A–Z Glossary

inferior vena cava

The inferior vena cava is a large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart.

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Exercises to avoid during pregnancy

Exercises to avoid during pregnancy

Why some workouts become less suitable in pregnancy Pregnancy changes several systems that matter for exercise safety. The center of gravity shifts forward, joints may feel less stable because of hormonal effects on connective tissue, and many people fatigue sooner than they did before conception. None of that means exercise should stop; it means the […]

Sleeping on your side: why it matters

Sleeping on your side: why it matters

Why sleep position changes breathing and comfort Sleep posture affects the mechanics of the upper airway, chest wall, and abdomen. When you lie on your side, the airway is often more stable than in a fully supine position, which is one reason side sleeping may reduce snoring and make breathing feel easier. For people with […]

Can sleeping position harm the baby myth

Can sleeping position harm the baby myth

The myth: one wrong sleep position can hurt the baby The most distressing version of the myth suggests that a single night, nap, or accidental roll onto the back can directly injure the baby. That is not how the evidence is usually interpreted. Pregnancy sleep guidance is about risk reduction at a population level, not […]