Why are you not suppose to sleep on your back when you are pregnante? i also heard you arent suppose to sleep on your right side only left. y?
2007-09-13 06:09:30 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Sleep however you are comfortable, but it is preferred keep from sleeping flat on your back later in the pregnancy.
The weight of the baby puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the largest blood vessel returning blood to your heart. When this happens, you blood pressure drops, and it can decrease placental perfusion. It's not enough to cause significant problems, but it's wise to avoid it if possible. If you are a back sleeper, tuck a pillow under one hip so you are tilted just slightly to one side of the other, it's just enough to displace the weight of the baby off the vena cava.
Also, the left side is recommended (again, not mandatory) because when lying on the left, blood vessel congestion around the uterus is reduced, thereby increasing placental circulation.
2007-09-13 06:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sleeping on your back while pregnant can create pressure on a major vein called the inferior vena cava. This vein returns blood from the lower body to your heart. This may lead to lightheadedness and/or numbness. In addition this may cause pressure on your back and intestines, leading to discomfort.
Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because it can cause pressure on the fetus.
Most physicians recommend that a woman sleep on her left side while pregnant. this allows for the maximum blood flow to the baby, and it will also improve kidney function for the mother. The improved kidney flow will help to reduce swelling. Because your liver is on the right side of your body, sleeping on your left will keep the pressure off your liver.
Early in pregnancy, you should attempt to get into the habit of side sleeping. Typically the most comfortable position is with your knees bent. You may wish to place a pillow between your knees to sleep more comfortably.
The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her side, especially the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves kidney function in the mother. Improved kidney flow helps to reduce any swelling. Placing a pillow between the knees can help a pregnant woman sleep more comfortably on her side. Also, using a bunched-up pillow or rolled-up blanket at the small of your back may help to relieve some pressure.
It is not uncommon to roll onto your back during the night. Shifting positions is a perfectly natural part of sleep. If you do shift it is possible that the baby's weight may press on the inferior vena cava, causing discomfort and waking you up.
2007-09-13 06:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ mum of 4 ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you sleep on your back, the major vein that runs from your heart to your lower body - the vena cava - is compressed by the uterus. It can interrupt proper blood flow.
That vein is least compressed when you're on your left side, but it's okay if you're on your right. I probably slept on my right side most of the time when I was pregnant because I just wasn't very comfortable on my left. I never had any problems and my doc said it was fine. He said that the major thing is staying off the back.
I used a big body pillow to put between my legs and under my belly and that made me much more comfortable.
2007-09-13 06:17:48 · answer #3 · answered by MS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Vena Cava, (the large vein on the right side of the body, that carries blood from your legs back to the heart, is on the right side) so Doctors tell you to sleep on the left side, so the vena cava can do it's work. You do not want to compress it.
Sometimes sleeping on your back can cause low back pain.
I bought my daughter one of those body pillows. A big stuffed pillow, that she laid beside her and threw her leg across to rest it. It takes any pressure off the stomach.
This is a difficult time, but just remember you are going to have a darling baby at the end of the pregnancy.
2007-09-13 06:19:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anne2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can sleep anyway that's comfortable.
usually after you get big, it's not comfortable to sleep on your back or stomach. on your back, it can put pressure on your main artery (or vein, can't remember which). it's okay to sleep on your right side as well, the left side is just the *best* way to sleep if you can do it, because it allows the best circulation for you & between you & the baby.
2007-09-13 06:24:42 · answer #5 · answered by Ember Halo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say not to sleep on your back while your pregnant because it cuts off circulation and puts alot of pressure on your spine while your pregnanct. They say not to sleep on your right side either while pregnant because you have alot of main blood flow that goes to your legs on that side, and you can cut it off with the pressure of the baby.
I still sleep on my back and sides, but im constantly moving throughout the night. Otherwise, im never comfortable.
2007-09-13 06:16:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-04 12:27:55 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also heard that, and forced myself to sleep on my right side.
That was 20 years ago, and I still can't sleep any other way.
2007-09-13 06:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by The Grand Inquisitor 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I heard of the old wives tale as well, and ill be the first one to tell you that it is crazy! I have given birth to 4 healthy babies, and i slept in comfortable positions! On my back, on my sides.... there is no right or wrong way.... pregnacy is uncomfortable, and however you find comfort, do it that way!!!
good luck to you!
2007-09-13 06:17:08 · answer #9 · answered by *LDY LEX* 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i was only told by my Doctor not to sleep on my belly after 12 weeks,
2007-09-13 06:56:09 · answer #10 · answered by misstressjcec 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋