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- New Prenatal Test, Chromosomal Microarray, Proposed as Standard of Care
- Planned Home Birth Not in Patients Best Interest
- New Prenatal Genetic Test Is Much More Powerful Than Standard Chromosome Test at Detecting Fetal Abnormalities
- Opening of The Carmen and John Thain Center for Prenatal Pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center's Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and Sloane Hospital for Women Will Change How Prenatal Care Is Received
- 'A Baby at Last!': New Couples' Guide to Getting Pregnant
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Sleeping During Pregnancy
Sleeping During Pregnancy
Sleeping positions during pregnancy:
As the fetus grows within the uterus, lying on your back is not recommended due to pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. In addition, the increased pressure on the back and intestines can cause discomfort. Sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy also should be avoided, because of pressure on the fetus.
The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her side, especially the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves kidney function in the mother. Improved kidney flow helps to reduce any swelling. Placing a pillow between the knees can help a pregnant woman sleep more comfortably on her side.
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