During pregnancy, women need to pay attention to every aspect of their lives, including their sleeping positions. Some people may wonder if it is really that important. Let's take a look below to find out.
The Effects of Incorrect Sleeping Positions on the Baby and the Mother
1. Sleeping on the Stomach
Sleeping in this position can compress the baby and restrict their movement in the womb, and even cause hypoxia.
This sleeping position is not recommended throughout the entire pregnancy, even in the early stages when the belly is not too heavy.
2. Sleeping on the Back
Sleeping on the back may be more comfortable, but it puts the weight of the entire uterus on the mother's back, intestines, and two main arteries.
Adopting this sleeping position for a long time can exacerbate back pain and hemorrhoids. It can also lead to indigestion and affect breathing and blood circulation.
It is advisable to avoid this sleeping position in the later stages of pregnancy.
Is it Necessary to Sleep on the Left Side During Pregnancy?
In general, it is recommended to sleep on the left side during the middle and late stages of pregnancy, but not at a 90-degree angle. The ideal angle is 15-30 degrees. Sleeping at a 90-degree angle can be uncomfortable.
During the middle and late stages of pregnancy, as the uterus grows larger and heavier, sleeping on the left side can prevent compression of the veins, promote better blood circulation, and prevent symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath, thus ensuring better sleep quality.
In the later stages of pregnancy, the uterus naturally tilts to the right to some extent. The recommendation to sleep on the left side is mainly to avoid further tilting and even reduce the degree of tilt, thereby reducing tension in the uterine blood vessels and ensuring sufficient blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus.
In the early stages of pregnancy, when the uterus is not significantly enlarged and the fetus is still small, there is no significant external pressure or self-compression. During this period, one can sleep in any position, but it is not recommended to sleep on the stomach or on the back.
For pregnant women with heart disease or chronic heart failure, sleeping on the left side can increase heart rate and blood pressure, thereby increasing the burden on the heart. For pregnant women with a naturally left-tilted uterus, sleeping on the left side can further worsen the tilt.
Dietary Taboos for Pregnant Women During Pregnancy
1. Crabs
Crabs have a delicious taste, but they have a cold nature and can promote blood circulation and dispel blood stasis. Therefore, they are not beneficial for pregnant women, especially crab claws, which have a clear abortion effect.
2. Soft-shelled Turtles
Although soft-shelled turtles have the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, they have a salty and cold nature and have a strong ability to promote blood circulation and disperse blood clots. Therefore, they have a certain risk of inducing abortion, especially turtle shells have a stronger abortion effect than turtle meat.
3. Coix Seeds
Coix seeds are considered as a medicinal and food source in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have a slippery and smooth nature. Experimental studies have shown that coix seeds have an excitatory effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus, which can induce uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage.
4. Purslane
Purslane is both a medicinal herb and a vegetable. It has a cold and slippery nature. Experimental studies have shown that purslane juice has a significant excitatory effect on the uterus, leading to increased frequency and intensity of uterine contractions, which can easily cause miscarriage.
5. Hawthorn
Pregnant women often have a preference for sour foods, and hawthorn becomes a popular choice. Hawthorn has an excitatory effect on the uterus, and excessive consumption by pregnant women can cause uterine contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation.
