I'm usually a back sleeper, but I've heard you shouldn't sleep straight on your back during pregnancy. Is it really okay or safe to sleep straight during pregnancy, especially later on?
Actually, after the first trimester, the weight of the growing uterus can press on a major blood vessel when you sleep straight. It is best to practice sleeping on your left side to ensure great blood flow to your baby.
My doctor explained that sleeping flat on your back in the second and third trimester reduces oxygen flow to the baby. She advised me to always sleep on the left side and use a support pillow behind my back so I don't roll over.
Sleeping on your back in later months can restrict blood flow to the baby. Please consult your gynac about the safest sleeping positions for your specific week.
In the early months it is fine, but later you should sleep on your side. Try putting a soft pillow between your knees for comfort, but if you feel dizzy or breathless, check with your doctor immediately.
I am in my 5th month and I keep waking up on my back even though I try to sleep on my left side! Does anyone else find body pillows actually helpful for this?
