Sleeping on the back

ShePersisted · September 2013

So I'm sure this has been chatted about before but what's the actual timeframe that your not supposed to sleep on your back anymore ? Different websites say different things, like one said after 20 weeks, another one closer to your third trimester and another one soon as you reach second. My OB actually has never mentioned and I kinda like sleeping on my back once in a while- I mean does 10 min really harm me or the baby? And I feel absolutely normal. Any thoughts?

DC2011 · September 2013

I've read 16 wks is when you should stop sleeping on your back. I wish it weren't so bc I love it and miss it!

iwubrory · September 2013

I wish I knew exactly but everything I've seen is 16ish weeks like pp said. I've definitely never seen anything that said close to the third trimester. I love and miss sleeping on my back too but you might as well get used to sleeping on your side, since you've got to do it for so long. =( Also, how would you know that you only slept for 10 mins on your back? I suggest getting a pregnancy pillow if you can swing it. I have the Back 'N Belly and it really helps me be super comfortable without sleeping on my back.

princessthecat22 · September 2013

I am in the same boat, I was a back sleeper or stomach sleeper and now I find myself having major issues sleeping at night and rotate from side to side about every ten minutes because I cant get comfy.

kathegreat · September 2013

The reason we aren't supposed to sleep or lie on our backs is because of a major blood vessel(your descending aorta) that gets compressed and cuts off blood supply to the baby. You don't have to be rolled completely on your side you just have to be tilted a little bit. You could put a pillow under one of your hips and that should be ok.

good luck getting comfy!

keags5496 · September 2013

I've heard that when you shouldn't be sleeping on your back you'll know. You'll get dizzy and light headed because you're actually cutting off blood flow for yourself too. It's good to get in the habit of being off your back but I still wake up that way from time to time and don't freak myself out over it.

ShePersisted · September 2013

keags5496 said:
I've heard that when you shouldn't be sleeping on your back you'll know. You'll get dizzy and light headed because you're actually cutting off blood flow for yourself too. It's good to get in the habit of being off your back but I still wake up that way from time to time and don't freak myself out over it.

That's what I have been wondering. Is it really his many weeks or is it until you don't feel comfortable. Either ways it looks like its time I invested in a pregnancy pillow.

versed · September 2013

It's true: you'll know when you're not supposed to be on your back. Your body will make things uncomfortable for you before there are any effects on baby. It was third trimester for me last time.

If you wake up on your back, you're fine. Your body will wake you up if it's a problem. And it's pretty obvious when it's a problem.

HummingbirdMama · September 2013

NextVerseUnknown said:

It's true: you'll know when you're not supposed to be on your back. Your body will make things uncomfortable for you before there are any effects on baby. It was third trimester for me last time. If you wake up on your back, you're fine. Your body will wake you up if it's a problem. And it's pretty obvious when it's a problem.

This... I don't get dizzy but I definitely feel strange at times when I am on my back and it wakes me up. Your body knows so just listen to it.

I hate sleeping on my side but Snoogle does help accomplish that. However, my neck gets sore sometimes because it's so firm compared to my usual stomach sleeper pillows that I love and my arms get achy so I flip a lot in the night.

kak808 · September 2013

My OB said not to worry about it until later in the 2nd tri (I'm only 17 weeks), but I'm trying to get in the habit now. However, I just keep waking up on my back! I'm not really sure what to do about it. I've tried pillows, but then they end up on the floor and I'm on my back again...

cattlebride · September 2013

Glad you asked this becasue I'm having the exact same troubles. I'm showing just a bit and have gained 6 pounds, I've been worried cuz I'm 20 weeks and feel like I should be attempting to not sleep on my belly or back but side sleeping is super uncomfortable for me.

thusain7712 · September 2013

I asked my dr this EXACT question just yesterday I am 19 weeks...

she said stop worrying about it. the reason this idea ever came to practice is some cord (i am sorry i have no technical names) or nerve thing that runs up the belly. the only time it is a concern is when you have an elevated heart rate...so like, you cannot exercise while lying flat on your back at all...but whiel you sleep its no big deal. she actually slept on her belly till she was 36 weeks with both her kids. and she is an obgyn, just so you know. she said, there are a lot of ppl out there that worry about it, if it makes you feel better, than sleep on your side. however, she said its more important you are getting enough rest.

since i am having horrible hip problems due to sleeping on my left side mostly, last night i took the time to enjoy what made me comfortable...oh it felt ssoooooooooo great.

coffeyandyogapants · September 2013

I agree, my doctor has yet to mention it, as many of your's havent either. Im thinking if it isnt something the doc felt important enought to mention, it's probably not something to stress about. I try to turn on my side when I think of it, but Im not that worried about it.

kklimas · September 2013

I asked my OB at my last appt she said specific side sleeping doesn't have to start until 20 weeks. I had thought it was 16 too, but not so. Yay!

Hayrock · September 2013

I am so glad you posted this today. I was just thinking this morning that I am so tired of sleeping on my side, I think I might put it on my throat punch list.

I guess it is time for me to invest in a pregnancy pillow.

Dawizzle · September 2013

I've heard varied things, too. One of the doulas at the place I go to for prenatal yoga that also does classes said as long as you're comfortable, don't worry about it.

I think the rule of thumb is not after the 1st tri, but in general 10 minutes/short periods of time are fine as long as you feel ok. I sometimes like to roll on my back for a little while when I am first waking up in the morning because it just feels good. After a while, though, it starts to feel uncomfortable so that's all I do. I think it also helps if you raise up your feet or head on pillows or something so you're not totally flat on your back.

melgrady · September 2013

I still wake up on my back since that is my preferred sleeping position, but I plan on getting out my snoogle soon to help me side sleep.

Kedra231 · September 2013

I have not had a perfect night's sleep since before my 1st pregnancy. I was a stomach sleeper, & ever since I got pregnant, I haven't been able to ever sleep on my stomach again...my back spasms too badly, no matter how many core exercises I did.

I'm having trouble sleeping now, too, I switch from left to right side off & on throughout the night, & I have a pillow behind my back so I can't fully roll over onto my back completely, and I have a pillow between my knees, and a pillow to hug. STILL not comfortable.

ShePersisted · September 2013

Kedra231 said:
I have not had a perfect night's sleep since before my 1st pregnancy. I was a stomach sleeper, & ever since I got pregnant, I haven't been able to ever sleep on my stomach again...my back spasms too badly, no matter how many core exercises I did.

I'm having trouble sleeping now, too, I switch from left to right side off & on throughout the night, & I have a pillow behind my back so I can't fully roll over onto my back completely, and I have a pillow between my knees, and a pillow to hug. STILL not comfortable.

Oh wow that must suck! Sorry mama hope you can find a good nights sleep soon. I struggle through the night but still manage to rest so it's not that bad. Hugs!

ShePersisted · September 2013

ivedonethisb4 said:
I'm having trouble getting comfy no matter how many pillows I have. I tend to wake up on my back a lot even though I was a stomach sleeper... Lately I've had a pillow to where even on my back I'm partially tilted to one side and it seems to help a little. I am having trouble rolling from one side to the other easily because of all the pillows!!

Omg I did not realize how many of you were struggling with this. Hopefully you are able to find a solution.

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