Feeling sick and dizzy when lying on my back (not for sleep)

[MrsBP15]

Just looking for some advice…

I am a side sleeper already so never sleep on my back. However there have been a few instances where I’ve been lying on my back and I’ve felt really sick/dizzy/faint. I’ve had it a few times in yoga then it was really bad during my 20 week scan. Then today I had a pregnancy massage (half of it I was on my side) and had to get her to stop so I could sit up and have a glass of water. I felt fine once I’d had a drink etc.

I’m just wondering what this is and do I need to flag it with anyone? I’m seeing my midwife in two weeks so maybe I’m ok to just bring it up then? I certainly won’t be going on my back for anything any time soon!

thanks so much and happy Mother’s Day for tomorrow 💐

P.S I’m 22 weeks!

this is why women are advised not to sleep/lie on their backs from about 20 weeks onwards. The increased weight of your uterus becomes heavy enough to reduce the blood flow back to your heart, drop your blood pressure and make you feel faint/sick. It can also reduce placental blood flow. Best advice is to not lie flat anymore.

Could it maybe even be benign positional vertigo… have a google? But yeah maybe avoid lying on your back for now…

Thank you @Greybeardy im now a little worried I’ve harmed my baby. Do you think I should seek medical advice?

Thanks @fourelementary ive had a look and it could be. I’m just debating whether to seek medical advice.

Pregnant women are usually advised not to lie completely flat from around start of 3rd trimester when the weight of the uterus can restrict blood flow and cause your blood pressure to drop.
You don’t need to seek medical advice, just avoid lying flat on your back anymore. You can lie propped up with pillows just not completely flat.
Anyone leading a yoga class with pregnant ladies or giving pregnancy massages should really know this.

Agree. I wouldn't go back to eother this class or this massage therapist if neither of them knew to tell you this.

I'm sure you will be fine. Just don't lie on back from now on.

Thank you @maw1681 and @BlackCoffeeAndSugar i should say that in my yoga class I am propped up with bolsters and blocks and it hasn’t happened that much or too severely. For the massage I was propped up a little on the bed but probably should have been more. This is my first pregnancy and no one had said anything to me about it other than for sleeping but I hadn’t put two and two together. I certainly won’t be on my back again from here on in and hopefully everything is ok with bub. Thank you again!