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Sleep question: Right or Left?

EllasMommy2010EllasMommy2010 member
in 2nd Trimester

When sleeping, is it ideal to sleep on your left or right side?  I was always told left side, but I recently had a newly pregnant friend say that her dr said to sleep on her right side.  Of course she is worried now since I said left side.  I told her it really doesn't matter as long as she is not on her back, but just thought I would ask you ladies what the "ideal" side is.  TIA!

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Re: Sleep question: Right or Left?

  • HoneydewchestnutHoneydewchestnut member
    My doctor said to try to sleep on my left, but I could stay on my right side as long as it's still comfortable for me.  She said it'll get uncomfortable if I put too much pressure on the vein/artery/whatever I'm supposed to avoid crushing.
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  • MrsClark8109MrsClark8109 member
    My OB says not to worry how I sleep. I'm a tummy sleeper so I've become almost a contortionist while sleeping to tilt my belly to the side but leave my chest flat ( I cant sleep with my chest exposed) but ultimately even if you were to end up  on your back --you'd wake up uncomfortable if something wasn't right or getting squished and have to reposition.
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  • toriwctoriwc member

    imageMrsClark8109:
    My OB says not to worry how I sleep. I'm a tummy sleeper so I've become almost a contortionist while sleeping to tilt my belly to the side but leave my chest flat ( I cant sleep with my chest exposed) but ultimately even if you were to end up  on your back --you'd wake up uncomfortable if something wasn't right or getting squished and have to reposition.

    This exactly.

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  • ElskerElsker

    imageMrsClark8109:
    My OB says not to worry how I sleep. I'm a tummy sleeper so I've become almost a contortionist while sleeping to tilt my belly to the side but leave my chest flat ( I cant sleep with my chest exposed) but ultimately even if you were to end up  on your back --you'd wake up uncomfortable if something wasn't right or getting squished and have to reposition.

    ..ditto!

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  • itsmarcie22itsmarcie22
    I have circulation problems so my doctor advised me to try to sleep on my left side and sleep with a pillow (or several) under my legs. And it honestly has made a big difference - my legs don't really hurt anymore (which is largely why I asked my doctor about it to begin with).
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  • SueductionSueduction

    They say the only real reason to sleep on your left is because your right side can possibly decrease blood flow...my Dr. said if I'm not uncomfortable then neither is baby... I was even sleeping on my back up until 3 weeks ago..now it's uncomfortable but I guess now too much pressure resting on my lungs, etc!

      I've been much more comfortable on my right side with my Snoogle but I face against the C instead of curving with the C and just swing my leg over!

     If you're comfortable, then the baby is comfortable!

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  • JlynshepJlynshep member
    imageSueduction:

    They say the only real reason to sleep on your left is because your right side can possibly decrease blood flow...my Dr. said if I'm not uncomfortable then neither is baby... I was even sleeping on my back up until 3 weeks ago..now it's uncomfortable but I guess now too much pressure resting on my lungs, etc!

      I've been much more comfortable on my right side with my Snoogle but I face against the C instead of curving with the C and just swing my leg over!

     If you're comfortable, then the baby is comfortable!

    Agree with above there is a vane that runs down your right side so that is why they say the left side is best when you get really big.

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  • novlove11novlove11
    I start on my left, but if in middle of night I need to flip over ( arm falls asleep, etc) I will flip and sleep on my right side. I am not sure how much it matters which side as long as you are sleeping on your side.
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  • UAbride31007UAbride31007 member

    imagelisajay09:
    The reason doctors tell us to sleep on our left side is because it makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and helps with circulation (gravity).  A few times with DS my blood pressure was a little high and they always made me lay on my left side for 15 minutes and it dropped back to normal.  With all of the extra blood we have while pregnant it just helps ease the stress on the heart.

    This is what I've heard as well. I've always been a side sleeper so it's not a huge adjustment for me but I pulled a muscle near my ribs on my left side so I can't sleep on it right now :( 

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