2 questions about sleep positions for both you and the baby?

Question

1. Why can't you sleep on your back during pregnancy, how should you sleep and why?

2. Which position is better for your baby on his/her side or on his/her back?

Answer 1

Actually, you are not forbidden to sleep on your back, it's just recommended that you sleep on your side for better circulation (for you and baby) and also to keep your back from getting sore and help you breathe easier.

I always had to start off on my back at night (that's the only way I can fall asleep) and then I would turn to my side later.

While in utero, the baby is pretty comfortable the way he is, tucked up in the fetal position. There is better circulation to the uterus if you are lying on your side.

For your newborn, the latest advice is to have them sleep on their back, or their side.

Answer 2

1. the best posistion in your left side, You can sleep on your back but not for a very long time, first it will start to make you dizzy and 2nd its not a good position cause baby isnt getting the air I guess. But I know the left side is best

2. back is better for baby. And a lot of the time I feel that us as parents just think " im more comfty on my side , so I want my baby on their side" well really think about it, if baby is sleeping just fine flat on back then there is no need to mess with baby. If they like to sleep on their side put a rolled up blanket behind the baby and then remove it when baby is in a deep sleep!!

Answer 3

No one told me how to sleep when I was pregnant. I slept the way I felt most comfortable. The baby should be put in the sleeping position of on the back. As the baby is able to turn over it may sleep in what ever position it chooses. Do not put things in the crib that the baby could suffocate from.

Answer 4

The ideal position = one in which you are comfortable and able to sleep as well as possible.

"Q: I am six months pregnant. I was told that I should sleep only on my side. Does it really matter what position I sleep in?

A: There is a great deal of misinformation on this topic. Women should sleep and rest in whatever position they are most comfortable.
There are a few exceptions: if a mother is suffering from a high-risk complication such as pre-eclampsia, premature labour or placental insufficiency, which necessitates partial or full bed rest, then the best position for her would be lying on her side. In addition, during labour, uterine contractions have a propensity to cause fluctuations in uterine-placental blood flow. During this time, it is best for the mother to lie on her side. When the heavy uterus rests against the aorta — and blood flow may be already compromised — lying on one's back is not recommended. Perfusion of the blood through the kidneys is optimised when the mother lies on her left side.

However, during regular sleep intervals, it is fine for a mother to lie on her back. During the night, people frequently shift their positions, so it is unlikely that a mother would sleep the entire night flat on her back. Her bladder often necessitates one or more trips to the bathroom anyway.

Even sleeping on your abdomen is quite safe in pregnancy. At some point, this will become uncomfortable. You may need to support an upper leg with pillows and lie more on your side after the beginning of the second trimester.

You should feel that any sleeping position that is comfortable for you is fine during pregnancy. The human female body is uniquely prepared for such positions and they will not put the baby in jeopardy."

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancyandbaby/pregnancy/tri2/qas/0,,12_159010,00.html


(Translation: TRUST YOUR BODY; it very likely knows what it's doing.)

Answer 5

The reason most women don't sleep on their back is that the baby puts pressure on the spine and on the lungs. Imagine a pile of books on your belly and squishing your internal organs. Most pregnant mothers choose, or rather are forced, to sleep on their side. There are special pillows, but body pillows are normal just as good. This way the belly is supported and she is supported. But toward the end you just don't sleep. LOL!!

On to the baby question. Most doctors say the babe should sleep on their back so that they do not suffocate in the sheets/blankets. Others say their stomach so that they don't choke on their spit-up. I would lay the baby on its back, thats is best for most babies. Although there are some, like my niece that did not sleep well on her back and when laid on her stomach slept all through the night. But first try the back thing.

Answer 6

Sleeping on your back can restrict blood flow to the baby. However, you would notice it before it effects your baby because you would get shortness of breath.

The best position is supposed to be laying on your left side because there is the least amount of chance of putting any pressure on a main artery in your body. However, sleep is very important, so you should sleep how you are most comfortable. Your body will instinctively tell you when to switch positions while you sleep if you need to. I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 7

From what I have read when you sleep on your back the baby can put pressure on the vein that pumps blood back to your heart from your lower body. I am not sure if there is a specific side that is better to sleep on. I usually alternate sides throughout the night.

Answer 8

Sleep however you are comfortable. Your body will usually let you know when it's time to change positions. THe reason you should stay off your back for long periods of time is because the baby can push down on a main nerve that's on the back. You can lay on it your body will just let you know when it's time to move you'll feel it before it does anything wrong.

Answer 9

Experts say you shouldn't sleep on your back because it puts pressure on a vein which could deprive nutrients to your baby or possibly make you feel lightheaded, but if it doesn't bother you, and the pressure of the baby isn't uncomfortable, you can sleep however you want.

Babies should always be placed to sleep on their back, until they are old enough to roll around and get onto their tummies by themselves. This practice has been proven to reduce SIDS deaths - due to the babies not sleeping as soundly, and not having any loose bedding possibly suffocate them.

Answer 10

It isn't forbidden to sleep on the back, it's just as the baby gets heavier, it puts pressure on a vein and cuts off a bit of circulation.

Sleeping on your left side gives you better circulation.

But, you can sleep anyway you want. Personally, I can't be spending everynight on my sides, because my hips are starting to hurt!