As the uterus and fetus grow, the sleeping posture of pregnant women becomes more and more important, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, that is, between 7 and 9 months of pregnancy. Poor sleeping posture will not only affect the contraction of the uterus, but also affect the position of the uterus. It will increase the pressure of the pregnant uterus on surrounding tissues and organs, affecting the blood flow of the uterus and placenta. The fetus exchanges gases and substances with the mother\’s body through the placenta, obtains oxygen and nutrients, and excretes carbon dioxide and waste. Adequate placental blood flow is crucial to fetal growth and development.
Therefore, medical experts have conducted long-term clinical research and practice on the sleeping position of pregnant women, and confirmed that during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, the left-side sleeping position is the best sleeping position for pregnant women.
1. The left lateral decubitus position can reduce the pressure of the enlarged pregnant uterus on the aorta and iliac arteries of pregnant women, maintain normal blood flow in the uterine arteries, ensure the blood supply to the placenta, and provide the fetus with the nutrients needed for growth and development.
2. The left lateral decubitus position can reduce the compression of the inferior vena cava by the pregnant uterus and increase the return blood flow to the heart. Increased blood return to the heart can increase renal blood flow, improve blood supply to brain tissue, and help avoid and reduce the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome.
3. The uterus rotates to the right in late pregnancy. Lying on the left side can increase the degree of right rotation of the uterus, reduce the tension of the uterine blood vessels, increase the blood flow of the placenta, improve the oxygen supply of the fetus in the uterus, and is beneficial to the growth of the fetus. development, which is of great significance in reducing the birth of low birth weight infants and reducing perinatal mortality.
Particularly in cases of fetal growth retardation, left-lateral decubitus positioning can make treatment more effective. Therefore, it is of great significance for pregnant women to lie on their left side for good pregnancy and delivery, as well as the health of mother and baby. For pregnant women with lower limb edema or varicose veins in the legs, when lying on the left side, it is best to raise the legs appropriately to facilitate blood return and reduce lower limb edema.