An American vascular surgeon has set the internet abuzz after revealing the surprising reason women should be sleeping on their left side every night, especially if they’re planning to fall pregnant.

Dr Rema Malik, based in Houston, Texasregularly shares practical vein health advice with her online followers.

Her latest tips explain how a simple change in sleep position can support circulation and help prevent serious vein problems before and during pregnancy.

In the clip shared to her Instagram account, she explained how a few simple proactive steps can make a major difference to women’s health both before and during pregnancy.

‘Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful journeys, but it can also be one of the most demanding on your body – especially your veins,’ Dr Malik said in the clip.

She explained that during pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume can increase by up to 50 per cent, which puts enormous pressure on the valves in the legs.

For many, this can result in painful varicose veins, a feeling of constant heaviness, swelling, and even dangerous blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

‘This isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation,’ she continued.

‘You plan the nursery, you plan the announcement – you need to plan your vein health.’

One of Dr Malik’s most striking pieces of advice is to get used to sleeping on your left side before you fall pregnant.

While it may sound like a minor adjustment, the vascular surgeon explained that the position you sleep in can significantly impact blood flow, particularly in the second and third trimesters.

‘The IVC (inferior vena cava) is located on the right side, so by sleeping on the left side there is reduction of uterine compression of the IVC, especially in the second and third trimesters,’ she said.

The inferior vena cava is the body’s largest vein, carrying blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.

As the uterus grows, especially in later pregnancy, it can press on this major vessel if a woman sleeps on her back or right side.

This pressure can slow circulation, increase swelling and discomfort, and in some cases contribute to low blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the baby.

By shifting onto the left side, women can effectively take pressure off the IVC, supporting healthier blood return and easing strain on their veins.

Dr Malik recommends starting this habit before pregnancy, so the body is already used to the position by the time it matters most.

She emphasised that the best time to address vein issues is also before pregnancy.

In her clinic, she encourages women to get a baseline vein assessment with a simple ultrasound, which can detect any underlying venous insufficiency that might worsen during pregnancy.

‘Knowing your starting point is a game-changer,’ she explained.

Another precautionary exercise is to tell her patients to elevate their legs for 15 minutes at the end of each day.

These habits, she said, may seem simple but can have a ‘massive impact’ on overall comfort and circulation during pregnancy.

Compression socks are another tool she recommends women consider sooner rather than later.

Rather than waiting for pain and swelling to develop, Dr Malik encourages patients to get properly fitted for medical-grade compression socks before pregnancy and wear them preventatively on long days.

This, she said, can help stop vein damage before it starts.

‘This isn’t about vanity, (it’s) about ensuring you can stay active, comfortable, and healthy through all three trimesters and beyond.

Dr Malik said many women don’t realise the importance of seeing a vein specialist early on, and often only seek help after their first pregnancy when problems have already developed.

‘I have so many patients who come in after pregnancy with painful varicose veins needing treatment, and their obstetricians want these treated before their next pregnancy,’ she added.