Going to sleep in the supine position (on the back) in late pregnancy is a recently identified and modifiable risk factor for late stillbirth. New research shows that women can halve their risk of stillbirth by going to sleep on their side from 28 weeks pregnancy compared with sleeping in the supine position.
Though some experts say it is best not to lie on the back from 20 weeks onward , a recent study found that back and right side sleeping. View Source during the first 30 weeks of pregnancy probably do not raise the risk of stillbirth.
Can I squish my baby while sitting and leaning forward? Just like bending, it's ok to lean forward when you're pregnant. Your baby is safe and protected by the fluid inside your womb. As previously mentioned, though, good posture will help you avoid any harm and unnecessary pain while you're pregnant.
It's best to avoid lying on your back, especially in late pregnancy, when the weight of the heavy uterus can press on the large blood vessels in your belly. When lying on your side, keep your body in line, with your knees bent slightly, and avoid twisting.
Research suggests that, after 28 weeks, falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth. This may be to do with the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.
"Sleeping on your back during pregnancy should be avoided in the third trimester to avoid compression of the vein that returns blood to the heart," says Kim Langdon, MD, an Ohio-based OB/GYN with more than 20 years of experience.
In the second and third trimesters, lying on your back may compress a major blood vessel that takes blood to your uterus, making you feel dizzy and possibly reducing blood flow to your fetus. Sleeping on your side during your second and third trimesters may be best. Keep one or both knees bent.
You can certainly overdo any physical activity during pregnancy, whether it's hyper-extending your joints in a prenatal yoga class or pushing yourself too hard in the lap pool. Even walking too much in pregnancy can incur potential risks, such as shortness of breath, strain and pain.
Researchers have discovered babies as early as 21 weeks gestation show a response to their mother's touch from the outside. In this study, researchers used ultrasound and watched fetal movements and heart rate increase when the belly was rubbed.
“It is because siting crossed-legged puts the pelvis in an asymmetrical position, which can cause uneven distribution of weight on the legs, leading to discomfort and strain.
If you are pregnant and working, you may want to reduce or avoid: Stooping, bending, or squatting often. Lifting heavy objects from the floor or any location that requires you to bend or reach. Lifting overhead or reaching.
Pregnancy weight gain can cause a marginal shift in the body's centre of gravity and bending during this time can be risky for the sciatic nerve (runs from the lower back to the leg). So, if you feel uncomfortable while performing any task stop immediately.
There are some studies that have found a small link between stillbirth and sleep position, but overall, there is no compelling evidence that occasionally or accidentally sleeping on your baby during pregnancy will hurt your fetus.
“As long as you're not flat on your back, you're going to be fine,” she says. “Even if you can be on a 20- to 30-degree angle, that's going to relieve any potential pressure on your inferior vena cava.
Depending on your stage of pregnancy, your body type, and even the time of day, sometimes your belly will feel soft and other times it will feel tight and hard. The reality is, there's no normal to compare yourself with. Pregnant bellies come in all shapes, sizes, and firmness.
In answer to the question, “How many hours should a pregnant woman sleep?” most doctors recommend eight to 10 hours per night. But any mom who's gone through a pregnancy will tell you that isn't always possible.
Pregnant women should be able to do most of the same exercises they did before they conceived. Walking, swimming, and dancing are all safe choices.
Background. Many physicians advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. Previous studies have linked back and right-side sleeping with a higher risk of stillbirth, reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, a life-threatening high blood pressure disorder that affects the mother.
Your nausea and vomiting may be worse than ever: Morning sickness peaks around 9 or 10 weeks of pregnancy for many women. That's when levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are highest (morning sickness is thought to be linked to rises in hCG and estrogen).
Summary of Tips for Pregnancy
Consume foods and beverages rich in folate, iron, calcium, and protein. Talk with your health care professional about prenatal supplements (vitamins you may take while pregnant). Eat breakfast every day. Eat foods high in fiber, and drink fluids (particularly water) to avoid constipation.
In fact, resveratrol has many benefits for your baby when you consume it by eating grapes. "If eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, grapes are generally tolerated well during pregnancy," notes Len Kliman, MD, an OB/GYN with over 35 years experience.
It is important to know that full bed rest is not often recommended by many doctors. This is because bed rest has not been shown to help prevent certain problems, such as preventing preterm birth. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the reasons for your bed rest.
Lying on your back puts pressure on major blood vessels. This can reduce the flow of blood to your uterus, and restrict your baby's oxygen supply. This can affect their heart rate. Research suggests that this causes a higher risk of stillbirth.