2006-09-22 09:22:25 · 18 answers · asked by tinkerbell7629 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
You should sleep on your side, preferably your left side, once you reach 16 weeks. You have the best blood flow to your heart while on your left side. If your heart doesn't get enough blood it causes hypertension/low blood pressure. It can be hard to sleep on your side though. I used to wake up all the time laying on my back. Just try to stay on your side the best you can.
2006-09-22 09:24:32 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I NEVER slep on my back in pregnancy for the following reasons
Q Why is it better to sleep on your left side when pregnant?
A The answer to this question lies in the anatomy of the abdomen, which has to harbor the ever-increasing uterus as the baby grows. The Vena Cava is the main vein that drains the entire lower half of the body. Anatomically, it lies just to the right of the midline--just on the right side of your spine. As the baby gets bigger, certainly the heavier uterus, lying flat on the Vena Cava will (like stepping on a garden hose) obstruct flow up towards the heart. The drainage of the lower half of the body becomes sluggish, which not only increases the swelling of your ankles, feet, and legs, but will also impact on hemorrhoids as well. And decreased return of blood flow to the heart will cause hypotension (lowered blood pressure) down the line and resulting diminished arterial blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and baby.
Sometimes this hypotension is evident when a woman has an ultrasound, during which she lies flat. One of the symptoms of hypotension is nausea that will accompany the light-headedness. In answer to your question, lying on the back is the worst ossible position in the third trimester. Lying on the right side is better than lying on your back, but lying on your left side is the best of all, because this is the position which will have the least amount of weight upon the Vena Cava.
2006-09-22 09:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by Jaymie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On your left side is your best option, although either side helps. It it because of the major artery that runs through your grion can get compressed when you are on you back. while still in early pregnancy until say 16-18 weeks you can sleep on you back just maybe stick a pillow under your right hip to prop you up a little bit. Best dreams to you.
2006-09-22 09:28:50 · answer #3 · answered by Ann D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Left side is preferable, but back sleeping is advised against once you turn 20 weeks or so because it cuts off blood supply. Although I just read an article....can't remember where, but it said that you can sleep on your back longer than 16 weeks as long as it doesn't cause you any discomfort. It is when you start feeling uncomfortable while laying on your back when it is dangerous.
2006-09-22 09:27:20 · answer #4 · answered by FebJoy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No back sleeping at all, you could suffocate the baby once you past 4 months. Plus, along your right side runs a major blood vessel that carries blood to the baby. So, any book will tell you, you can also ask your doctor, it is your left side. Good Luck!
2006-09-22 09:46:07 · answer #5 · answered by angie_laffin927 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pregnant and sleep any way i feel comfortable, i think you should do the same....the human body is very clever and will not allow you to comfortably lie in a position that is dangerous so relax and get a good sleep! x
2006-09-22 09:37:09 · answer #6 · answered by Dido 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could literally only sleep on my side. I don't know why it makes a difference which side you sleep on but apparently it does!
2006-09-22 09:25:56 · answer #7 · answered by .vato. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i heard that you cant sleep on your back to but right through till the end of my pregnancy i fell asleep on my back and then woke up on my front lol
2006-09-22 09:43:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i was pregnant I slept however I could get to sleep, they were treasured moments.
2006-09-22 09:26:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is best to sleep on your side and a body pillow might help
2006-09-22 10:38:03 · answer #10 · answered by dlsjbk2125 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋