how to sleep during pregnancy in first trimester?

Tips on how to sleep when pregnant
Sleeping positions
Avoid
Sleep aids
Risks
Summary
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Many women find themselves wondering how best to sleep when pregnant. Sleep issues are common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging. Some pregnant women may also worry that certain body positions might affect their health or that of the fetus.

A National Sleep Foundation surveyTrusted Source found that 78% of women have more trouble sleeping when pregnant, with 15% experiencing restless leg syndrome during the third trimester.

Many women report fatigue during pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters. Rising progesterone levelsTrusted Source and the effort of carrying around extra weight can intensify this fatigue, which sleep deprivation can worsen.

Some strategies can help pregnant women get better sleep. In this article, we look at sleeping positions to try or avoid and discuss sleep aids that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Best sleeping positions
Placing a pillow between the legs when sleeping may help with back pain.

During the first trimester, it is safe for a woman to sleep in whatever position she feels comfortable in, whether this is on her back, side, or stomach. Any combination of the above positions is also fine.

The uterus has not grown large enough to interfere with sleep. However, hormonal changes, nighttime hunger, nausea, and other pregnancy symptoms may make sleep more difficult.

As a woman reaches the second and third trimesters, it is ideal to sleep on the left side. Being in this position maximizes blood flow to the uterus without putting pressure on the liver. Women who experience hip or back pain during pregnancy may find that placing a pillow or two between the knees or bending the knees during sleep can help provide relief.

A woman who prefers to sleep on her right side can adopt this position instead. There is no research showing that this is dangerous.

Some other sleep positions that may help resolve common issues include:

raising the upper body with a few pillows to reduce heartburn
elevating the legs with pillows to help with swelling and leg pain
using a body pillow or pregnancy pillow to cradle the body and provide additional back support

Are there sleeping positions to avoid?

Experts consider some sleeping positions to be less advisable than sleeping on the side. These include:
Stomach sleeping

Many pregnant women worry that sleeping on their stomach will harm the developing fetus. However, the uterus protects the fetus well, and there is no reason to avoid sleeping on the stomach during the first trimester.

As pregnancy progresses, most women find that sleeping on the stomach becomes impossible or difficult.

For women who still prefer stomach sleeping or who occasionally wake up on their front, there is no need to worry. Sleeping on the stomach will not harm the baby.

Some pregnant women may find that using several sleeping pillows allows them to sleep on their stomach. It is fine to use these devices and perfectly safe to wake up lying on the stomach.
Back sleeping

In the third trimester — from the 28th week of pregnancy onward — sleeping on the back puts pressure on the main blood vessels that deliver blood to the uterus. This pressure may decrease the oxygen supply to the fetus. It can also increase unpleasant symptoms, such as dizziness and heartburn, in the woman.

A study links ongoing back sleeping during pregnancy to an increased risk of stillbirth. Other studies have arrived at similar conclusions.

However, this study looked at the position in which a woman fell asleep rather than the position she moved into during sleep. There is little evidence that accidentally rolling onto the back during pregnancy will cause lasting harm. As a result, not all experts agree with the advice to avoid sleeping on the back.

A University of Utah interview with three high risk pregnancy specialists emphasizes that one study linking back sleeping to stillbirth did not control for other factors. The specialists also note that even in women who sleep on their backs, the risk of stillbirth remains low.

A woman who is concerned that she frequently awakens on her back can try using pillows to support her body and help her remain on her side.
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Sleep aids

Different strategies can help a pregnant woman sleep better. Women finding it difficult to sleep can try:

Asking a doctor to test for vitamin deficiencies. Folic acid or iron can sometimes treat restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements to treat any condition.
Elevating the torso and head to reduce heartburn. Some women find relief by sleeping in a semi-sitting position, such as lying on the side in a reclining chair.
Trying pregnancy pillows. Many different types of pillow are available for purchase online.
Eating a small meal before bed. Particularly during the first trimester, some women wake up very hungry. Protein-rich food can reduce appetite, so eating foods such as nuts, fish, peanut butter, and meat before going to sleep may help a woman feel satiated.
Eating smaller and less fatty mealsTrusted Source to reduce heartburn.
Taking an antacid. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are safe during pregnancy, but it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, including OTC drugs.
Talking to a doctor about snoring. Severe snoring can make it difficult to breathe during pregnancy.