Is it true that it is better to sleep on your left side when pregnant? or is this a myth?

Question

just curious, Ive heard it a few times.

Answer 1

yes, simply because it helps with blood flow and circulation to the uterus. But really, just sleep however you're most comfortable. In the long run, you being comfortable is more beneficial. :o)

Answer 2

Which sleeping position is best?
The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman after midpregnancy is on her left side. This position ensures unobstructed blood flow through the body because the major blood vessels — the aorta, which delivers blood from your heart to the other organs, and the vena cava, the vein that returns blood to your heart from the lower extremities — are slightly to the right of the center of your back. Of course, we all shift position many times during the night, so don't worry if you wake to find yourself flat on your back — but do turn back on your side.

Answer 3

if you read the book what to expect while expecting it states that it is better to sleep on your left side not only because of blood flow or circulation but the baby can brethe more comfortable with you in that position and the oxygen level is supposed to be the highest for the baby when u sleep on your left side, but being a soon to be mom again and i slept in what ever position i was comfortable in and do now while expecting my second child and my first turned out just fine.

Answer 4

It's considered better to sleep on your left side as it increases blood flow. Though there is nothing wrong with sleeping in any comfortable position - your body will "tell you" if you need to move or reposition. Up until about the end of my 6th month I slept on my stomach...after that, because of a shoulder injury I slept on my right side. My Dr said it was fine that if I had to move, my body would let me know.

Answer 5

It's true. Your main vein (super vena cava) runs up the right side of your body and laying on your left side may help take pressure off of it and let the blood flow run back to your heart better and then let your blood circulate all over better. It helps the baby because increasing your over all blood flow increases the baby's over all blood flow.

Answer 6

Good Luck trying to sleep. I know I was told not to sleep on my stomach after 6 months. I always slept on my left side it was more comfy. Watch out for leg cramps.

Answer 7

Yes you have to sleep on your left side. There is a vein that runs somewhere that if you sleep on your right it will cut off the circulation and compromise either you or your child...

Answer 8

they say its better because it helps keep your blood pressure low, (learned this during one of my first pregnancys when my blood pressure was high) and to help the blood flow to the baby. they also advise you not to sleep flat on your back because there is a large artery that is under your uterus that supplys blood and stuff to the baby and if you lay flat on your back it kind of cuts off circulation. If your comfortable sleeping that way, just put a pillow or something kind of thick under one of your hips so your not flat down.

Answer 9

yes it is true. you blood flows better when laying on the left side. I have four children and slept on what ever side I was comfortable and and all four turned out just fine.

Answer 10

It is true. I have a high risk pregnancy before and I am advised by my doctor to sleep at my left side........it does good for me and especially for the baby.......