Is it ok to lay on back?

Question

I know they say you shouldn't lay flat on your back when you are pregnant. Is it ok though if you lay on your back and put a pillow under your knees? I am 6 months pregnant and sometimes I just can sleep on my sides.

Answer 1

They say you shouldn't lay on your back after the first trimester but I it really depends on your body. I am now 7 months and I hate sleeping on my sides, but am starting to have problems sleeping on my back. Its harder for me to breathe now. Your body will let you know if the position isn't right. Im not so sure if a pillow under your knees would help, maybe propping one side of your body up so you're not flat on your back and the baby isn't directly on your vena cava.

Answer 2

Sometimes it can be uncomfortable not to lay on your back (or on your tummy) when you're pregnant. However, it is not recommended to lay on your back for any extended period of time because of the strain it may cause on your bodily organs and your unborn child. You're basically squishing them. I used to prop my legs up on a pillow for only a little bit, then I'd get scared (for baby) and turn on my side. It's just safer that way. Good luck & Congrats!

Answer 3

i used to lay with 2 pillows under my knees and 3 under my head, it was the most comfortable way i could sleep when i was pregnant.

Answer 4

The best way to get the answer for this is to ask your personal OB/GYN doctor, each pregnancy and person is different, and your doctor knows your situation the best and would be able to advise you on what is best for you and your baby. With both of my pregnancies I laid on my back, as a matter of fact, that was the only way I could get comfortable, but I did put a couple of pillows under my legs at the same time. Like I said, every person and every pregnancy is different, so ask your doctor for what is best for you. Best wishes!

Answer 5

I was always lying on my back while pregnant. I know they say to sleep on your side, and yes, that's the best, but when you sleep, you shift positions anyways. I would say that as long as it was not for the whole night and it was only when you could not get comfortable, it's better to get sleep than to lay awake

Answer 6

When you enter the 8th month it will start to get uncomfortable.If you must lie on your back. prop feet with pillows. If on your side have a pillow between legs that will take the pressure off of your back, Keep in mind that as baby gets bigger, lying on your back will be uncomfortable because baby is pushing on your diaphragm as well as bladder not to mention pressing on the major artery (the aorta) of the body and your heart will work harder to pump blood because of the pressure.

Answer 7

Yes elevation of the knees is a good thing. I have seen that work wonders for ailing backs during pregnancy. It also helps keep the baby in an even position. If you have questions or concern's then you might want to see or call your doctor.

Answer 8

Yes, if you take the necessary precautions i.e. suncream/safe amount of exposure to the sun. However, from personal experience I won't be doing that again as I suffered from a heat stroke at random [I was fully hydrated and had only been exposed to the heat for less than half an hour] and fell unconscious into the pool - not an ideal situation to be in.

Answer 9

Ask your dr but when I was pg I laid what ever way was most comfortable. Try a body pillow, that might help you to sleep on your side better.

Answer 10

You aren't to sleep on your back at all...the pressure of your uterus can cut off the blood supply. Get a body pillow and try that.