Not lying on your back after 16 weeks

[Liquorice]

How serious/important is this rule that I have been reading about in my pregnancy books, that you shouldn't lie on or exercise on your back after week 16? I will be 16 weeks later this week and I'm not even showing. Doesn't it apply more when the baby is bigger or doesn't it matter what size the baby is? Seems strange to me that it is required so early...

 

[hbw10]

yes, i was just discussing this with OB/GYN recently and it really applies to bigger babies as the danger is that the baby will press on your blood vessels. the danger is also actually to YOU and not the baby.

 

[banane76]

Baby puts pressure on your major blood vessel, the inferior vena cava so your bloodflow gets hindered. It's better for you so the blood flow continues properly. My doctor recommended not to lie on my back after 20 weeks.

 

[nicolejoy]

Some doctors in some places don't even recommend that. I don't think it's an issue until later in your pregnancy when the baby is much bigger. And I think that your own COMFORT will tell you when the baby is too big for that. I probably would start trying to not sleep on your back (because you might want to get out of that habit now) - but as for exercising for short periods of time, I think it's ok until much later in your pregnancy... I still lay on my back for short periods of time (like 15 min here and there) and I'm 35 weeks...

 

[Gemma]

I found myself actually getting short of breath lying on my back for a while, think it was around the 16 week mark too. So yes, your body will tell you.

 

[banane76]

Same here actually, I would feel faint and a bit nauseous if I lied on my back too long. Listen to your body!

 

[Portia]

My doctor also said to just listen to your body. He said that you would feel faint and know to turn over or sit up.

 

[southside852]

there's really no way you can sleep in any one position for that long of a period when you are pregnant. Btw getting up for the bathroom and just being uncomfortable, I wouldn't worry about it. I think I must change position every 15 minutes.

 

[Frenchy]

The best position I found is on the side rolled in my maternity/BF cushion (the big soft ones), it releases some pressure from the back as you can keep it straight.
Good luck !

 

[Liquorice]

Thanks. I feel fine sleeping on my back at the moment so will not worry about it. Will wait until I get a bit bigger....and enjoy the fact that sleep is still comfortable and easy for me, for the time being anyway!