Why is it not ok for pregnant women to lay on their right side?

Question

Why is it not ok for pregnant women to lay on their right side?

Answer 1

You have a artiary on your right side that helps deliver oxogen to the baby, by laying on your right side you cut off some of the oxogen. Laying on your left side allows baby to get a max supply of oxogen

Answer 2

Because you have, what is called a "vena cavita" artery closer to your right side. The weight of the baby and your uterus can press down on this while lying on your back or right side causing poor oxygen delivery to you and your baby. It is OK to lay on your right site, but it is safer to lay on your left and to avoid your back as much as possible. I have been told by my Physician that if you wake up on your right side or you back... not to panic..if you aren't light headed, then you haven't affected the artery, just turn to your left and go back to sleep.

Answer 3

From what I read during my pregnancy (my son is 7 months old) lying on your right side can restrict the blood flow to the baby, same goes for sleeping on your back. Makes sleep a bit uncomfortable for the next nine months but well worth the sacrifice! : ) The self deprivation will only make you feel like a parent this much earlier!! : )

Answer 4

I'm on my 6th pregnancy ( 1 was a miscarriage ) and have NEVER been told this, i have been told sleep how i feel comfortable,all my babies have been born 100% healthy how can you be told how to sleep when its 1 of the hardest things to do when you get heavy?????
i would say unless you get told to sleep only on the left ( good luck if you do!!! ) then fine but till then sleep however you can and try not to worry the stress will do more damage to the baby than how you sleep.
congrats on baby

Answer 5

It has to do with the blood flow. I had heard from one of my nurses (when pregnant) to lay on the left side because it helps clear the kidneys.

Answer 6

Because of the blood flow to the placenta and the position of it. If you lay on your right it is likely to cut off the blood flow thus cutting back the oxygen as well.

Answer 7

The reason is when you lay on right side, your uterus will press on the inferior vena cava (a major vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart), resulting in dizziness, low blood pressure, and a possible reduction in blood flow to your uterus.

Answer 8

I have never heard this before. I was more comfortable on my right side. My daughter is and was born extremely healthy. It's probably just an old wives tale. Like the one where pregnant women aren't supposed to reach above their heads 'cause it will wrap the cord around the baby's neck.

Hogwash!

Answer 9

You can lay on your right side it is just recommended that a woman later on in pregnancy doesn't sleep on her back. Either side is fine to sleep on but the left side is better for circulation.

Answer 10

during my pregnancy that was the side my baby likes the most. But the best thing to do is check with ur doctor? like always it is different with every woman. GOOD LUCK