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Can you sleep on your back during pregnancy?

mrswoltermrswolter member
in Babies on the Brain

Hi ladies! I'm confused about if I will be able to sleep on my back throughout my entire pregnancy? Because I have had rib issues for about 5 years now that does NOT allow me to sleep on either of my sides. My left rib has a large lump on it (right under my left breast). It is very painful. I cannot exercise the way I want to, sleep the way I want to and it gets painful if I sit in my office chair or car for too long (longer than 10 minutes).

I have been trying to figure this out for years but no doctor cares enough to help me or investigate this further so I haven't even been properly diagnosed. For years I thought the lump on my rib was costochondritis but I don't think that is what it is anymore. I have gone to 2 thoracic doctors, a rheumatologist, acupuncturist, a chiropractor and have change gynochologists twice. I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor in three weeks. If he can't help me figure out what the hell is going on with my rib, I'm going to freak out!

This is now affecting the future of our lives and our future child. We are ready to get pregnant but my body isn't because of my stupid rib issue(s)!!! So, I am needing to know...is it absolutely imperative for a woman to sleep on her side during pregnancy. I have heard "yes" and "no" to this question so I am confused!

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Moved In Together: April 2012
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Re: Can you sleep on your back during pregnancy?

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  • ashiscuteashiscute member
    At some point in your pregnancy lying flat on your back will become impossible. It will wake you up because you cannot breathe. You can put a pillow under your back on either side to prop you up.
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  • MrsRustyGriswoldMrsRustyGriswold member
    MandJS said:
    Ditto what everyone else said. 

    But also. If you have issues with your ribs already, know that pregnancy is not going to be all that comfortable a time, either. 
    This.  My kids rode high and pushed on my ribs whenever I sat.
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  • AshleyCaltaAshleyCalta member
    Sleeping flat on your back is ill advised as it can cause decreased circulation secondary to pressure of the baby on major abdominal vessels. Pressure on the vena cava leading to decrease blood return to your heart, and pressure on the abdominal aorta decreasing circulation to organs and baby. Of course, this isn't an issue until much later in the pregnancy, and it's not a deal breaker either. Comfort and breathing may also be an issue. As PP suggested, propping yourself on pillows would be effective in reducing that pressure. Many also recommend a body pillow, which you can manipulate to find a better position for you. I would discuss it with your provider when the time comes, but this won't stop you from being able to have a baby at all!
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  • AlyllyraAlyllyra member
    It depends. Your body will tell you if you can't sleep on your back.
    I'm 34w and can still sleep on my back if I want to (I'm not a back sleeper, but I could if I wanted to).
    The main issues are your uterus pressing on your lungs or your blood vessels. Sleeping at a slight incline will help with these issues. Propping yourself up with pillows is a great solution.
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  • mrswoltermrswolter member

    Thanks ladies. I have read everything y'all are telling me numerous times. Unfortunately with my ribs and their numerous issues, sleeping is going to be a major problem unless I get this issue solved before we get pregnant.

    So, hopefully I can get a doctor to figure out what the hell is going on with my ribs and diagnose me (is it weird that I actually want someone to perform exploratory surgery on me?!). That's how desperate I am and how long I've been dealing with this. So, I will stay on birth control until this is solved because I want my pregnancy to be anything but miserable!

    We Met: July 2009
    First Date: January 2010
    Moved In Together: April 2012
    Engaged: December 2012
    Married: November 2013
    Built Our Dream House: May - August 2014
     TTC: Hopefully by the end of 2015      

     

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  • Sugarplum0217Sugarplum0217 member
    Like PPs have said, there's many other ways to sleep. I think the more concerning issue is figuring out what is going on with your ribs. Pregnancy pushes all of your insides up and baby can put a lot of pressure on your internal organs and bones. At 32 weeks my daughter has been pushing against my left rib for weeks and it is incredibly painful so I would really make sure you're ok before trying to get pregnant, I think that would only make your issues worse. Good luck I really hope you find a good doctor that can help you!
     
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