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Okay- just wondering what the general consensus is regarding what sleeping positions are safe during pregnancy because I've heard a lot of different things.
I know that sleeping on your stomach is a no-no, and I never have and couldn't now if I wanted to because of my belly and boobs.
I typically sleep on my side, or a modified version of this with one leg bent and sort of tucked underneath me. This is how I slept before I became pregnant, mainly because I have a herniated disc and sleeping on my back and stomach was too painful.
For whatever reason, since I got pregnant sleeping on my back doesn't hurt nearly as much. Lately, I find myself laying on my back on and off throughout the night to give my hips a break because they've started to ache when I sleep on my side. However, I was just recently told by someone that laying on your back cuts off the blood supply to the baby. Is this true? Should I never lay on my back?
And, since I'm on the topic of sleep, I was also wondering if any BTDT moms have used a body pillow in the past, and whether or not that allowed them to be more comfortable throughout the night.
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Thank you, MommaDucks, for my lovely siggy
I sleep mainly on my left side and use my snoogle, i love it....i still lie on my front occasionally as i don't really have much of a bump yet.
With my last pregnancy sleeping on my back later on was not possible....i couldn't breath if i did that and had a lot of leg/back pain due to sciatica.
Once your bigger the baby pushes on a major blood vessel and nerve if you lie on your back so you will probably not find that possible later.
I sleep on my left and right sides mostly and some on my back too. I think the best rule of thumb is that if it feels comfortable, it is probably ok. I think once sleeping on your back causes a problem, you won't be comfortable doing it anyway. And yes, I use a body pillow. I dunno what I would do without that thing!
Ok i am horrible. I sleep however I can. I have BAD insomnia where I cant sleep for days on end! Sometimes on my tummy and sometimes on my side. But what can you do.
Thanks- this is a relief to hear because I'm starting to get really uncomfortable when I sleep. Just in the past week or so, my legs and hips have started to get really achy. I assume it's from the extra weight and expanding belly.
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Thank you, MommaDucks, for my lovely siggy
I sleep on my left and right sides mostly and some on my back too. I think the best rule of thumb is that if it feels comfortable, it is probably ok. I think once sleeping on your back causes a problem, you won't be comfortable doing it anyway. And yes, I use a body pillow. I dunno what I would do without that thing!
I love my body pillow! It was a life saver. Relives hip and back pain from laying on side. Laying on your back can cause the uterus to fall back on your aorta and vena cava and restrict blood flow to baby...that's why they suggest you don't.
But relcining or slightly elevated is fine. I put a pillow behind me to cushion my back when I roll over at night. It keeps me off off my back but gives me another position to sleep in! :-) I love to sleep on my stomach but it has become impossible! So I rotate sides now!
I sleep on my left side, right side, and my back. Never could sleep on my belly...but I also sleep on a mountain of pillows, so I might break my neck trying to sleep on my belly. The mountain of pillows got started with #1, I had heartburn so bad at night and the 2 pillow thing at night really made a big difference. Since then I cant break the habit and sleeping on 1 pillow gives me a head ache now.
I sleep on my left and right sides mostly and some on my back too. I think the best rule of thumb is that if it feels comfortable, it is probably ok. I think once sleeping on your back causes a problem, you won't be comfortable doing it anyway. And yes, I use a body pillow. I dunno what I would do without that thing!
Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!! except I have never tried a body pillow...as we only have a queen sized bed, and dh wont let me bring one in :-(
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Anna, high school teacher and mommy to three wonderful kids:
son, age 12
daughter, age 8
son, born Oct. 2, 2009
and expecting baby #4: 10/10/2011!!
Lol. I always have followed the "if you are comfortable, the baby is fine" motto. My midwife told me to sleep however I could and that if I was having trouble breathing or the baby was keeping me awake with kicking, I should shift positions to see if it got any better.
The laying on the back thing is true, but like others said, you would be uncomfortable by the time that is dangerous. However you feel comfortable. I also am not permitted to use a body pillow, because our bed is too small and I already hog most of the room But I slept on my belly with Liam until I delivered and am still on my belly with this baby. My bumps are never that huge out front, so it has remained comfortable! Thank goodness, I love sleeping on my belly.
i used the body pillow last time and it really helped with hip discomfort. Don't need it yet this time, but I'm sure it's coming. I also agree that if sleeping on your back could really hurt the baby, mother nature would give you a signal that it's not okay (i.e. it would become uncomfortable for you.)
I typically sleep on my left side (even pre-pregnancy), but I do switch to my right side sometimes - it's just not quite as comfortable for me. I also still find it very comfortable at times to sleep on my back but better when my knees are bent (relieves pressure on my back.) i wouldn't worry too much, especially if you're still comfortable. Also, I would check with your doctor and your next apt. and then you'll have a more definitive answer. Best of luck staying comfortable!!
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Introducing Aris!
Welcomed to our Family on 10/8/11
I am not BTDT, but I think I would never sleep if I didn't have my body pillow. It goes where I go...along with my 3 other pillows. Poor DH. He has to share a bed with me and my pillows.
My body pillow is my life!!! I was a belly dweller until recently, and I have had to adjust. Without that body pillow I'd be lost I have the Boppy one and it's amazing, so amazing DF likes to steal it.
So if I dissappear and then you hear of a crazy pregnant chick in NC killing her sleeping partner and giving birth in prison, it was me! Lol
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Thank you Mom2*Lauryn*Jacob, I love my siggy!
I sleep however I'm comfortable. I don't believe in the whole "you can't" blah, blah, blah stuff. You do what works for you. Be that back, side, or stomach. If it's uncomfortable, then it's not right for you.
I don't do a body pillow, but I used to use a king sized pillow. However, now, I just use my blanket. It's a king sized down comforter. I just tuck it in and around however I need it. Oh, DH and I use separate blankets. It's just the way it works best for us. LOL
7/2010 
But I slept on my belly with Liam until I delivered and am still on my belly with this baby. My bumps are never that huge out front, so it has remained comfortable! Thank goodness, I love sleeping on my belly.
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