Can I Sleep on My Stomach If I Am Pregnant?

By: Cheryl Bowman

"Can I sleep on my stomach if I am pregnant?" That's a common question for pregnant women. Sleeping on your stomach while pregnant is safe; you would get uncomfortable and move before any damage could be done to the baby. In the later stages of pregnancy, you'll find it too uncomfortable to even try to sleep on your stomach.

Sleeping Comfortably During Pregnancy
The best pregnancy sleep position is on your side, but if you must sleep on your stomach, it is possible.

  • Use a pregnancy sleep pillow for support while sleeping half on your side and half on your stomach.
  • Put a pillow under your hips and another pillow under your chest with your belly in between them. The pillows will raise you up enough so there isn't as much pressure on your stomach. This is more comfortable for you, and allows proper blood flow to your baby.
  • Lay on your side in the "running" position, with both legs bent out in front of you and the lower arm (left arm if you are sleeping on your left side, right if you are sleeping on your right) bent at the elbow, but behind you.

Many women find that they cannot sleep on either side without experiencing pain. Using a body pillow or putting a pillow in the small of your back while you are sleeping on your side can help relieve the pressure on the sore parts of your body. Some women say that they prefer lying on their side, because they can feel the baby kicking more than when lying on their stomachs. 

The one position you really want to avoid, particularly in late pregnancy, is sleeping on your back. The added weight of your abdomen puts pressure on your intestines and major blood vessels. This can cause back pain, lower leg pain, digestive problems, low blood pressure and lower blood circulation to your baby.

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