So is sleeping on your back really that bad?

[Schnullerbacke]

So I am now nearly 36 weeks and can't help but sleep on my back sometimes. The MW kept saying in the beginning that until 20 weeks or so it's not too bad but might get more uncomfortable later on.

I read that lying on your back can minimise blood supply to liver and one might feel breathless etc but finding a good sleeping position is such misery at the moment. With or without pillow support - arse, legs, hips, pelvis - everything just hurts and sometimes I can manage to find a position on my back that is half comfortable and I can actually get an hour's sleep or so.

So, is it really that bad to sleep on your back that far into the pregnancy?

Thanks.

I really don't think so - until this was "discovered" women must have slept on their backs all the time - I certainly did and no harm was done. I don't believe the human body would carry on with a design flaw that serious! If that's what you need to do to get comfortable then where's the harm?

I am 32 weeks and have been told not to lie on my back for long periods - but sometimes it is the ONLY comfortable position.

I could never lie on my back in later pregnancy, it made me feel really weird. If you're comfy though, I'm sure it'll be ok as long as you're not there for ages.

My midwife said it's fine if you have two pillows. I also read if you are uncomfortable, you would wake up and move. x

My women's health physio told me that it is only bad if you lie totally flat, ie without your head supported by a pillow.
In addition, if you were reducing blood supply you would notice immediately as you would become dizzy, breathless, nauseous, and start to sweat. So I really don't think it's an issue. Sleep however you can. Most important thing is that you are well rested.

I'd do whatever is comfy! As per a previous post, you would definately know about it your blood supply was reduced. Very about being able to lie on your back

I get 2mins max on my back before feeling really faint! Now this has extended to sitting on a reclined upright seat