Sleeping problems . :(

[maria1995xxx]

When I'm asleep on my tide (left or right I mainly do left) my tummy feels really heavy. I'm only 14 weeks but this is waking me up during the night. I've tried emptying my bladder etc but still feels the same. I have recently seen pregnancy sleeping pillows etc online is there any that anyone would recommend or anything else that could help? Also is it really that dangerous to lie on your back? In the bath I always feel tempted to do this but have learned to try and lie on the side

I tilt slightly to my front so that bump is resting on the bed ad it's worked well in all my pregnancies. I'm not a fan of pregnancy pillows as I move far too much in my sleep.

@Chelyanne

I tilt slightly to my front so that bump is resting on the bed ad it's worked well in all my pregnancies. I'm not a fan of pregnancy pillows as I move far too much in my sleep.

I do this too!

I found a haramaki which is also known as a belly band or belly warmer quite useful in my second trimester. It's not for everyone, but they're a knit tube of fabric that felt like it held my bump closer in to my body and meant it didn't feel as heavy. It's not one of the waist trainers designed for sucking you in, but is used to keep your core warm or to hide any gaps between your trousers and your shirt for example. I stopped using it when it started to feel uncomfortable, maybe around 30/32 weeks? But it really helped for those weeks in the middle!

@maria1995xxx

When I'm asleep on my tide (left or right I mainly do left) my tummy feels really heavy. I'm only 14 weeks but this is waking me up during the night. I've tried emptying my bladder etc but still feels the same. I have recently seen pregnancy sleeping pillows etc online is there any that anyone would recommend or anything else that could help? Also is it really that dangerous to lie on your back? In the bath I always feel tempted to do this but have learned to try and lie on the side

Sleeping on your back limits the blood flow to baby. You can lay on your back in the bath and stuff. That's fine. It's laying flat that is the problem. Being inclined/slightly sitting up a bit is fine too.

As a PP said, lean forward so your bump is resting on the bed a bit.
I've always slept like that as I'm the same, its super uncomfortable if my bump isn't supported. If not, I'll put a pillow under my bump.

At 14 weeks though you don't need to worry about being on your back so much yet however, it's better to get your mind into it as early as possible

It's from 20 weeks that they say you shouldn't sleep on your back, I think.

I liked the genii pillow. They're kind of ask the same though! Blanket under the sheet to support the hip you're lying on, something to support your bump and something between your knees so your top thigh is horizontal. Ligaments loosen in pregnancy and you can strain the hip if you let the top thigh drop down.

If say get a pregnancy pillow sooner rather than later, if you're going to get one anyway!

There is actually not great evidence that sleeping on your back is dangerous. It's one of the many many things that soemone though could be dangerous and on the strength of that advised pregnant women to avoid, with no regard to how much discomfort or inconvenience it might cause.

natalist.com/blogs/learn/emily-oster-looks-at-the-data-on-back-sleeping-during-pregnancy

The upshot of the above article is that if you feel OK on your back, you probably are ok. I don't sleep on my back (even when not pregnant) but do lie on my back eg on the sofa. I can say from experience that in my previous two pregnancies this caused me no problems, but this time I feel dizzy if I lie on my back. So I don't. Simple really.

I love my pregnancy pillow! Last preg I used a regular pillow but this time I've got a 'proper' long skinny one and it is the business
However, if you don't get on with them, try tilting forward a bit like PP said. Bring your top leg horizontal for support - a bit like the recovery position. Very comfy.

Hi Op,

The most recent research is why the current advice is to sleep on your side rather than your back in the third trimester (from 28weeks) as it indicates that it reduces the risk of stillbirth.
Originally it was thought that the risk was around making pregnant mothers dizzy, but it has now been found the risk is to the baby.
www.tommys.org/about-us/charity-news/common-questions-about-sleeponside

Until 28 weeks it’s absolutely ok to sleep however you can & absolutely try a combination of pillows and positions; I found antenatal yoga helped with hip pain ; and if you’re really uncomfortable I’d ask for a phyiso referral.

@FeistySheep

I love my pregnancy pillow! Last preg I used a regular pillow but this time I've got a 'proper' long skinny one and it is the business However, if you don't get on with them, try tilting forward a bit like PP said. Bring your top leg horizontal for support - a bit like the recovery position. Very comfy.

Can you send me the link please? Sounds good...

I have this one.
www.amazon.co.uk/Niimo-Pregnancy-Breastfeeding-Maternity-Pillowcase/dp/B07VR1LB4Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=pregnancy+pillow+niimo&qid=1617450299&sr=8-3

It has a zip cover so good for washing!

You can sleep on your back until the third trimester (28 weeks)

Hello! It's usually helpful to sleep on your left side, as it neutralises your stomach lining and therefore reduces a feeling of sickness. Make sure to drink plenty of water as you may be dehydrated.

All the best!