Have you ever wondered why sleeping suddenly feels like a chore when you are pregnant? Well, it is because your body is changing a lot during pregnancy. Your belly grows. Your hormones go wild. You should pee more often. Heartburn, leg cramps, and backaches become a norm. All these pregnancy symptoms make you feel like your current sleeping position is wrong or uncomfortable. And that’s when the hunt for the best sleeping position during pregnancy begins! 

Spoiler alert: Back Sleeping Isn’t Your Friend Anymore

Well, this news might make you feel sad because you can no longer enjoy lying flat on your back like you used to before pregnancy. Sleeping on the back is many people’s favorite sleeping position, but during pregnancy, it can put pressure on your big vein called the vena cava. This pressure can limit the oxygen supply for the baby, and you might start feeling dizzy or short of breath. For all these reasons, you have to say goodbye to back sleeping because it is clearly not the best sleeping position. 

So, What Is the Best Position?

Sleeping on your left side is considered the best because it helps your blood flow better. It’s gentle on your heart. And it allows your kidneys to do their job well — meaning fewer swollen ankles and feet. As many doctors call it, SOS (Sleep on your side) is the most comfortable position which not only keeps your body at rest but also the baby stays risk-free. 

But hey, don’t mind changing your position to right side instead of left, because it is still better than sleeping on your back. Some mothers-to-be might find it dangerous to sleep on the right side. Know that it might not be as ideal as sleeping on the left, but sleeping on the right side is completely fine. 

Is sleeping on your stomach the right position to sleep during pregnancy? 

If you’re early in your pregnancy and still sleeping on your tummy — that’s okay for now. But as your bump grows, sleeping on your stomach becomes uncomfortable. And impossible. It’s like trying to nap on a watermelon. Once your belly starts showing, it’s best to avoid lying flat on it. Not because it’ll hurt the baby — they’re well protected — but because it’s just not comfy.

What is the best sleeping position during pregnancy trimester by trimester?

Here’s how sleep positions may change during each stage of pregnancy:

• In the first trimester (weeks 1–12), there are no major rules for sleeping positions. Sleep however you feel comfy. If you’re a stomach or back sleeper, enjoy it while it lasts.

• In the second trimester (weeks 13–26), start training yourself to sleep on your side. You might need more pillows for support.

• By the third trimester (weeks 27–40), left side sleeping becomes more important now. Your bump is bigger. Blood flow to the baby matters more. Don’t be surprised if naps feel more refreshing than night sleep — it’s totally normal.

Pregnancy sleep is a journey. Some nights will be easy. Others, not so much. That’s normal. Build a pillow fort. Stay relaxed. And rest when you can — your body is doing something amazing.