Sleep position

[Tmum]

Hi ladies
I've read that you shouldn't lie on your back after around 20 weeks.
I'm finding it really hard to stay on either my left or right side and 9 times out of 10 when I wake I'm lying on my back.
I'm scared that I'm maybe hurting baby or that I'm doing something really wrong!
Is anyone else having a similar issue or can you give me more info as to why it's so bad to sleep on your back?

Thanks x

 

[MrsG81]

Apparently the weight of your baby / uterus can slow down blood flow on the Vena Cava which is the main vein between your heart and the lower part of your body. I believe it's more dangerous for you rather than your baby.

You are probably waking on your back because after a short while your body will realise something is not 100% right and wake you up.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, but try and sleep on your side (sleeping on left hand side is the optimal position for blood flow but right is fine too). I have a pillow behind my back and one under my bump. Then I can heave myself over to the other side when I get uncomfortable and still have a pillow under bump and behind me. The pillow behind me stops me rolling on to my back too much.

If you do wake up on your back, just sit up slowly and take your time as it can leave you a bit light headed and dizzy xx

 

[BonzE]

Hi, there is a major artery running up your back that the baby lays on if you lay on your back so it reduces blood flow. Nothing dangerous though just best avoided. Some woman put a pillow behind them to stop them rolling over! It started becoming uncomfortable for me at around 31 weeks, now i can't do it at all...your body will stop you doing it soon enough! X

 

[Tmum]

Thanks ladies. I've got one of those long pillows that I can have under my bump and around my back but after a while I seem to get so uncomfortable and sore so then I've to sleep sitting up...wake later lying on my back lol! I have been panicking and waking loads thinking that I'm harming baby xx

 

[Belfa]

At our ante natal classes the echoed what the girls above said in that it's really you it affects not baby and you will find that when your in the wrong position you'll wake up shortly afterwards to move anyway x

 

[Coletteypie]

I've ended up using my pregnancy pillow just to stop me rolling on my back. Barely use it for its intended purpose lol. I'm a natural back sleeper too so is really hard. But give it a few weeks and you will notice the difference of lying on your back - doesn't feel right. Plus it encourages baby to lie back to back with you - which you don't want!

 

[Tmum]

I think I'll have to surround myself in pillows, hubby will be on the sofa sleeping before this pregnancy is over haha!! I'll use a normal pillow under my bump tonight and then my pregnancy one along my back and see how I go with that! Thanks xx

 

[Lulu90]

I always find myself on my back, but my body automatically wakes me up and I change position. My midwife said if I'm more comfortable on my back, just prop myself up with a couple of pillows xx

 

[Tmum]

Oh great Lulu that's reassuring! Thanks xx

 

[ShowingPromise]

I get stretching pains down my sides when I sleep on my side, so use pillows under my bump but lying on my back is by far the most comfortable at the moment. I know it's not recommended but my mw said that getting plenty of sleep was also important. She said to watch out for pins and needles in hands, feet, legs or arms and any light headedness- if I do encounter these then I'll need to change position but it's ok for now.
Hope this helps!