I keep waking up on my back

[crazymuseummumtobe]

I'm due on Thursday with DC1 😬. DH got exiled to the spare bed about a week ago, so I have a load more room than usual. However, it means I keep waking up on my back, probably a couple of times a night. Naturally, I'm terrified this is going to harm baby. Do I need to reinforce the pillow fort to keep me on my left, or do I just run with whatever can make me actually sleep at this stage?

I slept on my back a lot from 34 weeks because my hips gave me so much pain! as long you get sleep I'd go with it, you won't get much soon 🤭🤭

What’s wrong with sleeping on your back?

I'm not completely sure, but I believe that sleeping on your side is recommended as it's better for you, rather than baby. From memory it's something to do with the fact it can make you feel dizzy/light headed. So if you're comfortable there's no real reason to worry.

It is the position you go to sleep in that's the one you spend most of the night like. So if you wake up on your back just turn back to your side and try and nod back off like that. As long as your not starting the night on your back it's ok! Recently had this chat with my midwife. 34 weeks here!

Maybe pop a pillow there so you can't easily roll but all the official advice says that as long as you start on your side and roll back over when you wake it's absolutely fine

It’s better to sleep on your side for blood flow, and there are links to stillbirth. Try more pillows at your back, or sleep facing the ‘wrong way’ into the bed? (So on the right hand side but facing left)

I never slept on my back, in fact once I was asleep I barely moved and was always the most comfortable on my left side. Until I got pregnant with my DD that is. Then I would wake up often on my back. I worried a bit about it, but midwife told me not to panic and just roll myself back over. She is now 14 weeks old and I still wake up at silly hours of the night on my back.

above poster is right, it's the position you fall asleep in and therefore spend most sleeping time in that matters. If you wake up on your back, just turn onto your side to sleep again. Check Tommy's website for more info on the research link to stillbirth.

Thanks, ladies, that's reassuring. I just want things to get moving now! The thought of 40+anything is killing me!

I've read that you only need a 10% gradient - so if you really prefer to sleep on your back, try tucking a pillow underneath your bum on the ride side. Apparently that does enough in terms of taking pressure off your major blood vessels (which is why they want you to sleep on your side). I've also been told be happy every time you wake up on your back in the middle of the night - your body is doing what is should, and waking you up. Just turn on your side and go back to sleep.

I'm the same @crazymuseummumtobe also due Thurs with baby no.2 I'm uncomfortable with my hips and and sometimes briefly going onto my back helps. I just try and make sure I turn over and go back to sleep on my side. I'm sure it's fine xxx

I've actually preferred sleeping on my right hand side this pregnancy. I do alternate between left and right and sometimes allow myself a bit of time on my back (much more comfy). I was much more worried with my first but I think a sensible way of sleeping is better for you than worrying too much about it. Ie just change your position when you can, don't spend too long just on your back etc. I think getting a few decent hours sleep is much more needed than a few hours spent on your back.