why shouldn't you lay on your back for more then 5 minutes when your pregnant?

Answer 1

the weight of the baby and amniotic fluid contained within your uterus press down upon your circulatory system when you lie on your back. This can cut off oxygen supplies to both the baby, and your brain. Dangerous Right? Just don't if the doctor says don't!

Answer 2

Lying FLAT on your back after the first trimester can cut off circulation to the baby, but it can also make it hard for some woman to breathe (not as a health hazard, simply as yet another pregnancy discomfort) and can put pressure on the back as well. Flat on the back can also be a difficult position to rise from if you are huge, which is why exercises that require you to be laying down are discouraged!
The best position is on your left side, this generally relieves any pressure or pain the extra wieght is causing on your back and allows blood flow to circulate better. But if you really feel more comfortable on your back, just don't lay flat. keep a few pillows handy to prop up on and you should be fine

Answer 3

I think 5 minutes is a little dramatic....I wouldnt lay on my back for long periods of time while pregnant. You dont have to worry about this until your second trimester when the baby is heavier. The reason Dr's dont want you to lay on your back is because you have big vein that carries oxygen or blood from your legs back up to your upper half (including your growing baby) so laying on your back compresses that vein, thus compromising the blood flow. Get it? :)

Answer 4

as you get bigger the weight of the uterus puts pressure on the aorta and vena cava, the major artery and vein that run through your circulatory system. This in turn can slow the flow of blood and baby doesn't get as much oxygen and nutrients. The best sleep position is on your left side. Although right side is fine too. The last few months are uncomfortable no matter which way you sleep, so get a body pilow, they are great!

Answer 5

This is because the femoral artery runs behind the uterus, so when you're lying on your back, the weight of the uterus (and baby and amniotic fluid, and placenta - you get the idea) can compress this artery, compromising your blood flow and the baby's. There is a bit of controversy about whether or not this is truly a serious problem during pregnancy, but it is definitely a concern during labor.

Oh, and to answer the previous poster's question, you sleep on your side. With lots and lots of pillows! ;-)

Answer 6

It's supposed to potentially cut off the blood supply to your uterus and baby. You're supposed to lay on your left side, something about how the heart and blood flow is set up. My sister is an RN and told me this is TRUE.. BUT they mean completely flat. Who lays completely and totally and truly flat without any elevation or pillow or anything?

Answer 7

This is important mainly toward the end of your pregnancy. The weight of the baby could hurt your back and/or cut off blood flow. Doctors recommend sleeping on your left side for the best blood flow.

Answer 8

Lying on your back causes blood vessels to be cut off by the pressure of the growing uterus. Essentially, you are cutting off the flow of oxygenated blood to the lower part of your body. This is why your OB tells you to sleep on your left side- so that more oxygenated blood reaches the baby and your legs don't fall asleep.

Answer 9

You shouldn't lay on your back longer than is comfortable when pregnant.

Laying on your back can compromise the blood supply to the uterus as the uterus sits on it's own blood supply. It is also bad for your back. However your body is perfectly capable of telling you when you need to move, your baby passes hormones into your blood stream when they are under stress which signal your brain.

Answer 10

What Is the Best Position for Sleeping and Lying Down?
In general, pregnant women should try not to lie on their back or on their stomach. Lying on your back, especially in the third trimester, causes more work for your heart: in this position, the baby's weight can put excessive pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the feet and legs, pelvis and abdomen back to the heart. In addition, sleeping on your back can actually cause you to have a backache!

Lying on your stomach during pregnancy is not likely to be very comfortable. More importantly, lying on your stomach should be avoided because it can put added pressure on the fetus and reduce blood flow.

Don't be too concerned if you shift positions in the night; this is a normal part of sleeping that you can't control. Most likely you will wake up from discomfort if you end up lying on your back or stomach.

Some doctors recommend that pregnant women lie on their left side in the third trimester to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to the uterus and kidneys. Because your liver is on the right side of your body, lying on the left side also helps keep the uterus off that large organ.

No matter what position you lie in, a pillow should be under your head, but not your shoulders, and should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position to avoid straining your back. You may also want to put a pillow between your legs for support. Use your pillows to discover a comfortable sleeping position. There are several special "pregnancy" pillows on the market that may help you sleep better.

Try to sleep in a position that helps you maintain the curve in your back (such as on your side with your knees slightly bent, with a pillow between your knees). Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest.

Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress. You can also place the mattress on the floor temporarily if necessary.

If you have always slept on a soft surface, it may be more painful to change to a hard surface. Try to do what is most comfortable for you.

Try using a back support (lumbar support) at night to make you more comfortable. A rolled sheet or towel tucked behind your back may be helpful.

When standing up from the lying position, turn on your side, draw up both knees and swing your legs on the side of the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at your waist.