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Q: Change sleep position when?

Posted Saturday, April 26, 2008 10:49 PM

Q: When should I stop sleeping on my stomach and back?  I find that I wake up in those positions often, but I know it can be dangerous as my belly grows.

Dr. Ashley Roman: You should stop sleeping on your stomach or back by around 20 weeks of pregnancy. By this point, you may notice that sleeping either way -- especially on your stomach -- is pretty uncomfortable. The concern with sleeping on your back is that the enlarging uterus can compress the large veins in the back of your abdomen, which can in turn decrease the amount of blood returning to your heart. As a result, your blood pressure can drop, and you may feel lightheaded or nauseated. If your blood pressure drops, the blood flow to your uterus and baby may decrease. So, in general, after 20  weeks I recommend sleeping on your side.

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2nd Trimester Q & A : Expert Dr. Ashley Roman

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Posted by 2nd Trimester Q & A : Expert Dr. Ashley Roman    Monday, April 28, 2008 10:41 AM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

I am 26 weeks now and have been trying to learn to sleep on my left side for quite some time but it doesn't seem to be working.  I fall asleep that way but when I wake up through out the night and in the morning I'm always either on my back or my belly.  I even bought one of those maternity pillows in hopes that it would help keep me from moving and it ends up on DH side of the bed.

Posted by Mrs-J    Saturday, June 07, 2008 11:12 AM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

Same here.  I try to sleep on my left side and end up waking up on my back.  I've gotten better with sleeping on the left side, but find that I don't get great sleep because I'm consciously keeping myself in this sleep position.

Posted by jadabull    Monday, June 16, 2008 7:29 PM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

is the left side supposed to be better than the right?

Posted by aln214    Monday, June 23, 2008 2:08 PM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

Yes, the WTEWYE book (aka pregnancy bible), said something to the effect of the left side being better, basically b/c that is the side of your body that your heart is on, thus improving circulation. I tried 2 stay on that side for the most part, but maybe after the 1st trimester, either sides are fine.

Posted by bellachic    Monday, June 23, 2008 10:43 PM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

Also, the body organs on the right side of your body are more hollow that the ones on the left, so it is easier for baby to mold and conform to this side and not push against organs on the right side like your liver that will not conform when he is pressed against it.

Posted by greenwheel    Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:38 AM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

I am 14 weeks and I have been working on sleeping on my left side, but it's really hard. I always wake up on my belly. Seems like I have about 6 more weeks to master the art of sleeping correctly!

Posted by Mochaqueen    Friday, July 04, 2008 11:42 AM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

i'm a paramedic and the left side is the absolute best for any pregnant woman.  It relieves the pressure on the vena cava and allows blood flow to you and the baby.  I know it's hard though cause i'm 21 weeks and cannot stay on my side... my arm falls asleep, my back hurts.. so i end up on my back.. with an extra pillow proppin me up.. and i have high blood pressure so a small dip in bp won't harm too much.. i hope!

Posted by msjboof    Sunday, July 06, 2008 10:51 AM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

I'm 25 weeks pregnant, and I've been trying to sleep on my side (either side is really fine according to my doctor) but it's nearly impossible for me to stay that way.  I bought a maternity body pillow and it's comfortable, but I keep waking up on my back.  I'm really not worried about it though.  Women have been sleeping on their back while pregnant for thousands of years, I don't really think it's hurting my baby.  And if he was really that uncomfortable, he'd let me know it by kicking I think.

Posted by marjpants13    Thursday, August 07, 2008 11:39 AM


re: Q: Change sleep position when?

I am only 12 weeks but have been trying to sleep on my left side since I found out I was pregnant.  I bought a body pillow and put the bottom half between my knees and that seems to help.  I only gained a couple of pounds so far but already feel uncomforatble laying on my back.  Maybe that is all in my head though.  I agree with maripants13 in that woman have been having babies forever and their sleeping position was probably the least of their worries.  

Posted by MarryMeBill    Thursday, August 07, 2008 12:13 PM


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