Sleeping on Your Side During Pregnancy

Just try to sleep whichever way you can (as long as you can sleep!). I'm 33 weeks pregnant and have slept in whatever position was comfortable for me. I did have a body pillow for awhile but now it just gets in my way. Good Luck!

Have you tried a body pillow? They are very helpful and VERY comfortable, especially as you get bigger.

Sleeping on the Left side is not only good for pregnancy but is good in gerneral. If you can't stay there all night I would not get alarmed as a good night sleep is also important for you and the developing baby.

I also used a pillow between my legs to help get comfortable at night.

17 weeks -- get all the sleep you can get before you start to become less comfortable.

Hi C. just want to say congrats on your 1st pregnancy. I always heard that sleeping on your back in the last few months of pregnancy is hard on your organs. I have learned to sleep on my left side which some say is good for your heart. If you really have a problem with the side sleeping try buying a body pillow and prop yourself up on that. now they have those horse shoe shaped pillows that might even be better. Also while you are on your left side put a small pillow between your knees it will be more comfortable. the body pillow behind you will give you some support. and replace the pillow with each pregnancy because they get worn out and wont offer the support like a new one. Well good luck hope all goes well for you. It wont be long before you will be holding that beautiful bundle of joy.

Hi, C.~
Congrats on your pregnancy! Your body is waking you up at night because you are on your back. Don't stress about it -- just be sure to go back to sleep on your side. I found that as I got larger, a pillow between my knees or under my belly made things more comfortable.
Some women don't ever have a problem with being on their backs. The ACOG guidelines recommend no longer than 2 minutes, though. The reason for this caution is that as your uterus grows heavier, it can rest on your aorta as you lay on your back, cutting off the blood supply to you and/or baby.

Thanks,
T.
http://www.onefitmama.com

I slept on my back my entire pregnancy and had no problems. The general idea is that if there are problems, you will roll over in your sleep. Just sleep well and if you notice problems on your back, try and sleep on your side. But if it doesn't happen, its still okay :)

I wouldn't stress about this. I am a stomach sleeper and even when I was 39 weeks along, I would find myself slightly on my stomach when I woke up. As long as your doctor doesn't say anything, I would continue to sleep in the most comfortable way possible while you still can sleep! :)

Grab a body pillow or two. That helps to support the pelvis as well as the abdominal area. Make sure that your pillow supports your neck well also. Soft pillows do not support the neck. Pillows that are too puffy will not help either. Try a Tempurpedic or chiropractor approved pillow.

Get a body pillow. It's a pillow that's twice as long. place it behind you (you may need to lay it down and get in bed or have some help placing it) This will prevent you from laying flat on your back. Good luck!

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I, too, would start on my side and end up on my back. There was never any problems. Unless your doctor tells you that you must sleep on your side due to a potential problem, I wouldn't worry about rolling onto your back.

Dear C.,

CONGRATULATIONS! My doctor told me when I was pregnant with our first that as long as you start on your side that it didn't really matter where you ended up. You can't really help what you do in your sleep. If your really worried about I loved the long body pillows that wrap around your body. It makes being on your side a lot more comfortable. You can find those at Babies R Us.

When i was pregnant with all 3 of my kids i used a body pillow for support.And i'd end up on my back too...but try a body pillow(leg support and tummy support too)
Good luck

I understand what you are going through, I am a back sleeper and always hated sleeping on my side. I used what my husband called "a fortress of pillows" to make it more comfortable. Placing a firm pillow behind my back gave me something to lean on and kept me from ending up flat on my back. I also put one between my knees. You can buy a variety of special pregnancy pillows that may help you get comfy. Good luck with your first baby. It is a very exciting time!

Hi C.:
I had the same issue last year with my first baby. When I asked my OB, he said that as long as I didn't have circulation problems and it was still comfortable for me, that sleeping on my back wouldn't hurt the baby. I did (and still do) sleep with a small pillow between my knees which makes side sleeping more comfy on my hips.

Also, as a first time mom, you will see that not everything you read and hear is critical and you will find what is really important for you and your pregnancy, your baby, your family. Blessings!
A. F.

Hi C.-
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I know this response is coming to you quite a few days after your post, but I had to respond. I was just at the doctors this morning (30 weeks pregnant w/ #4). I haven't been able to sleep on my side due to pain, and when I told the doctor that the only way I could get comfortable was on my back- he said that was fine. He said that the info saying to side sleep came out a while back for high risk pregnancies and there really is no reason you can't back sleep. He told me that getting a good night sleep is important- and sleep whatever way is comfortable; your body will alert you (typically with pain or being uncomfortable) when you need to change positions. However you choose to sleep, I agree with all other responders when they say to use pillows wherever you need them for support.
Congratulations again on your baby!

To try and stay on your side I would suggest those long body pillows and have it run along your back to keep you on your side or maybe in front of you with your top leg wrapped around it. That can be very comforting and comfortable. As for waking up on your back, as long as you're not waking up due to nausea, and overall feeling "sick" you could still be fine to lie on your back for a little bit. The concern with being on your back is pinching a major blood flow to the uterus. If you like sleeping on your back and don't get light headed, see spots or feel nauseous you can try put a pillow under your knees to help release the lower back. Let me say, I am NOT a doctor so please run all of this by your care provider.

Hey C.

Unless your doctor has given you specific instructions to sleep on your left side only, don't worry about it. This is my 3rd pregnancy and I am 20 weeks and sleep how I'm comfortable. I have never had any problems, nor have any of my babies. I'm sure everything will be just fine, it's most important for you to get rest while you still can!

C.,
I am a mother of 2 and have asked this same question to 2 sets of OB-GYN's over the years. Especially this early in the pregnancy, it does not matter if you end up on your back. The reason for that "rule" is so that the larger fetus does not compress your aorta, which runs along the spine. If this should happen, your body will alert you to change positions. One remedy I found to work is to prop yourself with pillows. A body or king size pillow behind you helps to prevent fully lying on your back and sort of props you in a half side/half back position - very comfortable. This last time I bought a pregnancy pillow shaped like a U which props in front for comfort and in back at the same time. Look on Amazon for maternity pillows - they have a bunch. Or else just use 1 or 2 king size or body pillows (Wal-Mart has them). Good Luck! Enjoy the little one!
G. B.

For me the Snoogle sleep pillow worked wonders. It is a huge C-shaped body pillow that goes under your head and along your back or front (wherever you need the support). It helped me to sleep on my side. Plus it was a big help with breastfeeding at night. It cost about $50 but I have found that it was worth every penny.

If you want to save a little money, you could try a big body pillow first. I needed to have a pillow between my legs for back issues and I found that the pillow in between the legs and under the head, kept the pillow from moving at night when I needed the support.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Hi C. -

I think you've received a lot of great advice here about your concern. I would like to add just a bit to what you've already been told.

Sleeping on your back really isn't an issue until later in your pregnancy, perhaps the 3rd trimester. The reason you want to stay off your back is this. When you lay on your back, the weight from your baby, the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and your uterus compress the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. This compression (similar to stepping on a garden hose) can staunch the flow of oxygen rich blood to your placenta/baby.

However, don't stress over waking at night to find yourself on your back. Your subconscious and your baby will let you know if something is amiss. Simply roll to your side.

Some mothers will place a rolled blanket or pillow at their lower back while sleeping. You can also place a wedge or small pillow under your right hip too if it makes you feel better and helps alleviate your concerns.

Our subconscious is our watchdog. We move and turn without having to think about it. This is nothing to stress over, it's really a non-issue. Sleep well knowing your intution works for you!

L.

I always had trouble with that too, try sleeping witj pillows around you or try a prenancy pillow. It will get easier to sleep on your side with more practice. Just remember, it's REALLY BAD to sleep on your back.

Getting yourself a body pillow to curl up to may help you quite a bit. I know I loved having one through both my pregnancy's.

it's ok if you end up on your back, or even stomach for that matter! I sleep 3/4 downward, so I'm kind of on my belly. It won't hurt the baby as they're well protected in the comfort of my womb! There are positioners you can buy, this link takes you to one at babiesrus.com, for example. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2267435
They can get pricey, you may want to try just putting a pillow behind your back. The left side is the best side as it allows the most efficient blood flow to the placenta. So if you're laying down on the couch or for a quick nap, try to make it your left.

Best of luck,
R.

Don't worry, I did the same, you will get to a point that you just can't sleep on your back, it will be too uncomfortable. Until then, just get your sleep and enjoy it while you are comfortable.

hi,
typing with one hand while nursing... my midwife at the birth center said back sleeping is ok!!! the advice not to should be reserved for very overweight women or those who are very high risk. she said she does not like the what to expect books for telling ladies not to sleep on back. soooo ask you midwife/doc but i did sleep on my back when i found side uncomfy!
-L.

Hello and Congrats... have you tried a body pillow or just a regular pillow between your knees? Good Luck!

First ofall Congradulations! A first baby is very exciting and scary all at the same time. Don't stress about every little thing that everyone says is important. The advise will never stop and will often go against what someone else said. It's true that you have a vein running down your body and it is good for the baby if you can sleep on your side. But it's just as important that you feel comfortable and get a good nights sleep while you can! As long as you go to sleep on your side there isn't a lot more you can do. I had the same problem and I would just turn back over each time I woke up.
Good luck. If you need other mom's to talk to try contacting your local mom's club. The website can be found under international mom's club. I'm a member of the monroeville chapter and it's a great place to talk to other moms and socialize your child once they are born.

My best advice? You'll love it.

Try to go to sleep lying on your side, and when you wake up on your back ? Just smile and roll over to your side.

See how easy that was ?

You can put a pillow behind your back to help you stay on your side, but really, I think sleeping on your side is helpful, but it's more important to get good night's sleep than it is to worry about your position. I used to do the same thing. I'd sleep on my side, and wake up on my back.

But, you know what? Long before you hit the 9 month-mark, you won't be comfortable on your back, so it won't be a problem. :-)

Congratulations, Mommy!

Unless specifically directed by your obgyn to sleep on your side, don't sweat it. Sleep how your comfy. If it still bothers you, follow one of the links the other Mammas sent and get a body pillow.

And take all the advice here...you'll never sleep like this again! Take advantage of it now! LOL

Even before my husband and I got married I bought myself a body pillow because I was always squishing my pillows or comforter all around my legs and torso. It really helped during pregnancy because I used it as a support for my whole body when I would try to roll over and sleep on my stomach. Don't worry too much about finding yourself on your back, the main concern is to get enough sleep. Besides, now is the time when you can start feeling and seeing your baby move, and when you lay on your back they have your whole belly as their playground. I always got a kick out of watching my stomach roll like the tide was coming in!! Good luck.

I too had a hard time staying on my side, so my husband bought me a "Snoogle". It is like a huge Boppy for pregnant women. You can curl yourself in it and it has a spot to go between your legs and between your arms (like you are hugging it). It helps make you more comfortable and once your stomach gets bigger, it can give you some support. They sell them at babies r us and I also saw them at target. Good LUck!

Hi C.,
Congratulations! Don't stress over the sleep position. The left side is recommended but it's impossible to sleep all night, every night, in O. position. As your tummy gets larger, you may become unable to lie comfortably on your back (you may feel short of breath) or tummy. Just SLEEP-no matter the position. Get as much rest as you can & take care of yourself. I found that on my left side, knees bent with a pillow between the knees was most comfortable later on. Good luck!

Oh, I had the same problem. I'm a chronic tummy sleeper, and I have had a heckuva time getting comfy on my side throughout my entire pregnancy (I only have 6.5 weeks left).

Definitely helps to have a body pillow in front of, or in back of you, and I know it sounds silly, but it helps to have a stuffed animal or another smaller pillow on the other side of you. I, myself, have asked my husband to be my other buffer.

Also, at 17 weeks, it's not a big deal, really, if you end up on your back. The baby isn't quite big enough to squish the vein that would restrict oxygen. You usually don't have to worry about this until the baby/uterus are heavy enough to squish the vein when you lay on your back. But it's good that you're trying to nip it in the bud. I found that it helped a lot to have a body pillow, and asked my husband to snuggle up close to me with his back turned to me so that I had something to prop me up and keep me from turning onto my back. I never turn onto my back anymore.

BTW, like you, this is my first pregnancy and I was all worried about the side-sleeping, etc, as well. In all honesty, I've found that 80% of the stuff they warn you about isn't really a concern until you're in your 8th month, AND it's nothing to stress over.

For instance: I read that you're supposed to sleep on your LEFT side because of better blood flow, etc. So from the VERY beginning of my pregnancy, I was obsessed with making sure I didn't sleep on my right side. Well, wouldn't you know it, my right side is soooo much more comfy and I sleep much, much more soundly on that side. So I usually just end up switching back and forth throughout the night according to comfort. The baby is just fine :p

Plus, keep in mind that women have given birth for eons without all of this knowledge and the human race still exists, so we're naturally-inclined (for the most part) to nourish and nurture our babies the right way without all the scientific warnings.

Hi and congrats!

I am 6 weeks along with #2 and I can't wait to pull out my cozy cuddler pillow! It's a big U shaped pillow with an hourglass cut out that lets you sleep on your side with your leg propped up so your not on your belly. When you roll over you don't have to take the pillow with you - it's all ready on the other side! After my C-section sleeping on that pillow was heaven sent!

I found it on babyage.com under pregnancy - I love mine.

J.

I had a body pillow. It was a godsend.

Try one of those sleep pillows. My friend gave me one that was shaped like an "S" and it helped me stay on my side. I snuggled it by using it for my pillow as well as between my knees for better back support. They are expensive, but I found it worked for me. I finally got used to sleeping on my side, and now I still do it - 2 years later. Go figure! Congratulations & Good luck - parenthood is wonderful!

Simply put, sleep however you feel comfortable. Don't add extra stress to yourself during your pregnancy when it's really not necessary. You can't control how you lay when you're sleeping. Just get a good night's sleep. You'll need it after the baby comes!

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

Putting one pillow under my tummy and another pushed up against my back was very helpful and the ONLY way I could get to sleep during those last few weeks.

During my pregnancy I used the Snoogle Body Pillow (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&.... Loved it and this allowed me to sleep comfortably on my side or leaning back on an angle so I wasn't fully on my back. Don't stress! Everything will be fine. Find what makes you comfortable and go with it.

Try the Snoogle! Found at Baby's R Us. It was awesome when I was pregnant and I used for months after being pregnant, too. Loved it!

Hi C.,
My name is Tawnyssa. My advice to you is to get a body pillow. That's what I used when I was pregnant with my son. I slept wonderfully after I got one. I use to sleep on my back prior to being pregnant, so it was a little difficult to adjust too. Sleeping with a body pillow was so comfy and cozy. Try that and see if it works.

Hi C. - Congratulations on your new baby!!

I used to sleep on my tummy, but after three pregnancies, I now sleep on my side all the time with a pillow between my knees!!!

Just like you I would start off on my side because I knew that was the best thing for my baby, and I would wake up on my tummy... eventually I got so big, I could no longer sleep that way.

You will probably change your sleep position again towards the end of your pregnancy. But as another Mom said, don't worry about it, unless your Dr. is worried about it... your baby is well protected in your womb. Plus, get all the sleep you can now!!! Your sleepless nights are a few months away my dear!! Enjoy them!

Hi C., RELAX!! The idea is to try to sleep on your side as much as possiable. If you are more comfortable on your side (I always was a tummy sleeper til my first one!) then you will sleep that way. You might want to try putting a rolled pillow against the small of your back, or a pillow between your knees (that will actually feel good as you go futher along to keep your hips squared and relaxed). You can also try leaning forward a bit as well by putting your "top" leg's knee on the bed in front of your "bottom" leg. Make sure that you have enough pillows to keep your head/neck comfortable. The big thing is to make sure you are getting enough rest, the right foods, and excercise. Sleep now while you can!!! :-) September 21 is a great date...my brother and his son share that birthdate!! Congrats and best wishes!

Hi C.! I just had my first child in Nov. (so I was just recently through the pregnancy thing!) From everything that I have heard, it is fine if you end up sleeping on your back. In fact, I had a friend who was constantly waking up on her stomach, and her daughter was just fine. I think you will find that the longer you go into your pregnancy, and the bigger your stomach gets, the only position that will be comfortable to sleep on is your side. I know that I had about 3 pillows to "prop" me up (because i couldn't breathe if I was on my back, or too low.) And then I also either held a pillow in my arms when I slept or I put it between my legs (again, to make things more comfortable.) But definitely do not stress about waking up on your back...in fact, enjoy being able to still sleep on your back while you can!!! (As your pregnancy goes on, you'll know what I mean!) And good luck with everything, I hope you have a wonderful rest of your pregnancy, and a healthy new baby! Being a Mom gives me so much more joy than I ever anticipated!

Congrats! I agree...body pillow! I got one 6 years ago and still can't sleep without it.

Ahh not to fret. Just try to remember---your baby needs to breathe. Not that you'll completely shut off the oxygen(as doctors would say, but it helps for the child inside (more importantly towards the 8th or 9th month). SO if you wake and you are on your back, just simply roll to your side. You could use a body pillow and place it on your back side to help you through the night. You'll be fine.
This is just the beginning. Best of luck!

Mom of 4.