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Pregnancy

how dangerous is sleeping on your back?

17 replies

susan1989 · 02/09/2013 16:01

I know you shouldn't sleep on your back (im 30 weeks) but I've got bad PGP, I always go to sleep on my side but wake up at least 3 times a night on my back, I obviously don't know how long im laid for like that at a time. but I just wondered how dangerous this is or if anyone has any tips for a comfy nights sleep! x

OP posts:

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princesscupcakemummyb · 02/09/2013 16:11

hi susan1989 i dont really know tbh ive slept on my back alot in pregnancies hope you get the answer your looking for take care

rallytog1 · 02/09/2013 17:25

It's not dangerous. It's just marginally better for blood flow if you sleep on your side. It's more dangerous not to get any sleep so if it's more comfy to lie on your back then I wouldn't worry.

If you're really keen to sleep on your side, you could try propping yourself in place with pillows.

HorryIsUpduffed · 02/09/2013 18:45

I get breathless in minutes lying on my back so I avoid doing so. Gutted because it is my natural sleeping position.

MissRatty · 02/09/2013 19:08

I sleep on my back mostly, and am 26 weeks. Some say its an old wives tale, as blood flow is marginally better if you sleep on your left. I asked my ob and he just said sleep however you can, if your body doesn't like a position you will naturally move.

susan1989 · 02/09/2013 20:47

Thank you very much ladies this is very helpful. I never used to sleep on my back but now when I wake up in my back its the few blissful minutes of comfort lol I think my little girl is going to be a diva with the amount of grief and panic she has caused so far lol x

OP posts:

TruJay · 02/09/2013 21:02

Hopefully not very, I'm 31 weeks and always on my back

blondebaby111 · 02/09/2013 21:13

I've never heard its not safe to sleep on your back, atm that's the only position I find mme comftable. Hopefully its an old wives tale as no-one has ever mentioned it to me

CitrusyOne · 02/09/2013 21:18

I obsessively tried to sleep on my side. The long thin pillows can help make you more comfortable- not expensive, from Argos. I wasn't sure of what would happen if I slept on my back though. Until I had to go into hospital for monitoring. 15 mins lying on my back and I was fainting. Apparently the baby puts pressure on some blood vessel or another (technical) and restricts blood supply and oxygen.

Fakebook · 02/09/2013 21:24

I'm the same OP. I have SPD and regularly wake up during the night on my back (my natural sleeping position). I think your body will let you know when you've been on your back too long. I get out of breath and my heart starts feeling heavy.

Chances are that when you wake up on your back, you haven't really been in that position very long at all, so I wouldn't worry.

MarianaTrench · 02/09/2013 21:26

The research evidence is limited and inconclusive, there's a summary here.

A five foot long bolster pillow can be really helpful in keeping you on your side and keeping you comfortable.

Trills · 02/09/2013 21:26

Extremely dangerous. If you go to sleep on your back you'll wake up dead.

TheBreastmilksOnMe · 02/09/2013 21:29

I'm 25 weeks with no3 and love sleeping on my back but do start to feel a bit breathless after a bit however I've slept on my back with the last two and no problems there! Is helps if you prop yourself up on pillows so you don't get so breathless.

Newmum0113 · 02/09/2013 23:36

Seriously trills what a stupid comment.

There is no problem with sleeping on your back, unless it causes you pain or discomfort, or the baby traps a nerve or blood vessel. This won't always happen every time you lie on your back. Even if you are asleep, your body will move into a more comfortable position if necessary.

You will not wake up dead.

DaleyBump · 02/09/2013 23:40

I have a funny feeling that trills was being sarcastic

sweetiepie1979 · 02/09/2013 23:45

I'm 35 weeks I try to sleep in my side but I always roll on to my back it's more comfortable and I never feel breathless.

harverina · 02/09/2013 23:54

No idea if it is dangerous, but I frequently waken on my back and I am 31 weeks. I start on my side but waken frequently to change sides as my hips and pubic bone get so sore and numb.

I tell dh to waken me if he notices I am on my back as it makes me very breathless

I am DESPERATE to sleep on my tummy!!!

ZeroTolerance · 03/09/2013 00:08

Honestly, don't worry about it. Do you really think you can control how you sleep ALL night long? Sleep in whatever way is comfortable. It really won't make any difference.

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