Pregnancy Sleeping Positions

[mellymell]

I'm in my second pregnancy (15 weeks) and have a real issue with sleeping on my left side. Without fail, I either end up on my back (snoring gently) or on my more comfortable right side. I don't think I really need to worry until 20 weeks when the sleeping position is more important, but should I be really worrying at all? Would it 'hurt' if I carry on sleeping on my right side if it means I can get some sleep?

Any comments are welcome.

Why is it more important after 20 weeks? I'm still sleeping in the recovery position at 22 weeks.

The things I forget from first time around!!

Am also in my 2nd pregnancy, 35 wks and have gone for sleeping on either of my sides to be honest. Had terrible problems with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so if I were to get ANY chance of sleep, then I went for what was most comfortable.. a mixture of using both sides.

Sleeping on back or stomach are the things to avoid I always thought.

The reason that 20 weeks is in my head (and I could well be wrong) was becuase of an exercise class I was doing whether the instructor kept mentioning that I shouldn't be lying on my back. I'm sure all this position stuff is due to squashing blood supply on your right side.

Obviously, it hasn't worried you two, which is reassuring. I just remember from my first pregnancy how strict everyone was about it.

TBH if I get a decent night sleep I don't stress about my position! I'm 30 weeks and normally sleep on either side but often wake up during the night lying on my back. I sleep with a v cushion and have tried putting a wedge cushion behind my back so I don't roll onto my back but it never works. I think I remember fretting over this 1st time round as well but I don't know how to stop myself!

From what I can gather (physio advice), if the baby was lying on a major blood vessel (which is why they say don't lie on your back) you'd know about it because you'd be breathless and dizzy. And if you aren't, don't worry about it. Also, if you have a couple pillows under your head then you're not flat on your back the way you might be in an exercise class.

My opinion is that it's one of those things that books talk about but for most people is fine to do.

Anatomically, blood flow is best when you lie on your left side, but that doesn't mean lying on your right or anything else is bad.

Thanks all for your comments - I will just lie back (on 2 pillows and my v pillow) and stop worrying. Now if I can stop DH from lying diagonally across the bed on his back and snoring, I really will get a good night's sleep!

I think they advise sleeping on your left side to give you OFP (optimal fetal position), not because it can cause any harm.