waking up on back

ktate1444

Good morning ladies

 I keep waking up on my back in the middle of the nights. I know this isn't good for the baby or me. Any suggestions?

Check out my blog too. We finished her crib this weekend. 

https://jbkctate.blogspot.com/

EJensify

Advice to not sleep on your back is more for your comfort than the baby's. I surround myself with pillows at night to try to stay off of my back...at the very least, I put my hip up on a pillow while I am on my back, my BP drops ridiculously if I do.

 

PS - crib is super cute!

588loves551

I do, too!  My doctor said it's not too huge of an issue- just try to rest on the left side as often as possible.  But I always end up on my back or right side.  I get annoyed at myself, but just flip back over to my left.  They also said the left side helps with heartburn, etc.

Raquellyo

I read in the past (on here) that it's fine if you end up on your back because your body will basically wake you up if you need to move.

I am having a similar problem where my ribs have been hurting so much that it's painful to lay on my side (either one).  Only relief I can find is proping myself up against the headboard and sleep slightly sitting up -- but I am basically laying on my back.  It's the only way my ribs won't hurt so much, but I can't sleep otherwise.  Not really sure if I have any other options.

Neukim

Like other posters said not sleeping on your back is for you more than the baby.  I have been fine to sleep on my back up until a few nights ago.  I woke up in the middle of the night starving for air.

Babalonia

Also my OB told me that it's ok to sleep on the right or the left side..I asked specifically...Funny how different answers are.

MrsH_08

I actually don't fully agree, but maybe it's my OB.  I was told (and have read in pregnancy books) that the issue with sleeping on your back vs your side is about blood flow, not comfort.  When you're on your back, gravity causes the uterus to fall backward and potentially compress major arteries/veins that supply blood to the placenta.  Sleeping on your side, the uterus falls to that side and does not affect the blood flow.

In addition, I'm having swelling issues.  My OB said that is also affected by blood flow.  He said I need to sleep (and try to rest as often as possible) on my side, which helps the body to process and remove excess fluids.

All that said, I also wake up on my back all the time.  I use a pregnancy wedge to try to prevent it, but it still happens. :-P