Pregnancy comes with a lot of discomfort, especially in the later stages when the belly becomes significantly larger and sleeping positions that were once comfortable are no longer so.

As the due date approaches, women need to find suitable sleeping positions that provide optimal comfort and support to ensure a good night’s rest. In this article, we highlight the most comfortable sleeping positions for late pregnancy.

1. Sleeping on Your Side

Doctors recommend sleeping on your side during pregnancy, preferably on your left side, as it helps improve blood circulation and provides the best support for your growing belly.

Lying on your back can impede blood flow to the uterus and aorta, causing discomfort or dizziness. If you’re not used to this sleeping position, start practicing early on in your pregnancy to help your body get accustomed to this position.

2. The Love Island Position

The Love Island position is another recommended sleeping position for late pregnancy. This position involves placing a pillow between your knees to support your back and hips.

It’s a great way to reduce pressure on your hips and pelvis while keeping your spine and hips aligned.

3. The Pillow Fortress

As the pregnancy progresses, sleeping with multiple pillows can be extremely helpful in maintaining a comfortable position.

One pillow can be used to support your head, another to prop up your belly or behind your back, and additional pillows to elevate your feet or between your knees. A pillow fortress can also be used on the sofa or in a recliner to maintain proper alignment of your body.

4. The Semi-Reclined Position

The semi-reclined position is another fantastic sleeping position. This position can be achieved with a wedge pillow or by propping up your pillows at a slight tilt.

This position helps reduce heartburn and aids digestion while encouraging optimal breathing and circulation.

5. The Spooning Position

Spooning with your partner can also provide comfort during late pregnancy. This position involves lying on your side with your back against your partner and your knees slightly bent.

Your partner can use their arm to support your belly or hold a pillow between your knees for added support.

6. The Side-Lying Squat

The side-lying squat position is a unique sleeping position that provides maximum comfort while keeping your spine and baby in a neutral position.

This position requires lying on your side and keeping your knees bent, with one leg slightly in front of the other, while squatting. You can use pillows to support your head, arms, and legs while maintaining this position.

7. The Leaning Tower

The leaning tower position is another great position for late pregnancy. This position involves leaning against or on a pillow with one side of your body while keeping your knees bent.

This position helps reduce pressure on the hips and pelvis while providing support for your upper body.

8. The Relaxing Recliner

If you have a recliner at home, this can be a great sleeping option for late pregnancy. Recliners provide proper lumbar support while keeping your feet elevated.

A recliner also helps alleviate pressure on the hips and pelvis while promoting optimal blood circulation.

9. The Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds provide great comfort and support for late pregnancy. These beds allow you to elevate your head and feet while maintaining proper alignment of your body.

It’s a great investment for comfortable sleeping throughout pregnancy and even after giving birth.

10. Avoid Certain Positions

Avoid sleeping on your stomach in late pregnancy, as this can put unnecessary pressure on your uterus and baby. Also, try to avoid sleeping on your back as it can reduce blood flow to the uterus.

Sleeping on your back later in pregnancy can even cause supine hypotensive syndrome, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

To ensure optimal comfort and support throughout the night, it’s recommended to use a pregnancy pillow. These specialized pillows are designed to provide maximum support to your neck, back, and hips during pregnancy.