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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Lying on back

11 replies

limegreenwellies · 09/10/2023 12:14

I know you're not supposed to sleep on your back later during pregnancy, but does anyone know how long it's ok to just lie on your back for without sleeping? Eg on a sofa, in bed, on a lounger? Tried Googling but only get info about not sleeping on your back.

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HippeePrincess · 09/10/2023 12:17

once past 16 weeks I basically couldn’t for more than a minute so I’m not sure it’s possible to lie for longer than is safe?

Original poster
limegreenwellies · 09/10/2023 12:22

HippeePrincess · 09/10/2023 12:17

once past 16 weeks I basically couldn’t for more than a minute so I’m not sure it’s possible to lie for longer than is safe?

What stopped you out of interest? I'm nearly in 3rd trimester and don't seem to get any negative impact from lying on my back

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HippeePrincess · 09/10/2023 12:29

it hurt my back, had a horrible pressure type feeling of my uterus pressing inwards and upwards, breathless, acid reflux and then dizzy when I got up.

have you got a particularly small bump?

Desperado123 · 09/10/2023 12:34

Same. I felt uncomfortable pressure on my back so it wasn't happening. But god I miss lying on my back!!

The honest answer is I don't know know what is safe, and from the reading it feels like even medics aren't sure. The literature seems to suggest there is a link between falling asleep on back and increased chance of stillbirth, but not if you fell asleep on your side and wake up on your back. But they don't know why outside of speculation about impact on circulation, and I am not sure if its sleep or position thay affects circulation more.

I think it's going to depend on how you feel/what the midwife suggests.

Cowlover89 · 09/10/2023 12:34

I lie on my back on the sofa. Got PGP it's the only position that doesn't really aggravate the pain. When I'm in bed my partner always makes me go on my side if i end up on my back lol

Original poster
limegreenwellies · 09/10/2023 13:04

HippeePrincess · 09/10/2023 12:29

it hurt my back, had a horrible pressure type feeling of my uterus pressing inwards and upwards, breathless, acid reflux and then dizzy when I got up.

have you got a particularly small bump?

No, the reverse, it's quite big!

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Original poster
limegreenwellies · 09/10/2023 13:06

Cowlover89 · 09/10/2023 12:34

I lie on my back on the sofa. Got PGP it's the only position that doesn't really aggravate the pain. When I'm in bed my partner always makes me go on my side if i end up on my back lol

Yes - me too for PGP! And also just slipped a disc in my back (history of back problems) and stretching out straight for a bit on my bed really helps. I do also sleep on my side, make a conscious effort to but enjoy a stretch out!

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Original poster
limegreenwellies · 09/10/2023 13:06

@Desperado123 Yes that sounds like what I found when researching too.. I'll ask my midwife next time I see her, good shout!

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ChocChipPancake · 09/10/2023 13:07

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on OP's request.

DuploTrain · 09/10/2023 13:10

I found lying on my back so comfy throughout my last pregnancy and so far in this one too. I dutifully followed the advice and didn’t sleep on my back in the 3rd trimester even though I would have loved to.

I also lie on my back to do yoga.

My personal (non-medical) view is that if you’re just lying down and not asleep, you can wiggle around a bit and shift position regularly. And you’d notice if you started to feel dizzy etc.

PickledScrump · 09/10/2023 17:45

There’s a major artery on the right side of your back which the weight of baby can put pressure on and restrict blood flow. From what I can gather, if that was to happen you’d start to feel a bit dizzy and faint but obviously if you’re asleep you wouldn’t notice. I think as long as you feel ok and shift regularly/try and keep the weight more on your left side then it’s fine. I’ve been lying back on the sofa a lot this time as my toddler still likes to nap on me. Just try to shift weight towards my left side more or put cushion under right side now I’m enormous

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