Pregnant - When Should I Stop Sleeping on Back/stomach??

I think it is right around the start of the second trimester for your back. Not sure if there is a set time for stomach, other than when it just doesn't work.

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My initial answer is when you feel uncomfortable. This will happen and so perhaps using a bolster of some sort to "lean" against when sleeping on your side will help you to feel happier with the side position. You could roll up a quilt or a blanket, no need to buy anything. One is then able to lean with the non-bedside shoulder on the roll and put the matching leg over the bolster, this is similar to sleeping on the stomach but allows everyone more room.

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It will get uncomfortable--then impossible! You'll know. I used to try to fall asleep on my side then wake up on my stomach--lol

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I don't think that there was a set point, but most books and the doctors usually suggest that you find a comfortable position to sleep in. For me, I couldn't sleep starting around 20 weeks and was always tossing and turning until my friend suggested a pillow called "The Snoogle". I'm not kidding here... LOVED IT! I have given it as a gift numerous times b/c it allowed me to sleep in different positions with all of my "lumps and curves" supported.

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When it gets uncomfortable.

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Just about now you should start sleeping on your side. The 2nd trimester is when that baby can start to put pressure on that big blood vessel!

Congrats!

A. V.

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When it gets uncomfortable, and that time will vary for everyone. When the weight of your baby/uterus is enough to press on the arteries going down to your legs, they can feel like they are all pins and needles after awhile. I got a body pillow and was fine sleeping on my side with a leg thrown over it (and I'd switch sides a few times every night). I used my husband for this for awhile, but my son would party so hearty inside me at night he kicked Dad out of bed a few times and I only woke up when I heard Dad hit the floor.

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i did until it got uncomfortable. i just couldnt bring myself to sleep on my stomach. now that i can, it's fantastic!! one of the most reassuring things about pregnancy is knowing things like sleep position restrictions arent permenant :D hope you find a position thats comfortable!!!

i had sciatic pain in my lower back that would shoot horrible pains down my cheeks into the backs of my knees. i found amazing relief by going to a chiropractor. they have you lay differently once you get a belly and wont adjust you if it's uncomfortable. some chiropractors wont work on pregnant ladies, so find one that will if you'd like to give it try. i had a tilted pelvis on 1 side which was pinching my sciatic nerve and it was really inflamed. of course i had to go about once a week until the end of my pregnancy, but it does help :D

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Stop when it gets uncomfortable for you, until then, get as much as sleep as you can, anyway you can. The only reason for not sleeping on your back is because, for most women, it gets uncomfortable when the baby presses on a certain nerve or blood vessel (can never remember which). If you fall asleep on your back and the pressure is too much, you will roll over in your sleep long before anything could happen to the baby. You can sleep on your stomach until it gets too uncomfortable, too. It won't hurt the baby at all - he/she is pretty well protected.

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When you get uncomfortable that way. You will actually become uncomfortable and possibly short of breath before the baby even notices anything. Your body is amazing at warning you of things. Some people will get fanatic about not sleeping in certain positions or only on their left sides. If you have a choice, then sleep on the left side, but if you don't have a choice, sleep however you are the most comfortable. Think about it. If it was truly that dangerous, those heavy sleepers out there would have hurt a lot of babies by not even knowing they were sleeping in the wrong position. Getting GOOD sleep is much more important than worrying about what position to sleep in.

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Once you hit your 3rd trimester, doctors recommend not being flat on your back for any period of time. It puts too much pressure on the uterus and arteries and can cause the baby distress. No need to panic if you wake in the middle of the night on your back, just roll to your side. Until then, sleep however you are comfortable. I highly recommend buying a good u-shaped maternity pillow. I have back and hip issues, so I find my maternity pillow to be essential for propping up both belly and back, keeping my knees apart and not having to reposition the pillow when switching sides is so great. Good luck with your pregnancy!

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Whenever it gets uncomfortable :) Your brain will tell your body to turn if you're cutting off circulation or anything. I'm 24 weeks and still sleep on my tummy with a leg up next to me which keeps me a little on my side, or on my back most the time.

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Ha, you will know on your own.. I have a terrible back, so I always slept with a rolled up thin towel at my waist (while on my side and a thick pillow between my knees..

Very early I could not sleep on my stomach.. that little bump felt like a softball in there..

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I am 15 weeks right now and I still wake up on my back occasionally. I am not a stomach sleeper. I think you just naturally know when to quit sleeping on your stomach and back.

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