HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Why Is Sleeping On The Left Side Advised During Pregnancy?

Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2015

Question: Hi,

I am 6 months pregnant now. Elders advice to sleep on the left as it will lead to normal delivery and Sleeping on the right will not help in normal delivery. Similarly they say sleeping on the back will result in umbilical cord wrapping around the babys neck.
Please help me on how sleeping on right side/back affects baby. I know sleeping on the back affects blood/nutrients to the baby but does it really end up in umbilical cord wrapping? Is it fine sleeping on the right?

Also please tell me the weight i should increase before delivery. I increased 8kgs in 6 months. Is this proper or overweight?

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Soumya (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Left side is better position

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for your query.

I have read you query and I understand your concerns about sleeping patterns.

Following is my reply:

1) Scientifically, sleeping on left side is better option because sleeping on back will obstruct blood supply to heart and other parts as weight baby is put on major veins.

2) Hence sleeping on left side is best option. If you are tired sleeping on left side, you can sleep on right side for a while in between.

3) Sleeping on back does not cause cord wrapping around neck. But it wll reduce blood supply to mother as well as baby.

4) I suggest you sleep on left or right side for healthy growth.

5) Weight gain should ideally be 10 kgs by end of 9 months of pregnancy. Therefore I suggest you consume less fat , ghee and sugar to reduce your weight gain.

I hope I answered you query and addressed your concerns.

Let me know if you wish to ask any further questions. I will be glad to help you.

Regards,
Dr. Soumya

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (19 minutes later)

Thanks for the reply Dr. XXXXXXX Is it true sleeping on the right results in C-section? Elders at home say with left side baby's head will turn down thereby easing normal delivery but when slept on right, the babys head does not come down so it will lead to C-section.

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Soumya (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

No. They are giving wrong advice.

Sleeping on right side will not increase C- section chances.

Let me know if you need anymore clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar