Lying on back

[ambientolf]

Hi, this might sound like a daft question but there is a lot of talk of not sleeping on your back past 16 weeks (Even though my midwife didn't mention it at my checkup). I'm fine not sleeping on my back, but if I'm lying in bed watching telle for an hour or so, is this an issue?

Currently 17+1 watching Friends in bed buy can't get comfortable on my side. I just want to watch mindless televison without worrying!

It's fine.

I think it's just to make you aware that as you get bigger the weight of baby and everything that comes with it can make you feel breathless or dizzy as it squashes things including some main blood vessels. Generally if you feel uncomfortable while on your back even if asleep you are likely to move out of that position naturally anyway.
So I wouldn't worry about it.

It's fine. I did it through both of my pregnancies because it was the most comfortable way to sleep.

Absolutely fine. You'd be uncomfortable before any harm was done.

Lying on your back in late pregnancy reduces the flow of blood to the heart which can make you feel faint. It won't harm your baby.

Thank you. I just needed reassurance from my pregnancy paranoia

My midwife told me that I would know if there were any issues - the dizziness is pretty obvious apparently.

Yep from 34 weeks on I haven't been able to recline on couch for longer than 10 mins without getting dizzy. 37 weeks now nearly and currently flaked out on my back with no ill effects.

You are fine.

The internet really has a lot to answer for in terms of spreading scaremongering.

The honest answer is very common sense: If lying on your back is making you feel poorly, change positions!

Towards the end of my pregnancy I actually woke up on my back because of the discomfort it caused. So like a pp said you'd know before it caused any damage.

If it's comfortable you could always prop yourself up with a nest of pillows - that's what my baby book recommends for back sleepers!