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Restless Nights

Answers to Common Sleep Concerns During Pregnancy

By Jacqueline Rupp

"As a chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy care, I most frequently hear questions about getting comfortable while sleeping," says Dr. Karen Bagnell, a chiropractor with more than 10 years' experience treating pregnant women in Newtown, Pa. "Even though it's not healthy for your spine, many people sleep on their stomachs; when you're pregnant that's just not possible anymore. Some experts believe that sleeping face up is actually dangerous, for fear that if a pregnant woman lies on her back for extended periods the baby cuts off blood supply to Mom's heart, which also reduces blood supply to the baby. Many women in fact find it very painful to lie on their backs during the later months of pregnancy. For many moms-to-be, the only way to sleep is on their sides."

Dr. Bagnell suggests using pillows to support the pregnant tummy and also placing a pillow between the knees to help support the pelvis. "In my experience in caring for hundreds of pregnant women, a long, body-type pillow seems to be the support pillow of choice," says Dr. Bagnell. In fact, a whole line of pregnancy pillows exists, from tummy wedges to beanbag balls.

Dr. Bagnell explains that a typical first visit to her office would include a special pregnancy edition of a health history questionnaire, a detailed conversation about the main concerns that the mom-to-be is having and then a detailed exam focused on chiropractic evaluations of the spine and pelvis. "We look at posture and do a few orthopedic and neurological tests if warranted," she says. "We never do X-rays on a pregnant woman. We do a spinal 'scan' using a surface 'emg' type unit. This is a safe and non-invasive way to get a clearer idea regarding the magnitude of Mom's condition." A care plan is then formulated based on the study of the case and the exam findings, but a chiropractic adjustment is not typically done at the initial visit.

Want to see more?

• Sleep Deprived? Join the Club! A First-time Mom Tells It Like It Is
• Who Needs Sleep? 8 Reasons to Get Fewer Zzz's
• In Search of Slumber: Sleep Solutions for Moms-to-be of Multiples
• Talk about it!