stillborn, which is absolutely terrifying. This is something I certainly was not aware of, but am definitely making an effort to stay on my left as much as possible.

If you find you're uncomfortable, stack the pillows. Put them between your legs, under your belly, under your feet, behind your back, anywhere that allows you to feel comfortable. It's hard to come by a good night's sleep, so just do everything you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible - and don't stress if you wake up on your back or your right.. just flip!