Sleeping Postions

[rdh1981]

Sorry ladies this is not a sexual question!! ; 0 ) For the last few weeks I have been having a really hard time sleeping. I have a big huge  maternity pillow but here is the kicker. I know it is better for you and your baby to lay on the left side due to better oxygen/bloodflow. But when I wake up to go the bathroom for the millionth time I realize that I am on my back, which is a huge no no!! So, then I try my right side and I can usually stay like this for awhile, but it makes me feel guilty about not doing the right thing. But then again if I am trying the left and waking up on my back, am I just canceling out the good?? Oh my, I am going round in circles!!!!!!!! Somebody stop me and tell me I am nuts!!!!!!!!

Any advice or sassy comments are welcome! : ) Have a nice day!!!!!!
Rachel

[rdh1981]

You guys are a riot!!! Oh, Suz, I can just imagine how funny your bed looked!!!!  
Sadly, Pam we do not have a recliner of any sort. I tried putting a whole bunch of pillows to prop me up, but man that gave me some serious heartburn.  

I know, it is me, I am crazy and like Pam pointed out I am also Sassy!!!!!!

Sweet dreams to you too!!!

[SuzM]

I propped the head of my bed up with heavy books under the legs because I was so paranoid about sleeping flat ( and I wasn't even a back sleeper ! )  I remember my hubbie coming to bed the first night I did it, laying down and saying, "ok... so this odd, but I'm sure you have your reasons...."  LOL

I really doubt it did anything to help my baby, but it was great for my peace of mind and a great source of teasing for the hubbie. LOL

[PamelaBee]

Hey sassy!  I had the same problem with my 1st pregnancy and now with this one.  I am a back sleeper, and know that in your 2nd and 3rd trimester to be conscious of laying on your left or right side.  Well....didn't work, won't work, not working!!!  I tried every pillow, every technique imaginable, and I just couldn't get comfortable. SO, my solution is my husband moved part of our sectional sofa that reclines into our bedroom.  If you have a Lazy boy or any other recliner or chaise lounge it may work.  You are still on your back, but inclined enough not to lay flat and apply pressure to the vein/nerve in your back.  I have been sleeping effortlessly since.  I know I'm going to be sleep deprived once our little girl makes her appearance, so I am determined to do whatever it takes now to get a goods nights rest. Sweet dreams doll!!!   Pam

[SoCalTricia]

I think the anxiety you're feeling over something as trivial as sleeping position will cause more harm than sleeping on your back or right side, you silly girl.  If you don't have high blood pressure, lying on your left side doesn't really make much difference. Sleep however you are comfortable. And sleep as often as you can...since, soon enough, you won't get any. ;-)

Tricia

[tbeards]

I would wake up on my back from time to time (hips would hurt on either side after awhile) and my doctor said that you will wake up if you experience lack of blood flow to your uterus and lower extremities because it would be painful. He also said that every person will move around enough throughout the night because it is our bodies way of self-correcting circulation. Without our natural instincts, we would get bedsores : (

~t

[rdh1981]

Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease. I always love hearing your advice.
That is kind of what the maternity pillow does. It wraps around my back then I put the bottom of it in-between my legs!! So, I guess it never really allows to me fully lay flat on my back but it still worries me!! I am going to take Peeks advice and not worry until I look like a beached whale!

Thanks again!

[have 2 kids]

I used to always wake up on my back.  The Dr suggested putting a flat pillow under one hip to keep it elevated a little.   Maybe you could try that.

[pcarsey]

Have you tried putting a pillow behind your back? For me it helped because it seemed like I was laying on my back anyways. My doctor told me that unless there is a "problem" you don't need to worry about how you sleep.

[peekawho]

Left or right, doesn't matter.   And even if you find yourself on your back occasionally, don't sweat it just yet.  Later, much later its more important.  But for now, be comfy on either side, and don't worry a lot about waking up on your back every now and then.