As your pregnancy progresses, finding a restful sleeping position may become difficult. Your regular sleeping positions may no longer work for you, thanks to a larger-than-normal belly, back pain, heartburn and other symptoms of pregnancy.

As your uterus and your baby grow, sleeping on your back will become less comfortable. Putting the full weight of your uterus on your spine, back muscles, intestines and veins can give you a backache or hemorrhoids, as well as impaired breathing and circulation.

To sleep better, the American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women sleep on their side — specifically the left side. Sleeping on your left side will increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. Keep your legs and knees bent and put a pillow between your legs to relieve the stress on your back. If you experience heartburn or a shortness of breath, try propping up with pillows.