Can you sleep on tummy when pregnant

Meanwhile, resting on your right side later in pregnancy may compress the aorta, the main artery responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Compressing either the inferior vena cava or the aorta may decrease blood flow to your baby. It can also lead to preeclampsia , which is high blood pressure during pregnancy. Standing or sitting up all day with the weight of your baby bump pulling your torso forward can leave you with an aching lower back and tight hips. Lying down in the prone position may help you release your sore muscles so you can find some relief. While lying on your stomach is generally fine to do during pregnancy, always listen to your body.

If it hurts or feels uncomfortable, choose another position. You also should talk to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Together, you can decide the best sleeping position for you as well as discuss whether or not it is recommended for you to lie on your stomach while pregnant. Lying on your stomach during pregnancy is not considered dangerous for you or your baby.

It may even help you rest better as well as allow you to avoid lying in other, unsafe positions like on your back or right side. Once this position becomes uncomfortable, you can try using a donut pillow or bolsters for support. Or, you can try the lateral decubitus position, which is halfway between flat on your back and totally on your side.

Avoid lying flat on your back or on your right side, especially after 28 weeks of gestation. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the best sleeping position for you. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Silver, RM, et al. Prospective evaluation of maternal sleep position through 30 weeks gestation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. An individual participant data meta-analysis of maternal going-to-sleep position, interactions with fetal vulnerability, and the risk of late stillbirth.

Warland J. Back to basics: avoiding the supine position in pregnancy: Perspectives. Sometimes, the side a person sleeps on may affect their health. Find out why, and discover tips for maintaining a comfortable sleeping position. Is sleeping on the stomach while pregnant safe? Is it safe? Pregnancy sleeping positions Positions to avoid Changing positions Tips for sleep Summary Many people have a favorite position for going to sleep.

Is it safe to sleep on the stomach while pregnant? Best sleeping positions during pregnancy. Sleeping positions to avoid. How to change sleeping positions during pregnancy. Other ways to improve sleep during pregnancy. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What helps with insomnia during early pregnancy?

Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. What to know about side sleeping. This means more room to function properly, helping with swelling issues in your hands, ankles, and feet. That review showed equal safety with sleeping on the left and right sides.

You may have heard that your sleep side indicates the sex of your baby. This is just an urban legend. There are no studies to suggest that sleep position has any correlation to the sex of your baby. Sleeping in any position is generally fine early on. But if you want to get into the habit of favoring your side, try simply slipping a pillow between your legs.

This may ease discomfort in your hips and lower body. If yours is too soft, you might consider slipping a board between your mattress and box spring. You may also want to look into pregnancy pillows. They come in U or C shapes and wrap around your entire body to help with side sleeping. You position the pillow so that it runs along your back and then hug the front while simultaneously slipping it between your knees.

Continue using a pregnancy pillow for support. If you find them a bit cumbersome with your growing belly, investigate wedge pillows. You can stick them under your belly and behind your back to keep from rolling. Wondering if you can sleep on your stomach during pregnancy? You sure can — at least for a while. Stomach sleeping is OK until you reach about weeks 16 to At that point, your bump may be growing a bit bigger, making this position less and less desirable.

The uterine walls and amniotic fluid protect your baby from being squished. Try not to drink coffee or caffeinated tea after 3 p. Brink plenty of water. Exercise for 30 minutes. Relaxing activities. A warm bath, foot or shoulder massage will help you relax. Peaceful bedroom.

Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and cool at night will help to drift off to sleep and stay asleep. Want More Help? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook.