Lying on your back during exercise

[PollyIndia]

I read just now that you shouldn't lie on your back when you exercise after the 16th week of pregnancy. I have found a few reasons why - that it can make you feel faint, that the baby can squash your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.
Does anyone know if there is a risk to the baby though? I haven't found mention of one yet, though maybe someone on here might know.
Thanks :)

Well yes if the major arterie that brings blood back to your heart is squished and blood flow is reduced of course that will have a nock on effect for baby. Lack of oxygenated blood can't be good !!

Hi Polly I lie on back with legs up doing yoga and feel fine, don't do it for too long, probably 20 minutes on back. think it's alright unless you feel odd? Also lie on back with feet up wall often mmmm

My antenatal yoga teacher says it's fine up to 30 weeks. I'm 21 weeks and often wake up on my back. Obviously I can't control what I do in my sleep and I have talked to many other pregnant women who also wake up on their backs. We can't all be damaging our babies. I'm sure it's fine.

I'm lying on my back during Pilates at 17 weeks without issue. Neither my spinal consultant, osteo, GP or Pilates teacher have advised against it yet!

Also, how much are you weighing? I can imagine this might be more of a size issue than a weeks issue. I'm 5'7 at 69.4 kgs and still haven't gained a single pregnancy pound. In fact I lost a couple. If my tummy was heavier I may worry more - but as it is I can't see it's an issue.

Enjoy staying active!

Thanks all :) I do yoga and reformer pilates and don't want to give them up yet unless obviously there's a risk to the baby. Elliemay, I also wake up on my back a lot.
Naisy, I'm probably about 58 kgs now so maybe that makes a difference.
Surfmama, I have low blood pressure so if it was a problem, would think I might feel faint or something. I asked the midwives and they did not have a clue!

My pilates teacher, who is specifically trained in ante-natal pilates, does not let us lie on our backs in class and she has said that after 16 weeks you shouldn't. Instead, we lie on boards that are elevated at an angle to exercise when not on the ball. I'm not sure how much of a risk it is, I've never felt feint or anything after waking lying on my back but at 35 weeks am trying hard not to, just in case!