When to stop sleeping on your back?

suwannee79 · December 2012

I saw something the other day that said you should stop sleeping on your back when you start the second trimester and start laying on your left side. I am a total back sleeper and I thought I could stay on my back until I was bigger so now I'm worried, and when I do lay on my side I typically sleep on my right side, so now I'm worried about how to sleep. I want to do whatever I can to help the baby but at the same time I feel like women have successsfully been having babies for thousands of years without the advice we get now so I'm torn, I'm about 14 weeks, how should I be sleeping??

sparklemotion86 · December 2012

With DS I slept on my back until 20 weeks and it was too uncomfortable so I switched to sleeping on my side.

I'm still sleeping on my back and stomach with this pregnancy. When it gets uncomfortable I will stop.

skio · December 2012

You can sleep on your back until it's not comfortable anymore.

"They" say that sleeping on your back can put pressure on arteries and limit blood flow to your legs. You'd know if that was happening. Not to worry. Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable for you.

suwannee79 · December 2012

Thanks ladies, nice to know I can get in a couple more weeks of preferred sleeping before baby bump takes over

llsarmy · December 2012

Your body will tell you. Dont worry about it.

mlandwehr · December 2012

I have asked about how to sleep and when, they told me just what ever is comfortable. You will know when I stop sleeping on your back/stomach. Also left is ideal, but there is nothing bad about the right side

+Preppy+ · December 2012

You will know when to not sleep on your back, it gets really uncomfortable. I remember with DS at doctors apps, I would frequently get light-headed and nauseous when I laid back for the Doppler reading. That was more in the 3rd tri when it was really uncomfortable.

I think I stopped sleeping on my back somewhere around 20ish weeks.

WifeofaComposer · December 2012

I am a back and right side sleeper, too. When I was pregnant with DS#1, I continued to sleep on my back right up to delivery - the trick is to put a pillow under your right hip. That way, your hip is slightly elevated, helping the blood flow rather than pooling. Doing that prevented me from feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Hope it works for you, too!

sheacox · December 2012

I naturally flip to my back after I'm already sleeping... I figure my body wouldn't do it if was putting me in danger. However you re comfy I say!

prttyinpink809 · December 2012

I agree with you. However you're comfy. Your body will let you know! I am a tummy sleeper, but I also sleep on my side a lot. As long as I'm getting some sleep, I'm fine. lol

Alliebooberz · December 2012

Ditto all PPs! Sleep however you're comfortable and your body will let you know how and when you should switch.

carmen_sandiego · December 2012

sheacox:
I naturally flip to my back after I'm already sleeping... I figure my body wouldn't do it if was putting me in danger. However you re comfy I say!

Yep, this is totally my philosophy as well.

I started having to alter my sleep position at 16w last time but that's mostly because I am a tummy sleeper and it was uncomfortable to be basically laying on my uterus. Back sleepers get a little more time before things must change... lucky.

kimx86 · December 2012

I still sleep on my back and stomach! I just figure when I'm not supposed to sleep that way anymore my body will feel too uncomfortable to do so anyway

duffmaker · December 2012

When I was pregnant last year my OB told me it's basically how ever you are comfortable, there is no set time to stop sleeping one way or another.

I kept rolling on my back even as late as 35wks, I'd fall asleep on my side but I'd wake up having pushed my snoogle out of the way and being on my back.

jynxxy · December 2012

mlandwehr:
Also left is ideal, but there is nothing bad about the right side

Why is the left side ideal? I've always been a right side sleeper because hubby sleeps to my left, and i don't want to be breathing in his face all night (and vice versa). I may have to start sleeping on the other side of the bed

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