Sleeping Positions

Ash2011 · August 2011

I've been sleeping on my sides. But my sides, shoulders & hips aches way bad. So do you guys know if it is still safe to sleep on my back? I'm 14 wks along today. I had appt w/ dr today & of course I forgot to ask. Thanks!

pennyandandy · August 2011

I'm pretty sure it's safe to sleep on your back until 3rd tri, but not absolutely sure.

GeekMom · August 2011

I'm having this problem now! I can't sleep on my tummy or my back anymore with out lots of pressure on my pelvis and some light cramps, so I switch from side to side and with a pillow between my legs.

Ash2011 · August 2011

Thanks! Maybe I'll get some relief tonight; Try for a little bit anyways. I've been sleeping with pillows on either side of me and my DH ends up rolling over on top of one of them & I don't get it back til morning.

shortsweet&sassy · August 2011

Its safe until 20 weeks. Even after that I would end up on my back during sleep but I would always wake up before it hurt because it would be so uncomfortable. I have DH spoon me when my back hurts, it helps give my boday the support it needs. As pp said a pillow between the legs makes a big difference, I also bought a cheapie body pillow at walmart my last pregnancy and it helped a ton, Im even able to use it for this one. You wont ever be 100% comfortable but pillows will help a ton.

trebmal · August 2011

Not sure about the back thing but I've noticed that snuggling with a body pillow has helped me sleep and feel better.

hopeandlove0417 · August 2011

I had this issue a few weeks ago. I started using a regular pillow and tucked it on my side so my belly/hip was rested on it. It really helped, but after reading about other people getting a maternity pillow...I broke down and bought the snoogle. It has made sleeping sooooo much better.My only complaint is it's a bit large for our bed ( my DH, myself, my yorkie Duke, my jack russle Morgan, and my German Shepard Lita)we have a queen size bed. : p

bethanyturon · August 2011

This is weird, because my OB said the sleeping on your back thing is a myth, and it actually causes more harm to follow that advice than not, because it makes your body out of whack. He told me basically just to follow instinct and your body would tell you if it needs to change positions.

However - it is NOT safe to EXERCISE on your back at 20+ weeks.

Just one person's advice - but please check with your Dr on this one!

Hunterloren · August 2011

I'm a stomach sleeper, which isn't working well anymore. But I found that if I take my body pillow and put it under one hip, I can make enough room for my belly to not get in the way, and I still get to sleep on my stomach, per se. I also love wrapping around my body pillow. It is a simple one I got from Costco for a low price. It is awesome!

RNmommyof2 · August 2011

I've always been a side sleeper but I think I need a pregnancy pillow or an additional body pillow because my back and shoulders have been bothering me too.

lauralop · August 2011

i asked my OB this and he said it doesn't really matter what position you sleep in until somewhere between 20 and 24 weeks. he did recommend avoiding sleeping flat on my back if I can, and suggested what a PP suggested above - put a pillow under your hip or one side of your back so that you are at a slight angle. I have found this doesn't cause as many aches and pains as when I try to sleep on my side.

ChristinaL27 · August 2011

I mentioned that at my last OB appt... Because I was sleeping terrible on my left side! My doctor said he wish I asked sooner because it is a myth! He said they don't recommend it in the 3rd trimeister sleeping on your back but its also uncomfortable by then... and he said if I want to still sleep on my back in the 3rd tri to put a small pillow under my right butt cheek!

ChicagoWeded2007 · August 2011

Panic-Free Pregnancy says you can sleep on your back. I have only slept on my back my whole life and I know I won't be able to change. The book says that it only reduces bloodflow very slightly and won't affect your baby.

Ash2011 · August 2011

Thanks everyone for your comments. Glad to hear that it probably is ok still. I think I'll get a body pillow too for another option. I just hope DH doesn't try to steal it or lay on half of it in his sleep. He sleeps like a rock and almost impossible to move him off of it. lol

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