Sleeping on the right side

[ThorsMistress]

Hi all

Currently 24 weeks pregnant and certainly feeling this heat!

I’ve been reading about sleeping on your left side. I know it’s best for baby and I completely appreciate that but I’m finding it quite uncomfortable after a while and find myself sleeping on my right hand side instead.

Is this ok? Or does it have to be strictly left side and it’s something I have to deal with?

I’m not sure whether this only applies once you’re into the third trimester but watching with interest because this is something I’m confused about too.

I’ve tried sleeping on my left, but invariably wake up on my right!

Left is best because gives maximum blood flow to placenta however what’s important is laying on your side so not compressing any main arteries (which you do on your back).

Having just had a looking after your health in pregnancy workshop at my local hospital the physiotherapist and midwife have said after 28weeks to sleep on your side but it doesn't matter which side. Left side only is a myth. Also if you make a 'nest' for your bump with pillows it's also perfectly ok to sleep on your front!

I sleep on both sides, I actually switch with great effort I’m my later stages, about 100 times a night!
I did the same in my 1st pregnancy and seem to remember reading that left was best but it was also fine to sleep on right though, just not on your back but even then if you wake up on your back, don’t stress it just turn to side again.

It's fine to sleep on either side, they only suggest you don't sleep on your back.

The reason I read to sleep on your left is because there is suppose to be more space for the baby. It doesn't actually make much difference. The main thing is not to go to sleep on your back in the 3rd trimester.

think about it, 50 years ago no one knew this information, and us and our parents turned out fine. Try to take things like this with a pinch of salt. If you are comfortable then do it, i would say that your personal comfort and happiness right now are more important then some new information by some study. Remember, people used to have babies in caves and we all made it here!! xx

There was a recent report on the bbc that said it made no difference on either side but on your back can be a slight risk for stillborns.

Thanks all. When I was pregnant with DS nearly 7 years ago I remember my midwife stressing the fact of sleeping on my left side!

Silly question but does lying on your back also include lying on the sofa?

Re back sleeping, this is reassuring:
www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/pregnant-women-should-avoid-sleeping-back-last-trimester/

I'm 31 weeks and sometimes wake up on my back but I don't panic, just go onto side. Thors, I'm sure it's ok to lie on your back for short periods - I certainly do for brazilian waxing - and actually it can be so satisfying for a few mins before getting up in the morning.

I try to sleep on my left side, but if I'm uncomfortable I just turn over - I'm sleeping so badly at the moment that just getting to sleep is the important thing!

I try and sleep on my left side but find it much more comfortable on my right (and usually end up waking up on that side anyway!)

I always go to sleep on either left or right side. I always wake up on my back and quickly turn over and go back to sleep. Would never wake up on my back before i got in to 3rd trimester.

I read a study that said sleeping on the left side reduced the stillbirth rate by about half, but it remained the same if you slept on your back or on your right side. It's important to note that the link has not been conclusively proven and that the risk is low even if on your back or right side.

www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/mothers-sleeping-position-and-risk-of-stillbirth/

• I should have said that although they are linked, correlation does not prove causation.