I've heard that when your pregnant you should avoid sleeping on your back and right side. Dr's recommend sleeping on the left. why is this because for some reason I am extremely uncomfortable on my left side, I always wake up on my back or right side. I hope im not harming my baby(i know sounds silly).
2007-04-04 10:38:03 · 15 answers · asked by Mom of a Princess 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
There's a major vein that runs along the right side of your spine. When you lay on your back, the vein can be compressed by your enlarged uterus and reduce blood flow to your uterus and lower extremeties. My doctor has always said that right-side lying is fine if left-side is uncomfortable. If you lower your blood flow enough by putting pressure on the vein, you will start to feel uncomfortable and/or sick, so you will naturally change positions. Try to limit the time you spend on your back, and shift positions if you wake up on your back, but otherwise don't worry too much. Your body will tell you if you are doing something you shouldn't and you will want to move.
2007-04-04 10:43:12 · answer #1 · answered by Cara B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is for the blood flow to your baby. I love sleeping on my stomach, but when I was pregnant I had to start sleeping on my left side. Which at the time was very uncomfortable. Especially the bigger you get. Dont worry you are not harming your baby. I tended to end up on my back and right side too at times. The best thing I can say is just try to get as much sleep as you can now, because once that baby comes you wont care what side you are laying on. Good luck to you!
2007-04-04 21:02:57 · answer #2 · answered by navywife_7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because sleeping on the left side provides the best oxygen flow to your baby. The way the placenta & organs are situated - it just works the best. Sleeping on your right side isn't terrible - it's just not as good of an oxygen flow. Avoid sleeping on your back or stomach if you can. You can't really control how you wake up - but when you do in the middle of the night, just try to get back to your left side....and try to fall asleep on your left side. I have found that a pillow between the knees really makes it a whole lot more comfortable.
2007-04-04 10:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked my doctor the same question and she laughed. She said if all the stuff out there to read were true, then it's amazing anyone has healthy babies. She told me I could sleep in any position I felt comfortable....that my getting a good amount of sleep was better than any teensy advantage of a different sleeping position. She told me that if the baby wasn't getting enough oxygen, then neither would my legs and so my legs would turn blue (she was joking, she was trying to make the point that no matter what, the baby will get the oxygen it needs).
Don't worry, you just get comfortable and baby will be fine!
2007-04-04 10:45:28 · answer #4 · answered by A W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the weight of your uterus and the baby can put excess pressure on the vena cava, a major blood vessel. If compressed, it can cut off blood flow to the baby and/or your legs. Some sources I have read say that if you can comfortably lay on your back, without getting dizzy or nauseous, there is probably not a problem with it. Like you, I am uncomfortable on my left side, but tried my best to sleep on it anyway! GOOD LUCK!
2007-04-04 10:41:54 · answer #5 · answered by AMC2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always sleep on my stomach, but that is too uncomfortable, so I am trying to sleep on my side. The left side. Sleeping on your right side or back can cause problems, check out this link, it gives you all of the information that you need, and why not to sleep in those positions.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/sleepingpositions.html
2007-04-04 10:42:20 · answer #6 · answered by Law 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason you shouldn't sleep on your back is because their is a main artery that can be cut off from the weight of your baby. (second trimester and on) It helps blood flow from legs to brain and back. It's okay to sleep on your right but it's better to sleep on your left. If you are having trouble getting comfy then lay on your side and put a pillow behind your back and rest on it. It makes it seem like you are laying on your back but the weight is not on the artery.
p.s. if you do wake up on you back, don't panic, just switch to your side.
2007-04-04 10:44:56 · answer #7 · answered by anna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sleep to comfort... if your blood flow is compromised, you will be uncomfortable and want to change positions. Lying on the left side allows optimal blood flow throughout your body but you really will feel it if you need to change positions.
It's generally recommended that you don't lie on your back because of the placenta, but not all placentas attach on the posterior wall of the uterus so that's sometimes a moot point.
I slept in all positions... and once woke up on my belly when I was 28 weeks... now THAT was uncomfortable. ;)
GL!
2007-04-04 10:42:23 · answer #8 · answered by busybusymomma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sleep on left side because of the position of your heart the blood circulates better,
you can sleep on you right side, it is actually better for heartburn, because of the way your stomach empties.
you should avoid sleeping on your back b/c there is a major blood vessel that is needed for labor & delivery that could be damaged.
you can even sleep on your stomach as long as your comfortable.
try using a body pillow (or rolled up blanket) to place next to you sorta under your belly and lean on it, that is the only way i am able to sleep.
it is actully better to move while your sleeping and not just stay directly in one position the whole night
2007-04-04 10:51:13 · answer #9 · answered by emery_sage 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has to do with blood circulation. The main artery goes down your right side, so when you lie on it you restrict it. Same with lying on your back, the weight of the baby compresses major veins and arteries.
2007-04-04 10:41:37 · answer #10 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋