Stomach Sleeper

xinightingale · February 2014

So, I'm usually a stomach sleeper and up until this point have still managed to sleep somewhat on the side of my stomach (25 weeks along now). But now that's just not comfortable any more. I can't get comfortable completely on my side, and I know I'm not supposed to sleep on my back, so I'm having a very hard time sleeping in the past week or so. I have 2 body pillows - a long straight one on the one side, and the Boppy body pillow on the other. Neither seem to really help. The long one is pretty flat, and the Boppy doesn't seem to be long enough. I think my attempts to find a comfortable position have increased my round ligament pain, the way I have to contort my legs to get comfortable. I don't have the bed space for one of those gigantic U-shaped pillows (we have a Queen bed). Any other suggestions? I had to take Benadryl the other night, just to get a full night's sleep. I don't want to keep drugging myself, I need some alternatives. Thanks!

theamandapanda · February 2014

Are you sure you don't have room for a snoogle? We have a queen and I'm able to use one. My husband is a really big guy too. I totally feel your pain. I love sleeping on my stomach but just can't do it any longer. Had to bust out the snoogle. It's helped a lot. Good luck!

xinightingale · February 2014

oooo emotionlotion I like that idea! Maybe I can make that work with some pillows I already have...

The snoogle might work for me, but I roll over and switch sides frequently during the night. Maybe that combined with another small pillow though, might work for me.

Shineoncrazy · February 2014

Very similar to brighteyes112; I sleep with my leg propped up, but on a plush pillow. I was getting hip pain and it helped. I move around a lot so the body pillow was always too much of a hassle for me. Having the one small prop pillow seems to work for now. Good luck!

ElTrain5 · February 2014

I highly recommend getting some kind of memory foam mattress topper, it take a lot of pressure off of the hip that you are laying on when your in a side position. It also helps prevent a bit of "rolling" since you kind of sink into one position.

MrsAy · February 2014

I'm a stomach sleeper too and it's been hard to change positions. I found the best way for me is to use 3 pillows, one for my neck, one between my legs and a third one on the side that kinda holds me up so I don't go back on my stomach. I still have a hard time some nights so I basically do what PP said, just one leg up so it lifts one side of my stomach. I hope I made sense.

shellbell813 · February 2014

I tend to sleep half stomach half side. I usually put the opposite leg across my body, bent up and propped up on an extra pillow. Does that make sense?

owlcup · February 2014

I either sleep full on stomach or half stomach, half side with my leg propped up as PPs have said. Until I am uncomfortable on my stomach, I will continue sleeping on it.

Hairstylist16 · February 2014

I'm In The Same Boat. My Poor Husband Has To Deal With 6 Different Pillows And I Still Can't Get Comfortable. I Don't Remember My Right Hip Burning Like This Last Time And Its Only Going To Get Worse.

flerlgirl · February 2014

My doctor said I could sleep mostly on my back if I propped a pillow behind me to make me slightly angled, so I do that.

MissBHaven1024 · February 2014

I sleep on my stomach, with one leg kicked up so I'm not flat on my stomach.

PinkKEL9 · February 2014

BrightEyes112 said:

I sleep on my stomach with one leg kind of up. He just 'swims' to the other side.

Same here.

MrsRahl · February 2014

I just asked my doc about sleeping on my back being bad, and he told me that was total BS and to sleep however I want/feel comfortable. Obviously talk to your doc if you have concerns, but I've been sleeping soundly since I've allowed myself to sleep on my back.

Jenn111211 · February 2014

I'm another fan of the Snoogle. My problem is when I sleep on my side, my arms go numb. So I am constantly having to change positions throughout the night. Somehow I am able to get comfortable just before my alarm is about to go off. Funny how that happens

bebemac · February 2014

Jenn111211 said:
I'm another fan of the Snoogle. My problem is when I sleep on my side, my arms go numb. So I am constantly having to change positions throughout the night. Somehow I am able to get comfortable just before my alarm is about to go off. Funny how that happens

I don't even know what to do with my arms when side sleeping!

kcartwright12 · February 2014

Same boat. I have woken up with very sore hips from sleeping on my sides. I currently have two pillows behind my head, one on either side and then a toss pillow to shove anywhere I need it at that time. I tried the half stomach, half side with a leg propped up but my little guy just kicks the crap out of me, so had to change. Now I toss between the right and left side. Some nights I can sleep for 7-8hrs however, most nights I only get 5-6hrs due to sore hips and little man kicking me awake. I take it as a warm up for when he gets here.

. I do look forward to the day I can sleep on my stomach again.

bumpuser9343355 · February 2014

I bought the wedge pillow, $15 at BRU, and it has worked wonders!

irenewslee · February 2014

I am actually a back sleeper and whenever I sleep on my back these days, I can feel the baby kicking harder than ever... Almost saying "mommy I'm drowning! Help me!"y doctor told me it shouldnt hurt the baby but I am pressing her towards my body, which gives her less room and putting pressure on back, which can potentially give me back circulation and a sore back. I sleep with 2 pillows and it's very uncomfortable because I can barely move... I guess it's the same with all you stomach sleepers out there. I now use a heat pad on my back before I go to bed to help relax my muscle. It actually helps a bit, so you ladies can give it a try!

Danischn · February 2014

I now sleep with the snoogle as well. I usually start laying on my stomach, with the snoogle propping up one side, one leg draped over the snoogle. But, I change positions a million times because I get uncomfortable. Arms fall asleep on my sides too, so that doesn't last long. I've just accepted the fact that sleeping isn't supposed to be comfortable while being pregnant, and finding 30 min sleeping without changing positions is a win.

MamaTree17 · February 2014

I asked my doctor about this at my last appointment and he said basically what @kaysa2 did. Yes it is preferable to sleep on your left side but unless you and/or the baby has noted heart defects, sleeping on your back is fine as is your stomach until it's uncomfortable. I try to start on my side but almost always wake up on my stomach or back.

PressLove · February 2014

I understand your pain. I'm a stomach sleeper and we have a queen sized bed. However, I broke down and bought the big body pillow. It allows me to turn side-to-side without moving a ton of pillows. I hate sleeping on my side, but the pillow allows the half stomach/half side thing. Mostly, I pull it in close and prop myself up to sleep on my back.

DH loves it! Sometimes, he'll put his leg up and lay on one side.

https://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Belly-Contoured-Pillow-Ivory/dp/B0002E7DIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392990471&sr=8-1&keywords=Leachco+Back+%27N+Belly+Contoured+Body+Pillow

kjohnson1002 · February 2014

Sleeping has been miserable for me..tossing and turning..limbs falling asleep. I am trying to decide between the foam topper or snoogle...not sure which to get and all of you have justified both.

rachel8078 · February 2014

On the same note, has anyone had issues with when lying on back, your heart seems to beat harder and breathing seems labored? I like to read in bed and it's not working out too well when I feel like I'm having a cardiac event.

quinnlucas6118 · February 2014

I'm a stomach sleep as well and had to buy one of the nice boppy pillows to sleep with which worked until this week. I wake up every 1-1.5 hours and have to switch hips because of the pain, last night I used to boppy plus an extra pillow and I woke up about every 2 hours. My hubby is friends with a physical therapist who is supposed to be working on a plan for me this weekend. If he has ideas I will be sure to share them!

sarah_beth2005 · February 2014

I was always a stomach sleeper, so pregnancy has = no good sleep for me (since twins meant I had to stop sleeping on my tummy even sooner...). I shift around a lot in the night, since I can't ever get comfortable. I use a full body pillow propped up behind my back, with a small wedge pillow under my baby bump. I also sometimes use the snoogle. My doctor said I can sleep on my back, so long as I have a pillow under one hip to give a slight angle (so that I'm not flat on my back), but I can't seem to get comfortable like this. My best sleep, quite honestly, is either in the recliner in our living room, or sleeping at a 30-45 angle against our headboard (with about a half dozen regular pillows stacked and arranged "just so" behind my back).

xinightingale · February 2014

Update:

I managed to get a memory foam mattress topper....OMG this thing is the best! I finally was able to sleep! I highly recommend this for anyone who is having trouble!

Mom&nurse · February 2014

Ladies. I FOUND A SOLUTION!!!!

I went to get a message today and she busted out the "pregnancy pillow" it's not like anything I've seen. I didn't want to move. It's a pillow that makes you feel like you are floating.

https://www.absalonequipment.com/p-944-earthlite-381-pregnancy-cushion.aspx

It's spendy. Really spendy but I figure I could use my own pillows to make the shape?

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