At what point should you on sleep on your left side?

[AmyG89]

I am 11 weeks today. I know at some point during pregnancy they recommend that pregnant women should only sleep on their left side. At what point is this recommended? I find myself most comfortable on my back but I don't want to keep sleeping this way if it's not recommended.

Thank You

[Estee_Marie]

Exactly.  You shouldn't lay FLAT on your back.  As long as you're elevated, it's fine.  This came from my doctor, I didn't make it up.  So if the way she's comfortable is on her back, then she can use one a pillow or even buy one of those that keep you elevated.

[Atia_Julii]

The biggest reason you aren't supposed to sleep on your back after 16 weeks is because there is a major blood vessel called the vena cava, and the weight of the uterus while sleeping on your back pushes against it, and the blood flow is reduced to the uterus.  It's not about comfort. . . it's about safety for the little one.

[tarajanes]

There are reason why you shouldnt sleep on your back.

Don't lie flat on your back for long periods of time, particularly after 16 weeks.

  This can cause problems with backaches, breathing, digestive system, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and decrease in circulation to your heart and your baby. This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels

[Estee_Marie]

I slept on my back and even on my stomach until it was no longer comfortable, which was about week 26 or so.  After that, I put an extra pillow on my back so my back could be elevated.  As long as you're elevated, you'll be fine.  I am now 38 weeks and there's no way I can sleep on my back, even with the pillows because it's very uncomfortable.  This started around week 35 or so.  You have to sleep however is comfortable for you, and if that's on your back, then so be it.  Just make sure you're elevated so the blood can flow.  

[Alli83]

I am 12 weeks today and have been sleeping on my sides since about week 6. It is very difficult and my sides hurt sometimes and I switch but I figured I should get used to it early.

[worrieddd612]

yeah i would start now cause im 26 weeks now and i didn't practice it so now im rollin over on my back all the time! by the way we change weeks on the same day. :)