[ilex]

I'm 26 wks and am getting concerned that I keep doing this every night. I wake up because I am sore and have to move to my side, and I think I sleep on my back for quite some time... any else do this? What can I do to stop myself from sleeping on my back without knowing it? Or is there a way to sleep in this position that is okay?

Holly

 

[mealymama]

I did this all the time during my first pregnancy... which was weird, b/c I've never been a back sleeper. So I started using tons of big, firm pillows. I would lay on my side and prop them between my knees and feet, keep one against my back, and one in front. It gave me great hip support and made it very difficult to accidentally roll over onto my back. When I did roll over anyway I'd wake right up, b/c there'd be a pillow underneath me making me uncomfortable.

 

[pamamidwife]

it's really not a problem - and it could be one reason why you DO wake up. it would take awhile before there would be any harm to the baby and you'd know it before it would affect your baby.

I think that the "don't sleep on your back" thing is a bit overblown - mom will become uncomfortable before it does any damage.

 

[anothermama]

ITA with Pam..........

But I'd just get really bad backaches if I was allowed to do it, so I made myself a "nest" of sorts with all the pillows in the house.......even random throw pillows from the couch.......so that I basically wasn't able to move off my side.......it was actually very comfy. Either that, or I'd occasionally sleep on the couch to get the same effect. It stinks because you can't cuddle with DH but it was cozy.........

 

[bwylde]

I slept on my back the whole while with DS and I've been on my back most of the time I sleep this time around. Like Pam said, maybe that's why you do wake up. I heard you'll get dizzy and feel nauseous if laying on your back is a problem, which I've never experienced. Sleeping on my back is the only way I can get comfy sometimes, even though I feel like a beetle on it's back when trying to get up, lol!

 

[krnflwr]

Funny you should mention this, because I've been having the same problem...but on the other side. I keep waking up on my tummy, which has been worrying me. All the different midwives I've spoken with, or read their advice, say that one can sleep in whichever position is comfortable for you. Your body will tell you if the way you are laying is bad, either you will get short of breath or your legs will fall asleep, or your back will ache, etc... Otherwise, they all agree that sleep is precious and enjoy it however and whenever you can! If you feel uncomfortable however you are positioned, then move. Everyone seemed surprised that I could still get onto my tummy, but told me that if the baby and I could sleep that way, then pleasant dreams.

Use pillows to create yourself a big nest, prop up areas that need support and make yourself more comfy. I have a big body pillow that I use and it really helps keep me comfortable. Some people like lots of little pillows, they find them more adjustable. Hope you find something that works.

 

[Mom2baldie]

Im 26 weeks pregnant as well and still sleep on my back! I really dont think its a big deal. I think you would instinctively roll onto your side before anything happened to the baby... I guess you could try propping pillows all around you, I havent done that, but it would probably work.

I really wouldnt worry about it if I were you.

 

[mum2tori]

A pillow behind you works wonderfully. I use a large body pillow that works great at "keeping" me on my side. I have a tendancy to roll more on to my tummy than my back. But "Radish" lets me know when he doesn't want me on my tummy anymore. He starts doing the Hokey-pokey... "put your left foot out, and push really HARD!!"

He is very territorial about "his space" and me infringing on it.

 

[pamamidwife]

You can comfortably sleep "on your back", too, if you place a small pillow or folded towel under one hip.

 

[ilex]

Thank you for all of your replies! It is reassuring to know that I will be just fine and so will the baby. Thank you Pam for your wisdom as well. I think it is true as well that we just have to follow the signs and signals of our bodies, even if everyone is telling you don't do that! It's challenging sometimes though. So thank you for letting me know I'm not alone.