further does anyone know if this also applies to semi lying on your back while watching t.v?
2006-08-31 07:11:22 · 22 answers · asked by Caro 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Like everyone else said, the weight of the baby and the uterus on a huge blood vessel decreases blood flow to the uterus and the baby. It's like putting a bowling ball on a garden hose.
You can lay almost on your back, with a pillow or blanket wedged under one hip. Just enough to tilt you to one side.
2006-08-31 07:24:08 · answer #1 · answered by trivial 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason why pregnant women should not lie on their back is because the blood cannot travel around the body. If you were using a pillow or cushion while you were lying on the couch, this is not the same as lying on the bed. Your body is more leveled up. Doctors recommend that you lie on your left side because that's where the heart is. Blood travels better when you lie on your side; especially left side, so the blood can travel to your heart and back down.
2006-08-31 07:22:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs Apple 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a couple of reasons for this. One, if you are sleeping on your back, the baby is pushing on your bladder in such a way that sometimes it will totally constrict the passageway for your urine. You may find when you wake up in the morning that you cannot urinate! They will have to insert a catheter to help you go. Yikes! Second, midwifery journals have documented that lying on your back increases the risk of having your baby be in a posterior position upon birth (that is, face up rather than face down) this leads to complications in labor that often result in c-sections. This also goes for reclining on your back while watching TV. If you are concerned about having a c-section or complications during labor, than you should try to lie on your side, if you can and sit upright while watching TV. I ignored these instructions from my birth class instructor and ended up with a posterior baby. The Dr had to manually turn her head in the birth canal. Luckily I was able to avoid a c-section, but it was very stressful on me and on the baby. My daughter had neck problems the first three months because she had to be turned in the canal. Next time, I'm going to do everything I can to help my baby's positioning in utero!
2006-08-31 07:18:52 · answer #3 · answered by dixiechic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason they don't want you lying on your back for long periods of time; as we have a tendency to do when we sleep is because as the uterus and baby grow bigger, the veins in our body pump harder and faster to support the extra life. When we lay on our backs, the enlarged uterus leans the same way, putting pressure on the main vein that goes to the fetus. Laying on your back to watch t.v. shouldn't be a problem and through experience, I have gotten a sick feeling in my gut if I had been laying on my back for too long. I hope that clears up a small problem for you.
2006-08-31 07:23:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Quote "the weight of the uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava reducing the flow of blood back to the heart. It is recommended to sleep slightly propped up or on the left side to release this pressure. It can lead to you feeling faint and dizzy."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Another reason is, that it's uncomfortable in the latter stages of pregnancy, and it's a pain in the butt to get up from that postition. =)
2006-08-31 07:19:14 · answer #5 · answered by jenpeden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The weight of baby and the uterus cuts the blood flow to the heart. Semi on your back is fine...its just flat that is wrong
2006-08-31 07:19:13 · answer #6 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could decrease blood flow to the baby and the placenta because of the weight of the baby pressing against arteries.
Also I found a link to a previously asked question on Yahoo! Answers. The best answer explains it well.
2006-08-31 07:16:55 · answer #7 · answered by babyitsyou31 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The uterus being heavy can rest on the vein that carries blood supply to the baby, this can be partially cut off by letting the uterus lay right on it. But you know I do it all the time and then I just make sure to move every once in while to my side.
2006-08-31 07:16:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because one of your main ateries runs down your back, and the combination of your enlarging uterus and the pressure of just laying on it can keep the nutrients that run that the baby needs from getting there. You're really restricting that blood flow which isn't good. It also creates pressure. You're better off to lay on your side.
2006-08-31 07:17:18 · answer #9 · answered by Brandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the weight of the uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava reducing the flow of blood back to the heart. It is recommended to sleep slightly propped up or on the left side to release this pressure. It can lead to you feeling faint and dizzy.
2006-08-31 07:15:24 · answer #10 · answered by fabjil 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋