What even is sleep when you’re pregnant? This is how to get some

Sleeping on your back during pregnancy may feel comfortable but it’s not recommended for pregnant women.

A recent study says that most pregnant women spend about 25% of their sleep time in the supine (on their backs) position, which may be a risk factor for stillbirth and low birth weight.

The study suggests how you can SAFELY sleep while pregnant and get the rest you need.

The study

The study involved 25 healthy women during late pregnancy between 32 and 38 weeks gestation and they were evaluated while sleeping at home for 2 nights.

One night with no intervention as a control, and one night while wearing the PrenaBelt (a positional therapy device designed specifically for use in pregnancy).

What was assessed?

• Maternal heart rate
• Blood oxygen saturation
• Sleep and breathing parameters were assessed using a finger-based plethysmography device.

Sleep position was recorded with a body position sensor that was inserted in the PrenaBelt. The belt has balls which are inserted into pockets in the back of the belt, preventing the woman from rolling onto them in her sleep.

Fetal and maternal heart rate were also recorded using a device that monitors the electrical signals on the mother’s abdomen.

Results!

Principal investigator Jane Warland, PhD, associate professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of South Australia, reported the findings suggest women can comfortably sleep while wearing a device around their waist to stop them from rolling onto their back while they’re asleep.

Warland said, “using positional therapy to keep the pregnant mother off her back may reduce supine sleep in late pregnancy and may also provide both maternal and fetal health benefits, with minimal impact on the maternal perception of sleep quality and sleep time.”

See here why pregnant women need to nap more!

“Wearing a device that minimizes back sleep, and which is comfortable and doesn’t impact the mother’s sleep length or quality, may be a simple way to reduce stillbirth incidence, especially if the mother is at increased risk due to other factors,” Warland said.

So, would you wear a PrenaBelt? Something to think about.

It’s all in the positioning, check out these 5 ways to get a more comfortable pregnant sleep!

Healthy Pregnancy Smoothies

A convenient and portion-controlled snack you can integrate as part of a well-balanced diet to ensure you are getting the right balance of nutrients PLUS our Healthy Mummy Pregnancy Smoothie contains the vitamin D ingredient Cholecalciferol.

The smoothie is also rich in fibre to prevent hunger pains and help with constipation and bloating.

You can download the Pregnancy Smoothie Label here.

You can also download a fact sheet on the pregnancy smoothie here.