“Sleep on your left side” is one of the many advices I took with me on my the day I left my OB’s clinic after finding out I was pregnant. Getting into the habit of sleeping on the left side of your body while you’re pregnant is one common advice but why?

By sleeping on your left side, you’re allowing the highest amount of blood flow to your baby. At the same time, you’re helping your kidney to function more efficiently which in turn helps to reduce swelling. One of the more important organs at the right side of your body is the liver which regulates many important functions while you’re pregnant. Sleeping on your left would alleviate putting unnecessary pressure on your liver.

Why does sleeping on your left ensure better blood flow to you and your baby? Because you’re avoiding the most unadvisable sleeping position during pregnancy: sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your back puts pressure on a major vein that transport blood from the lower body back to your heart, the inferior vena cava.

What about sleeping on your tummy? I gather you’re still in your first trimester and your baby bump has yet to protude noticeably if you’re wondering about this fairly silly question. You’ll be putting pressure on your foetus when sleeping on your stomach, period.

Develop the habit of side sleeping early during your pregnancy with your knees bent and pillow between your legs for maximum comfort. Place priority on sleeping on your left side and avoid sleeping on your back as much as possible.