Pregnancy Forum - Question About Sleeping

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Q: Question About Sleeping

asked by: kezia333 on November 11th, 2006

Experienced User

I am 20 weeks and 4 days pregnant. When I went for my midwife appt this past week she asked me anout my sleeping. Ever since I found out I was pregnant I have been sleeping on my back b/c it is most comfortable. She told me that laying on your back makes it harder for the baby to get oxygen and its harder on my female organs. She told me to sleep on my side at night. For the past week I have tried this but it is really uncomfortable. When I turn on my left side to sleep it seems uncomfortable for the baby b/c he moves a lot more and I get a sick feeling. I tried my right side but I always end up on my back in my sleep.

I was wondering if anyone else had heard your not suppose to sleep on your back? Or if anyone elses doctors or midwives had said anything?

Thanks

Replies(4)

AyaMiyaki

replied on November 11th, 2006

Especially eHealthy

It's recommended to sleep on your left side for better circulation, I think. Something to do with pressure on an artery, I think? I don't really remember now. But yes, my doctor told me the same thing. I got so used to doing it that I *still* do it!

Anonymous

replied on November 11th, 2006

Re: Question About Sleeping

kezia333 wrote:

i am 20 weeks and 4 days pregnant. When I went for my midwife appt this past week she asked me anout my sleeping. Ever since I found out I was pregnant I have been sleeping on my back b/c it is most comfortable. She told me that laying on your back makes it harder for the baby to get oxygen and its harder on my female organs. She told me to sleep on my side at night. For the past week I have tried this but it is really uncomfortable. When I turn on my left side to sleep it seems uncomfortable for the baby b/c he moves a lot more and I get a sick feeling. I tried my right side but I always end up on my back in my sleep.

I was wondering if anyone else had heard your not suppose to sleep on your back? Or if anyone elses doctors or midwives had said anything?

Thanks

i am now 33 weeks and 4 days, I had the same problem even now sometimes. It is best to sleep on your side but sometimes you cant help it and my dr said not to stress it to much if you end up on your back you will move when it gets uncomfortable. It is true that it is recommended to sleep on your left, I had trouble with this also because I had a pain that would increse if on my left side, so my dr said to sleep on my right side. It is up to you, but it is better to break the habbit now because when the baby gets biggger s/he can cut off the ciculation to your legs. Good luck, just don't stress over it you need the sleep now!

Mommy35

replied on November 11th, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

I bought a couple of body pillows. I sleep on my side, but with one of the pillows beside me so I can put it in between my legs and the other one supporting my back. So it feels like I am sleeping on my belly, but i'm really not.
I had a really hard time sleeping for the first 3 months. Finially I am getting my zzzzz!
My doc said it's ok to take tylenol pm or benedryl.

kezia333

replied on November 12th, 2006

Experienced User

Thanks everyone for the help!

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