Sleeping position is important during pregnancy due to several reasons that contribute to the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. As a woman’s body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, certain sleeping positions become more beneficial than others.
Here’s why sleeping position matters during pregnancy:
Blood circulation
As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands and can put pressure on the major blood vessels, such as the inferior vena cava.
Sleeping on your back can potentially compress these vessels, reducing blood flow to the pacenta and the baby.
This is why sleeping on your back is generally discouraged, particularly as the pregnancy advances.
Optimal Oxygen and Nutrient Supply
The optimal sleeping positon during pregnancy is typically on the left side. This position allows for improved blood circulation to the placenta, which enhances the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients to the developing baby.
It also helps in removing waste products from the placenta more effectively.
Reduced swelling
Sleeping on the left side can also help reduce swelling, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy.
This position helps prevent the pressure on major blood vessels, which can contribute to edema (swelling) in th legs and ankles.
Comfort and digestion
The left side sleeping position can also alleviate pressure on the digestive system, making it easier for food and gastric juices to move through the stomach and intestines. This can help reduce issues like heartburn and indigestion, which are common during pregnancy.
Back and Hip support
Using pillows for support can help improve comfort while sleeping on your side. Placing a pillow between the knees can alleviate pressure on the hips and lower back, making sleep more restful.
Preventing Dizziness and fainting
Sleeping on your back can sometimes lead to dizziness or fainting, especially as the uterus compresses the blood vessels. Sleeping on your side reduces the risk of such episodes.
Fetal movement awareness
When sleeping on your side, you’re more likely to feel your baby’s movements, which can help you monitor your baby’s well-being and respond promptly if there are any changes.
Minimizing Pressure Points
Side sleeping distributes weight more evenly, reducing the risk of developing pressure sores or discomfort that can arise from lying in one position for too long.
It’s important to note that individual comfort can vary, and pregnant women should choose the sleeping position that feels most comfortable while still following the guidelines for optimal circulation and safety. If you find it challenging to consistently sleep on your left side, you can switch sides during the night and use pillows to support your body.
As always, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on the best sleeping positions based on your unique pregnancy and medical history.
Understanding IVF assisted hatching & IVF embryo glue
IVF Assisted Hatching is a technique used in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to help embryos hatch from their protective outer shell (zona pellucida) before being implanted into the uterus.
The zona pellucida naturally thins and breaks open as the embryo develops, allowing it to attach to the uterine lining.
However, in some cases, the zona might be thicker or harder, which can make it more difficult for the embryo to hatch and implant.
Assisted Hatching involves creating a small opening or thinning a part of the zona pellucida using various methods, such as using laser, acide, or mechanical techniques.
The process can make it easier for the embryo to break out of its shell and implant into the uterus.
Assisted Hatching is often considered for couples who have had multiple failed IVF attempts or for older women, where the zona pellucida might have become thicker with age.
IVF Embryo Glue
Emrbyo Glue, also known as Embryo Transfer Medium, is a special solution used during the embryo transfer stage of IVF.
This medium is designed to mimic the natural environment of the uterus and help improve the chances of successful embryo implantation.
Embryo Glue contains substances that promote the adhesion of the embryo to the uterine lining.
It typically contains hyaluronan, a molecule naturally found in the uterine environment, which is believed to facilitate embryo attachment.
By using this medium during the embryo transfer, it is thought that the chances of the embryo successfully adhering to the uterus might be increased.
Emrbyo Glue is often recommended for specific cases, such as women with a history of failed implantation or repeated miscarriages.
However, its effectiveness can vary among individuals, and its use might not be necessary for everyone undergoing IVF.
Both Assisted Hatching and Embryo Glue are techniques that aim to enhance the chances of successful embryo implantation and pregnancy in specific situations. It’s important to note that these techniques are not routinely used for all IVF cases, and their implementation depends on individual patient factors and the recommendations of fertility specialists based on each couple’s unique circumstances.
If you’re considering these techniques, it’s advisable to discuss them with your fertility doctor to determine if they are appropriate for your situation.
IVF embryo donation & IVF embryo cryop
IVF Embryo donation, also known as embryo adoption, is a process where couples or individuals who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) and have extra embryos can choose to donate these embryos to individuals or couples who are unable to conceive on their own.
This often occurs when a couple or individual who went through IVF ends up with more embryos than they intend to use for their own family-building purposes.
Embryo donation allows those who are struggling with infertility to have the opportunity to experience pregnancy and childbirth.
The process involves the following steps.
Embryo selection
Couples or individuals seeking to donate their embryos typically go through a screening process to ensure that the embryos are healthy and suitable for donation.
IVF embryo cryopreservation, also known as embryo freezing is a technique used in assisted reproductive technology, where excess embryos from an IVF cycle are preserved through freezing for potential future use.
IVF clinic undertakes embryo cryopreservation process for individuals and couples the flexibility to attempt pregnancy in the future without the need for a full IVF cycle.
This technique has greatly improved the success rates and options available in the field of assisted reproductive technology in IVF center.