Left side

[StephW09]

Why do ppl say that you should sleep on your left side while pregnant?

[KarenDiane]

When I had trouble with high blood pressure, during my first pregnancy, the Dr. told me laying on my left side would help lower it. Personally, I am much more comfortable on my right side and find myself waking up on my right side almost every day. I never sleep on my back anymore because it makes my heart race and I have trouble breathing. I do miss sleeping on my belly.

[Brittny27]

Sleeping on your back while pregnant can create pressure on a major vein called the inferior vena cava.  This vein returns blood from the lower body to your heart.  This may lead to light headedness and/or numbness.  In addition this may cause pressure on your back and intestines, leading to discomfort.

Most physicians recommend that a woman sleep on her left side while pregnant.  this allows for the maximum blood flow to the baby, and it will also improve kidney function for the mother.  The improved kidney flow will help to reduce swelling.  Because your liver is on the right side of your body, sleeping on your left will keep the pressure off your liver.

[HeatherLF16]

Funny I always wondered this too... and have been trying to follow this rule since early pregnancy (I like my right side more).  Now that I am a little farther along I feel the baby more on my left side (his head down low on that side and his feet kicking me on the left side of the ribs).  Must be because he is getting the most air, and blood there!  There are plenty of times when I wake up on my back or other side by accident, but you can't help what you do when you sleep!

[ashleighnb]

Allows for better circulation to help get the most oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

[KarenDiane]

Yes, it increases blood flow which brings oxygen and nutrients to the womb.

[AnxiousGurl]

I think they say the baby gets more oxygen and nutrients on that side...