Sleeping on your back

[madiva]

I just read in another forum that you are not supposed to lay on your back after 20 weeks. They are saying that the baby will not get enough oxygen. Has anyone ever heard of this and if so please respond. I can't sleep any other way due to the numbness and tingling in both hands.

[Tracii]

Hi Madiva, I read also you shouldn't sleep on your back...the reason is with the weight of the baby, there is too much pressure on your internal organs (liver, lungs, kindeys)...making everything slow down..and therefore leading to less blood and oxygen getting to the baby.

Have you bought a body pillow yet?

[DeniseM]

you'll find the bigger you get, the quicker on your back is really uncomfortable. Tracii is right, it cuts off your circulation, the vena cava, the big one the supplies your legs. you can also try those wedge pillows. i prefer my body pillow, but to each their own.

[Jules R]

Hi!

I suffered with terrible indigestion during my twin pregnancy and the only way that I could sleep without being ill was to lie on my back. Everything was fine with my pregnancy so sleeping on my back had no ill effects. But I was aware that I shouldn't be doing it.

All the best.

Jules

[AuntyPebbles]

Hi Madiva,
i myself havent been blessed to be in your position but....i do have a cousin i used to live with who while she was pregnant could only sleep on her back(how do i know this...i could hear her snoring through the wall...bless) anyway as she got bigger she used more pillows so she wasnt laying flat it made it harder to breath the bigger the baby got but i have to say Chloe was born very healthy little girl so dont worry too much youd be amazed how the baby will make you shift position of its not getting what it needs same way you get cravings..
good luck im sure you will be fine

Debz

[madiva]

I spoke with my doctor today and she said that if I prop myself up I should not be a problem. She made me an appointment also for carpul tunnel for both arms. I just know that it will be well worth it in the end just in so much pain.

AuntyPebbles-I will be praying for a BFP on Wed for you.

[Mel_P]

Hi Madiva
I am glad you posted this question, as I had heard on the grapevine but strangely enough my midwife has never said anything to me yet, so it has been a bit of a question for me too. Its going to be really hard to not sleep on my back! But after reading this post, am going to make a real effort not to also
thanks
Mel

[gregmbarry]

Just for more information. It is supposed to be best for blood flow to the baby to sleep on your left side. I've been practicing this since I found out I was pregnant and now I'm fine. I used to sleep only on my right side...but now I fall asleep on my left and that's usually where I wake up.