I find it so uncomfortable and irritating to sleep on my left side. It doesnt feel natural to me. JI try to for as long as I can but it just doesnt work out. Laying on my right side is the only way I feel comfortable when I sleep. Is there any harm done by not sleeping on my left?
2007-02-07 06:43:38 · 13 answers · asked by angel l 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Your body will normally let you know what is the most comfortable sleeping position. Standard pregnancy advice is that after the fourth month back sleeping should be avoided, since lying on your back puts the whole weight of your uterus on the major blood vessels that lay to the right of your spine. Since some women find themselves unable to sleep on their left side, the advice to avoid both back and right side lying is distressing for them. There is a theoretical advantage to sleeping on your left side, as it enhances circulation to the placenta. For women with placental problems the advice to sleep on their left side only is of utmost importance. However, most women move around during the course of the night and probably whatever position is comfortable for you is all right. Realistically, by the time you should not be sleeping on your stomach, you will find it is very uncomfortable to sleep on your stomach; and by the time you should not be sleeping on your back, you will find it is very uncomfortable to sleep on your back.
i just slept how i was comfortable. i have two healthy daughters.
2007-02-07 06:48:52 · answer #1 · answered by kitten 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-02-07 06:52:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although there's no real harm in sleeping on your right side, lying on your left side is actually good for you and your baby: It improves the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and it helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body. That, in turn, reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. If you train yourself to sleep on your left side early on, you'll have an easier time falling asleep when your belly is bulging later.
During the second half of pregnancy, avoid sleeping on your back, a position that puts the full weight of your uterus on your spine, back muscles, intestines, and the inferior vena cava (the vein that transports blood from your lower body to the heart). Back-sleeping can also put you at risk for backaches and hemorrhoids, inefficient digestion, and impaired breathing and circulation. Lying on your back in the second and third trimester can also cause changes in blood pressure. For some women, it can cause a drop in blood pressure that can make them feel dizzy; for others, it can cause an unwanted increase in blood pressure.
Good Luck With Everything!!!
Hope this helped u out!
2007-02-07 08:24:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no harm done sleeping on your right side. Just try to get a little time in on your left side every night. There's something about blood flow and blood pressure on your left side. It's beneficial.
2007-02-07 06:54:45 · answer #4 · answered by Babyface 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sleeping on your left side increases the oxygen flow to the baby/placenta and is generally the best position to lay in. Laying on your other side typically won't cause damage (unless told differently by your doctor - only they know your whole scenario) but doesn't allow for the same oxygen flow.
2007-02-07 06:48:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They advise sleeping on your left side because of the increased blood flow, but according to my pregnancy book, either side is fine. The baby is laying on a nerve on my left side, so I have numbness that makes in uncomfortable. Plus, I am right side sleeper. :) Its better for the baby for you to be rested than to be up all night laying on your left side! :)
2016-05-24 03:37:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its all about circulation and where your heart is. It just helps blood pump better through you and the baby. If you do not feel comfortable try a contour body pillow which is comfy and will keep you are the left side alll night. You just put one leg over one side and it contours to your changing body. I like them
2007-02-07 06:47:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can sleep on your right side too... my ob said that was ok...im the same way i cant sleep on my left side just not possible...i wish i could lay on my back that would be great ..lol...but you will be fine on your right side...just try to prop a pillow between your knees and it will relax you some ...good luck and congrats..
2007-02-07 06:53:13 · answer #8 · answered by ~Ashley~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had that problem when i was pregnant, i slept on my right side for most of the time i was pregnant and my daugther is not only healthy, but she's very advanced for her age so it didn't do any harm to her. i don't think it does any major harm if you don't sleep on your left side.
2007-02-07 06:48:35 · answer #9 · answered by butterfly_baby241 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so you don't "crush" the main arteries sending blood to the lower half of your body and the baby. just like you shouldn't sleep on your back when you are getting farther along, it can collapse the main veins and nerves going to the baby. just put a pillow under your feet and between your knees, helps me
2007-02-07 06:52:37 · answer #10 · answered by divamommy_4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋