Sleeping on your back

AnnaT314

I had my 16 week appointment earlier this week and I asked my doctor when I had to stop sleeping on my back.  I had been worried about it ever since I started my 2nd trimester because I had read so much about how you can't.  But when I asked my doctor about it, he said not to worry because the whole 'not allowed to sleep on your back' theory is just completely false and I CAN sleep on my back and it won't hurt the baby.  This took me by surprise because I've read so many places that you aren't allowed to sleep on your back once you hit your 2nd trimester.  Has anyone's doctor said the same thing?  I just want to make sure I'm doing what's best for my baby!

minirella

^agree with what was posted above.

2goingon3

I'm 35 weeks and sleep on my back, although in a reclined position. Side sleeping (which is how I normally sleep) just hasn't been possible due to hip and pelvic pain. Your body will tell you what you can and cannot do.
The suggestion is to sleep on your left side to promote blood circulation to your uterus, but that doesn't mean you can't sleep in ither positions!

Foodies1

I havent talked to my doctor about laying on the back but I plan too. If it makes you feel better, I do Pilates and some of the work is done on your back and me and baby are just fine. When I asked the instructor about wether or not its safe she said as long as Im comfortable thats all that matters. On another point too I roll around in my sleep and I can't tell you the amount of times I woke up on my back. hope this makes you feel not so nervous.

Trek3

As pps have said, if you feel OK on your back then it is fine. If you feel dizzy or sick or can't breath properly, then it's time to roll over.

Amstreagle

mjreilly2 said:

You can sleep on your back as long as you are comfortable. Your body will tell you when it is no longer possible—you will know. I slept on my back my entire pregnancy (all of them). Once it got uncomfortable I angled myself with a pillow a little bit (comfort, blood flow, etc.), but I was still mostly on my back.

I agree with this completely. It's also impractical (unless you put a pillow behind you) because you will probably end up on your back during the night if that's how you're most comfortable.
I got uncomfortable on my back around 30 weeks and now a year and half after birth I still can't get comfortable sleeping on my back.

wintersong139

I'm pretty sure your body will tell you by feeling uncomfortable if you constrict blood flow by laying on your back. Heck, I am 18 weeks and I still wake up on my stomach sometimes. :-)

runnergirl4

You and your baby will be fine if you sleep on your back. Just like the other previous posters replied - Your body will tell you if it doesn't like that position. I am 25 weeks and I can't sleep on my back. I slowly start to lose feeling in my fingers, arms toes and legs. I also get short of breath.  I still sometimes go to sleep on my side and I'm woken up by these "symptoms" because I've rolled onto my back. Do what is comfortable - your body will tell you if it's not ok! :-)

AnnaT314

Thank you all for the responses!

BurdyGurl

I actually had this convo with my doctor today!  My DH keeps insisting that laying on my back is bad, but the Dr. told us that it's FINE, but to put a wedge/pillow under one hip as to avoid being completely horizontal as that 'could' cause some blow flow issues... but most women use pillows anyhow so I doubt it's an issue!

janetngreg

I agree with the others, you will know when it's time to be on your side. My doctor said its fine, but as soon as I hit 16 weeks the dizziness set it when I was on my back. It's really weird! Now if I even roll on my back for a few seconds the room spins, so needless to say I'm sleeping on my side. It just depends on the pressure of the baby on your body, so if you're comfortable I think it's fine. Your body knows best.

CNYBride05

I slept on my back most if my pregnancy. Your body will tell you if it's not ok - you won't be comfy and will need to move.