Side sleeping when pregnant - What about sitting/lying on a recliner?!

[FingersCrossedForAllOfUs]

I am 17 weeks pregnant and have been sleeping on my sides when in bed. But I’m wondering about when I’m sitting/lying back on my sofa recliner whether I also need to be on my side or can I be on my back then? I don’t want to do anything that could negatively effect my pregnancy obviously but this is something I can’t seem to find the answer to on google?! Maybe it’s my search terms or it’s a bit niche!

I did find something saying as long as you are propped up even slightly it takes the pressure off the nerve but I just want to find out definitively if that is right. If anyone knows or has found this information somewhere I would really appreciate knowing the answer.

Thank you.

I’ve been searching for the answer to this question too and also had no luck!

I’m glad I’m not the only one! Hopefully some wise Mumsnetter will be along soon to help us! 🤞

From Google 🤷‍♀️ I guess not too far back

www.romper.com/p/can-i-sleep-in-a-recliner-while-pregnant-expert-explains-53878

I'm 27 weeks into my 5th pregnancy, and I've always found if I'm lying in a position that isn't good, I start to feel a bit off and my body tells me to move/ change position. I can lie on my back a bit, but it soon starts to feel sort of wrong so I love. Just listen to your body is my advice.

Yes, a recliner is fine, as long as you're still propped up a little. The weight of your uterus when flat on your back compresses a major blood vessel called the vena cava, which would reduce blood flow to your baby and may make you feel short of breath too. If you're propped up a little, the weight of your uterus tips forward.

Anyone got any advice for someone who literally just cannot sleep on their side?

@Fruitloops34 have you tried body pillows? There are some that are c-shaped that curl you into a side sleeping position. I find I can't sleep on my side without something propping my top leg up to keep my hips square or they get uncomfortable!

@Fruitloops34, ...or one of those large, soft triangular wedges, that would prop you up on your back enough to not be lying flat?

Thank you everyone for your responses.

@Fruitloops34 - Can I ask if you are experiencing severe hip pain and if that is why you can’t lie on your side? If so, a midwife told me that they can refer me to physio if it’s gets too bad (I’m experiencing it already) and there are also hip supports you can wear.
As others have said maybe you could try pillows and supports so that you can lie into them so you aren’t completely flat on your back?

@Somethingsnappy - Thank you, this is really helpful.

Emily Oster writes about this in ‘expecting better’ which is worth a read. Basically your body will tell you (dizziness) when it would become an issue lying on your back. Side sleeping is still better, research shows, but don’t worry too much in the day. However esp in the third trimester try not to recline too much so that your baby gets in the right position! Their back is heaviest and if you’re always reclining on the sofa they’ll go back to back. Better to sit up straight!