Trying not to sleep on my back

[mummykass]

Hi there, just wondering if anyone has any tricks for stopping themselves from sleeping on their back. I am 24 weeks, and I know sleeping on your back can slow down blood flow through a major artery to the pelvic area whilst pregnant, and so I go to sleep comfortably on my side, but am always waking up during the night finding that I have moved position to lying on my back. Im afraid I might do some damage so I tried putting a pillow next to me to stop myself rolling onto my back, to no avail. Please help me if you can, and do you have the same problem?

[rynosmum]

I used to sleep with six pillows :o Two propped under my back - roll forward, push them under and roll back so they're kinda wedged. One between my knees, one propped under my tummy and one to hug. Oh...and one under my head !:D

[mummykass]

Far out! What a task to get into bed! Well if it works I'll try it, I will have to go and raid the linen cupboard for spare pillows. Thanks for your help!

[rynosmum]

LOL :D ! I couldn't move - kinda like being in traction all night. But it was the only way I could be comfortable at night. Not great for hubby though....;)

[SixtiesChild]

Hi,

I had the same concern about sleeping on my back. Lots of times I would wake up on my back because it was just plain comfortable that way and thought I may have done some damage. I still wake up like that sometimes and I'm at 36 weeks.
Actually, I think to do damage, you'd have to really compress the area for a long time. At least you're aware of it, so that helps.
The vein you are talking about is called the inferior vena cava which apparently runs down the right side of the back and buttocks and you could try placing a cushion there as a stopper to stop from rolling over.

Best Wishes

[JnA]

Hi

When treating a pregnant casualty we place a wedge or small pillow just under the right buttock, this apparently tilts the pelvis enough to the left. Perhaps you could try something similar in bed.

An EM nurse once told me that baby often wiggles off the vein anyway, all one really need to worry about is the fluid. I don't know how true that is though.

Sleep well

[gypsy girl]

Hi, I too was concerned about this and asked my obstetrician ... he acknowledged that some say it is not a good idea, but his advice was there is no problem with sleeping on your back (or right side) and you will NOT hurt the bub... he said"what is comfortable for you is fine for the baby". As it turns out, I don't spend much time on my back anymore because, at 30 weeks pregnant, it is now becoming too uncomfortable due to the weight of the baby. I have also tried putting a pillow under one side like a wedge to tilt me off my back directly if I am uncomfy. I find I get so sick of sleeping in the same side position and have to move around a lot at night and shift positions!

[the_queen]

I've been informed by my MW, my physiotherapist and my GP that if sleeping on your back is comfortable, then do it. If you're worried about hurting bubs, put a pillow (not even a fullsize one, just a little cushion type pillow will do) underneath your right buttock.
Stressing yourself out about it is probably more harmful than the actual act of laying on your back ;)