Sleeping on back really that bad?

kqualls5 · September 2015

I'm at the point where I literally can not get comfortable when I'm trying to relax or fall asleep. I've tried putting pillows under me, all different weird positions. I've read on a lot of different sites that laying on your back like cuts off oxygen and you should sleep on your left side. But sleeping on my left side literally hurts. And when I'm finally able to get comfortable, it's when I'm flat on my back. Have any of you ladies who've had babies slept on your back and had no problems?

Bigboobsmcgee · September 2015

Eventually you'll get to a point where it's uncomfortable to sleep on your back and that's when it's not safe. I'd attempt to stay off your back though.

Taraphanie · September 2015

My OB told me that it's after 20 weeks that it becomes a problem to sleep on your back. Not looking forward to it, because I usually sleep on my back.

kqualls5 · September 2015

Taraphanie said:
My OB told me that it's after 20 weeks that it becomes a problem to sleep on your back. Not looking forward to it, because I usually sleep on my back.

Well, crap! I'm almost 24 weeks

Guess I should stop now. Good luck to you!

ashton2190 · September 2015

Do your best to sleep on your side. However, it's most important that you get a full night's sleep. If you can only sleep on your back, do it and/or talk to your doctor

boymomstrong · September 2015

You should sleep however you can, if your body needs to move you it will, dont worry!
With both my pregnancies i spent most of them on my back! Only the last few weeks was it uncomfortable, and i slept on my side...

Also invest in a GOOD pillow!!!! It will be a life saver in a few more weeks!
Good luck!

Miss Lilac · September 2015

Try a Snoogle! Total lifesaver for me.

SummerFall03 · September 2015

lisamom86 said:

its fine to sleep on your back....why not?

I believe it puts pressure on an artery or something having to do with blood flow. I could be entirely wrong but this is what I was told.

I have major issues with my hips and I'm having a hard time sleeping lately. My last pregnancy I ended up having to sleep sitting up for the last 4 weeks because my hips got so bad- and I use that snoogle pillow too!

satuttle1014 · September 2015

kfdecarie said:

You should sleep however you can, if your body needs to move you it will, dont worry! With both my pregnancies i spent most of them on my back! Only the last few weeks was it uncomfortable, and i slept on my side... Also invest in a GOOD pillow!!!! It will be a life saver in a few more weeks! Good luck!

^^ this

I think it is suggested to stay off of your back if you can because eventually it puts pressure on your pelvic area and cuts off blood flow. I think at some point it will be uncomfortable for you. Like some others have said, your body will wake up to change positions if it causing a problem. Also if you cannot sleep at all because you like sleeping on your back and sleeping on your side is too hard, talk to your doctor about alternatives so you can get a full night sleep.

Jtsma10 · September 2015

Have you tried sleeping in a recliner? My parents used to have one that was so comfortable I fell asleep instantly. If not, maybe try a "hybrid" of sleeping on your back where your hips are on the side but your back is flat with pillows underneath you. It gives you the feeling you're on your back with the pillows there but you're still on your side.

If you're still having issues, talk with you doctor. I'm sure they have some tricks or recommendations to help you get a good nights sleep. Good luck!

celainev · September 2015

I have never slept on my back and suddenly I'm 26 weeks pregnant and it's all my body wants to do. However, I do notice that unless I prop my right hip up just a little bit, I wake up in the night with cramp-like tightness in my lower abdomen. I'm assuming that's what my OB meant when she said "your body will wake you up." You don't need to be propped up very much, I have a really flat pillow under my right side and that seems to do the trick. If you are completely cutting off blood flow while laying on your back, you'll notice your legs begin to tingle and fall asleep. I haven't gotten to that point yet, but the tightness keeps me from sleeping anyways.

Wicked4589 · September 2015

My doc said it was fine as long as I keep my upper body elevated a bit. So far so good.

TacoSarah · September 2015

I'm 34+3 and still sleep on my back sometimes, I tend to wake up and move of my own accord before it causes any problems. It's really nothing to stress about.

A pregnancy pillow may help, I find it makes side sleeping more comfortable. Doesn't help that I have really bad CTS so side sleeping makes it worse.

kqualls5 · September 2015

You're all amazing. Thank you. I think it's about time to invest in a body pillow!

SDawson511 · September 2015

Laying on your back puts pressure on your inferior vena cava, which can cause supine hypotension syndrome. This article provides a good explanation.
https://www.babymed.com/pregnancy/sleeping-position-and-sleep-back-during-pregnancy

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