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Gynaecologists reveal dangerous sleeping positions during pregnancy

Gynaecologists have advised pregnant women not to sleep on their backs after the first trimester, warning that such a sleeping position could collapse the veins supplying blood to the vital organs of the body.

According to the experts, sleeping on the back is an uncomfortable position that could lead to a shortage of blood to the brain, heart, and the baby, especially if the woman remains in that position for an extended period.

The maternal health specialists pointed out that the ideal sleeping position for pregnant women during the second and third trimesters is on the left side, to avoid the weight of the womb and baby pressing on the blood vessels.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, Dr. Uche Agu, an Associate Professor and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State, stressed the importance of avoiding sleeping on the back.

He explained that this position could lead to a fainting attack due to the collapse of major veins supplying blood to the heart and brain.

Dr. Agu elaborated: “When a woman is pregnant, the sleeping position becomes crucial due to the placement of blood vessels near the spine at the back. The vein that returns blood to the heart and brain lies along the spine, with the artery beside it.”

“When a woman is pregnant, her womb enlarges, and if she lies on her back, the weight of the womb can press on these blood vessels. The vein, being collapsible, is especially susceptible to compression, which can disrupt blood flow to the brain and heart.”

Dr. Agu continued, saying that poor blood supply to the heart and brain can make the woman feel dizzy, sweaty, and nauseous.

“If the vein collapses, blood flow to the heart and brain is reduced. This can lead to dizziness, sweating, and even fainting. If the position is maintained for a prolonged period, it can be life-threatening.”

He explained that if a pregnant woman lies on her back for a few minutes, she may start sweating, feeling dizzy, and experiencing reduced blood flow to the brain. “This happens because the womb presses on the vein, collapsing it and restricting blood flow.”

Dr. Agu emphasized that while the woman may immediately turn to a more comfortable position, prolonged time in that position can be harmful.

He clarified that the sleeping position of the woman affects her, not the baby, and the vein collapsing is not a permanent condition.

“The ideal sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her left side,” Dr. Agu said. “We recommend the left lateral position to relieve pressure on the blood vessels. If she sleeps on her back, the womb presses on the blood vessels, but sleeping on the left side alleviates this pressure.”

He added, “The right side is also acceptable, though not as ideal. What we want to avoid is sleeping on the back, as it’s a very uncomfortable position.”

Dr. Agu advised pregnant women in their second and third trimesters to avoid sleeping face-up.

Collaborating with Dr. Agu’s statement, Dr. Philips Ekpe, another Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, noted that sleeping position is less of a concern in the first trimester but becomes more important in the second and third trimesters, as the womb and baby grow larger.

Dr. Ekpe, a former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association, explained, “The average weight of a baby is between 2.5kg to about 4kg. In the first trimester, the pregnancy is not heavy, but by the second and third trimesters, the pregnancy becomes significantly heavier. The veins that supply blood to the vital organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and the baby, lie close to the spine. If the woman lies on her back, the weight of the uterus can compress these blood vessels, hindering blood supply to vital organs and the baby, which can lead to vein collapse.”

To prevent this, Dr. Ekpe recommended that pregnant women lie on their side.

According to MedicalNewsToday, many women wonder how to sleep during pregnancy. “Sleep issues are common, especially in the third trimester when finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging. Some women may worry that certain body positions could affect their health or that of the fetus. It is ideal to sleep on the left side during the second and third trimesters.”

A National Sleep Foundation survey found that 78 percent of pregnant women experience more difficulty sleeping, with 15 percent suffering from restless leg syndrome during the third trimester.

Agbenu James

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