The third trimester is an important period of pregnancy. During this time, it is generally advised that you take extra care to ensure the health and safety of your baby. One concern that often comes up is the question of lying on your stomach while pregnant in the third trimester. While it is generally advised to avoid lying on your stomach during this time, there are some limitations to this rule that you should be aware of. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and risks associated with lying on your stomach while pregnant in the third trimester, as well as some alternative positions that may be more beneficial. By understanding more about this issue, you can ensure that you and your baby remain healthy and safe during the important third trimester.
What if I wake up on my back during the night?
Positioning before bed has received the most attention in the research, not positioning while sleeping. Simply turn back over to your side if you wake up on your back.
We cannot control our sleeping positions, and a significant bump is likely to be uncomfortable enough to keep you from lying on your back for an extended period of time. Additionally, we are aware that the position we choose for bedtime is the one we stay in for the majority of the night.
When Should You Stop Sleeping On Stomach During Pregnancy?
You should stop sleeping on the stomach whenever you feel uncomfortable. You may be able to sleep until the 16th to 18th week of pregnancy. Sleeping on your stomach after this period becomes uncomfortable (4).
The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart, the inferior vena cava, is pressed under the weight of the growing fetus when sleeping on one’s back. This could reduce blood flow to the fetus and slow down blood flow back to the heart (1). Backaches, breathing difficulties, decreased digestion, disruptions in circulation, and possibly hypotension can all result from sleeping on your back. It also reduces blood flow to the uterus, depriving the developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. Related:
What Sleeping Positions Are Not Recommended During Pregnancy?
The third trimester is when changing your sleeping positions will really affect how comfortable you are at night. While stomach sleeping isn’t particularly comfortable and side sleeping is advised, back sleeping is the only position that should be completely avoided beginning in your third trimester.
Although it may surprise you given that your back is facing your growing baby, doctors do not advise sleeping on your back, particularly later in pregnancy.
It is not advised to lie on your back because the weight of the developing baby could put a lot of pressure on the inferior vena cava (IVC), a significant vein that runs parallel to your spine on the right side of your body. Increasing pressure from the weight of your baby can obstruct the vital process of returning blood from your lower body to your heart for reoxygenation.
Additionally, laying on your back may put more pressure on your actual back muscles, which can be bothersome when trying to fall asleep and result in muscle aches when you wake up.
Other potential signs that could manifest if you sleep on your back in the third trimester include the following:
The risk can be easily reduced if you make a conscious effort to avoid back sleeping despite the fact that these symptoms have the potential to cause pregnancy complications prior to or during delivery.
Don’t worry if you discover that you slept on your back when you wake up; simply switch to a side position and go back to sleep. When rising for the day, take your time and try to gently stretch your back and legs to improve circulation before standing up and moving around.
Additionally, never forget that your OB-GYN is available to assist you whenever you have questions. Don’t be afraid to express any worries you may have, especially if you discover that despite your best efforts to sleep on your side, you consistently wake up on your back.
FAQ
Can laying on stomach hurt baby third trimester?
Am I squishing my baby when I sleep on my stomach?
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