I am 17 weeks pregnant and have read in books that I should be sleeping on my left side. But I find that so uncomfortable. I can sleep on my right side but prefer to sleep on my back. Could I be restricting oxygen to my baby this way?
2006-11-12 21:43:10 · 21 answers · asked by Ricecakes 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Any position that is comfortable for you should be fine. If your baby is pressing on any nerves/arteries you will be uncomfortable and you will change positions. It should be darn near impossible to hurt yourself or your baby by sleeping on your back.
I am 31 weeks into my second pregnancy and the only comfortable way for me to sleep is on my back with my ankles crossed or on my right side, nearly on my belly.
My doctor says that as long as I move some in my sleep everything is fine. So I would think it should be ok for you as well.
2006-11-12 22:23:54 · answer #1 · answered by TillsFlameGurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
It seems that you've read all of the same pregnancy books that I did ! I was completely paranoid about the position I slept in, to the point where I couldn't get a decent nights sleep. Eventually I gave up and slept in whichever position was most comfortable for me, usually flat on my back. I had a perfectly healthy baby boy 3 weeks ago, so it doesn't seem to have done any harm at all !
Believe me, getting a good nights sleep if far better for you than trying to sleep in the "correct" postition. Go with whatever is most comfortable !
2006-11-13 00:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by Gail H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok from what I read it is okay up until your 28th week. They say not to worry if you switch to your back in your sleep because if you cut off any blood flow you will find it uncomfortable and hard to breathe and then you should switch back. I can't sleep on my side either and I am 17 weeks too. I am trying to switch back and forth though from my side and my back so maybe I can get used to my side. Hope this helps!
2006-11-12 22:43:09 · answer #3 · answered by Brie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 24 weeks. I cannot sleep comfortably on my side. I'm having no problems sleeping on my back. I try to sleep on my side but always find myself on my back. I just can't seem to stay on my side and I'm sure it is because it hurts my hips. The baby has been very active and kicking me like crazy so I'm thinking he is getting plenty of oxygen despite the fact that I sleep on my back.
2006-11-12 22:03:06 · answer #4 · answered by Amelia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honey, those books are not you. If you are most comfortable sleeping on your back then do so. Just finding a comfortable position to sleep in at all was difficult for me, so whatever works for you is fine. By the way, Congratulations!
2006-11-12 21:47:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason they tell you to sleep on your left hand side is to aid the kidneys (and liver I think) function properly. You should be ok on your back for now but dont be suprised if you cant do it as the baby gets bigger, I cant imagine having weight put on your back like that would be comfortable.
2006-11-12 22:02:34 · answer #6 · answered by Claire O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can sleep on your back until it's uncomfortable to do so (usually around 25-30 weeks). Sleeping on your back won't hurt the baby, but when it gets bigger, it'll press more on your organs and make you uncomfortable.
2006-11-12 23:20:04 · answer #7 · answered by Shelly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its OK you wont restrict oxygen to the baby but eventually it will put allot of pressure on your back so, you will have no other choice but to sleep on your side. try putting a pillow between your knees. you could also put one under your bump. a good investment is a v shaped pillow handy for feeding the baby later on aswel.
2006-11-13 00:57:55 · answer #8 · answered by Twiggie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you get bigger, sleeping on your back can compress your vena cava, which is a major vein in your back. Generally, though, you'll wake up if it's being suppressed, and you'll need to roll over. It will be pretty uncomfortable.
I'm twelve weeks, and I ONLY sleep on my back. I'm not looking forward to changing positions, either. I know it has to be done, though.
Congrats on your pregnancy.
2006-11-12 21:47:13 · answer #9 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u could be putting a lot of pressure on your baby by sleeping on your back. u know when i was pregnant i had to sleep on the couch, the back of the couch supported my back so i could sleep on my side. if your couch is not so wide than i wouldn't reccommend it.
2006-11-12 22:38:00 · answer #10 · answered by Miki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋