[mamatoady]

I seem to remember that you aren't supposed lay on your back later in pregnancy. I am 24 weeks and my bed is incredibly comfortable on my back...anyone hear of this and should I not do it? What was the reasoning?

Sarah

 

[Jilian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamatoady I seem to remember that you aren't supposed lay on your back later in pregnancy. I am 24 weeks and my bed is incredibly comfortable on my back...anyone hear of this and should I not do it? What was the reasoning?

It puts pressure on your vena cava (major blood supply for your lower body) and causes decreased circulation, increasing swelling and chances of hemmrhoids. That is why laying on your left side is best, it puts the least amount of pressure on your vena cava and promotes healthy circulation.

 

[MeepyCat]

What Jillian said, but do keep in mind: if lying on your back was causing you problems, it is highly unlikely that you would be at all comfortable while doing so.

 

[mamadelbosque]

See, I find this very interesting, cause last pregnancy I don't *ever* remember being told not to lay on my back... it was in fact nearly the only position that was comfortable at a certain point. And so that was how I slept for months... This time, I don't find it nearly as comfortable but do still lay/sleep on my back at times. AFAIK if it was bad it'd be uncomfortable.. so I don't worry

 

[purplestraws]

Yes to what Jilian said, however, I was under the impression that as long as you are comfortable laying on your back and don't experience any kind of discomfort, then it's OK. Left side is just optimal.

I was fine laying on my back during my first pregnancy but this time it gets really uncomfortable. I start to get kind of crampy...and then I get a little lightheaded and short of breath.

I wouldn't worry too much...just maybe get some time on your side too.

 

[Flower of Bliss]

I posted something similar a few weeks ago. Now at 23 weeks lying on my back for even just a minute leaves me short of breath. I continued to lie on my back until it became uncomfortable.

 

[mamatoady]

thanks everyone. I guess it just depends on the pregnancy. With my daughter I couldn't lay on my back for more than a few seconds by about 20 weeks and I'm almost 25 weeks and it's way comfortable. There have been a lot of differences for me with the pregnancy though, so I shouldn't be suprised by much.

Sarah

 

[rclaz]

all the comments about being lightheaded, short of breath crampy, etc. are the reasons they dont want you to lie on your back. Those are the effects of the baby putting pressure on your vena cava. I have never felt that way once. Not with my daugther and not with this pregnancy. I think it also has something to do with the position of your baby at any given time. I think you've got it right, that if you start to feel lightheaded, short of breath or crampy, just stop doing it.

 

[Talula Fairie]

If it's still comfortable and you prop yourself up a bit, it's fine. Generally if laying on your back is restricting enough blood flow to cause a problem, you'll feel it. Your limbs will get tingy/crampy and you may even get dizzy or short of breath. I've woken up like that a few times. I miss sleeping on my back. It's so much better for my sciatica.

 

[Mom&BabyChiro]

I asked my midwife this exact question when a couple of weeks agao the little "Countdown to a Miracle" flip chart I was using said "No more laying on your back anymore!" She explained that it is due to the concern about decreasing blood flow to the baby (as explained in previous posts), but that you will feel the effects of it before your baby does and want to change positions. Her advice was that if it still feels good to you, and you're not noticing any change in breathing, sensation in limbs, etc...than it's probably not affecting the baby in any noticeable way either!

 

[texaspeach]

I lay on my back all the time. When it gets uncomfortable, I'll stop. I think it's the dr sears book that says it's fine to do what's comfortable, when you need to stop your body will let you know.

 

[BlueMonday]

have to admit that with pg #1, I not only lay on my back as long as it was comfortable, which was probably at least 35 weeks if not later, but I also lay on my stomach, increasingly propped up by pillows. As pp have said, the baby and your body will let you know if something doesn't fly.

 

[Jadzia]

I seem to wake up every morning on my back, despite falling asleep on my side. I think it is just where I tend to go into a deep sleep better.

 

[Jilian]

I forgot to say that it also lowers your blood pressure, which isn't so good for the baby. But you can obviously tell if your blood pressure is dropping, so just be on the lookout. I can't lay on my back anymore without feeling like I am completely suffocating.

 

[spiritedmama]

I also tend to wake up on my back. II fall asleep on my side and wake up on my back... am so glad for this post because I have been worrying about it.

 

[super mamabug]

I seriously believe that it would be uncomfortable if it was hurting you. Very strange that we wouldn't know about something that is damaging us or our babies. Anywho if you are comfy go for it.

 

[Turquesa]

Not to hijack, but is it true that lying on your back can adversely affect the baby's position? It doesn't hurt me, but I've been avoiding it out of that concern. I'm not at all keen on having another OP baby.

 

[Talula Fairie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turquesa Not to hijack, but is it true that lying on your back can adversely affect the baby's position? It doesn't hurt me, but I've been avoiding it out of that concern. I'm not at all keen on having another OP baby.

I was told sitting in a chair for long periods (such as at the computer

) causes an OP baby. Both my babies were OP. Me and my vaj both survived

eta: you can check http://www.spinningbabies.com/ for more info on positioning. At this point in pregnancy though, you can really be in any position you want. It doesn't start to matter really until 35+ weeks.

 

[Turquesa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talula Fairie I was told sitting in a chair for long periods (such as at the computer ) causes an OP baby. Both my babies were OP. Me and my vaj both survived eta: you can check http://www.spinningbabies.com/ for more info on positioning. At this point in pregnancy though, you can really be in any position you want. It doesn't start to matter really until 35+ weeks.

Thanks.