Pregnancy is a period when women do not sleep well for months on end. Those expecting cannot find a suitable posture to sleep even if they do not have acid reflux or heartburn. This is all happening as expectant moms try their best to keep off their backs when they finally fall asleep. Needless to say, it is not a very peaceful period for many women, which is why many explore alternate sleeping arrangements.
With recliners being one of the most popular locations to sleep, women sometimes wonder, “Can I Sleep in a Recliner While Pregnant?” If you have this question, you’ll get the answer in this article. Let’s get started!
Can I Sleep in a Recliner While Pregnant?
Yes, you can sleep in a recliner while you’re pregnant. As per the American Pregnancy Association, sleeping on a bed when pregnant may make existing medical issues, such as strain on the back, increased belly size, and shortness of breath, among other things, much worse. Recliners are an excellent option for addressing all of these concerns. Because most people use recliners for sitting upright while watching television, they are ideal for families with young children and infants. This makes sure that the blood continues to flow unimpeded to the baby’s heart while still within the mother’s stomach.
Additionally, it is simple to rotate and spin when seated in the chair without exerting much strain on the stomach. Gynecologists recommend sleeping on one’s side rather than on one’s stomach or back while trying to get some shut-eye. Lying on your side in a chair is an easy and stress-free technique to alleviate discomfort.
Having said that, there are several methods that women should sleep in a chair to keep their pregnancies risk-free and complication-free while carrying a child. That’s why it is not advisable for women expecting to sleep on their stomachs.
You can also read about Best Recliners For Pregnant Ladies
Ways to Sleep in a Recliner While Pregnant
Now that you know you can sleep in a recliner during pregnancy, you must be thinking about the right way to do it so your belly doesn’t twist. The average pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks. The whole pregnancy is categorized into three trimesters by gynecologists:
First Trimesters (1-12 Weeks)
It’s possible that before you were pregnant, you were more comfortable sleeping on your back than in any other position. You should, however, make an effort to avoid sleeping on your back. If you sleep in a recliner, you should only lie on one side of the chair. If you cannot sleep, try placing one or two pillows in the space between your knees. Both sleeping and blood circulation are improved due to their use.
Second Trimesters (13-28 Weeks)
When you are in your second trimester of pregnancy, the most comfortable position to sleep in is on your left side. Because your kid will get the appropriate amount of oxygen if you sleep on your left side, you will be able to have a restful night’s sleep. Also, you’ll want to maintain some cushions on your backside, preventing you from rolling onto your back and keeping you comfortable.
Third Trimesters (29-40 Weeks)
The size of your belly has significantly increased over the third trimester compared to the first two. Because of this, you must sleep on your left side during the third trimester. If you sleep on your left side, there will be more room for your child to move around when you switch positions.
When trying to sleep in a recliner, prop your head up on the pillow and rest your cheek on the back of the chair. You should keep in mind that experiencing nervousness sometimes is very natural. Therefore, there is no need to worry.
Also, read a detailed answer to the most asked question: Can Sleep In A Recliner Cause Blood Clots?
[Bonus] Benefits and Precaution to Sleep in a Recliner While Pregnancy
Some of the benefits of using a recliner for sleep in pregnancy are:
- Beneficial for Body Balance: Recliners are beneficial for body balance because they force users to lay on their backs in a position that improves posture and relieves back pain for women.
- Restful Slumber: Because they are cushiony and fluffy, recliners allow you to have a restful slumber, almost as if you were sleeping on a cloud.
- Good Sleep: Sound sleep is the foundation of a sound mental state. Women who are expecting often experience mood swings. Good sleep helps women control their emotions, so recliners allow pregnant women to achieve deep sleep.
Although recliners are safe to sleep on during pregnancy, there are some precautions you need to avoid any possible harm:
- Don’t Lie Flat: Women may sleep on their backs without worry throughout the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the uterus becomes big enough to rest on top of blood veins that carry blood to the heart after this point. And if the inferior vena cava is constricted for an extended period, less blood will flow not just through expecting women’s bodies but also to their kids. Women should never lie flat in recliners, especially during this time of the second trimester.
- Utilize Pillows: Even though recliners are often rather plush and cushioned, the belly still needs more support during pregnancy. Adding pillows to the side and back of the mattress makes for a more pleasant night’s sleep and eliminates the risk of the sleeper rolling onto their back when they are deeply asleep.
You may also be interested to read about Best Recliners For Sleeping
Final Remarks
You do not have to be sleep-deprived throughout your pregnancy. Remember, this is the most beautiful moment of your life, and now that you know the answer to the question “Can I Sleep in a Recliner While Pregnant?” you can sleep soundly for the sake of your and your baby’s health!
