Lying on your back

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

I've read in several places to avoid sleeping/lying on your back because the weight of the baby can constrict an artery.
Up until the last week or so I haven't really worried about it because I figured the baby wasn't big enough yet. But now I get a bit of a weird feeling. I'm not sure if it's psychological though.
My question is - how long is too long on your back? I've been having a rest in the afternoons, sometimes reading sometimes watching a bit of tv. Will lying on my back for half an hour cause problems for my insides? I want to get a facial before I get much bigger. (I'm 25 weeks). Is one hour going to be too long?

[Early Kids]

I dont see why an hour would be too long as long as you are comfy. Good on you for doing something for yourself before bubby comes!

[Inanna]

Lying supine can cause restriction of blood vessels. It is advised that you sleep on either side (left is best) but not on your back. Your body will tell you it's time to move so don't panic or get anxious if you awake on your back. Just roll over. You will be affected long before your baby - remember you are the perfect team!

As for the facial - just ask to have the head up on the bed some - all beauticians have pregnant women come and they realise you can't be lying flat on your back for too long.

[MeganH]

I slept on my back through my entire first pregnancy. I didnt know about the no lying on your back thing. With my second pregnancy it got a little harder towards the end as it wasnt real comfortable. I mean flat on my back with maybe just the one pillow. I asked the Dr about it and was pretty much told it you find it comfortable it should be fine. As long as you are not getting any dizziness or numbness or anything it is fine.

This pregnancy for me I cant lie flat on my back, I get dizzy and nausea.

[Life is Good]

I always try to sleep on my side (because of what I have read about vein compression blah blah), but invariably I end up waking up on my back. Because it has concerned me, I asked my OB again this morning if it was OK and he said that it is absolutely no problem at all unless it is too uncomfortable for you or unless you get dizzy. Either way, he said that your body will know and it will right itself accordingly whether you are awake or asleep. I hope this helps

[Arimeh]

Yup I agree with the others.

I always seem to wake up on my back, and towards the end of each pregnancy I usually wake up feeling like I'm going to vomit, or just really really strange. As soon as I go on my side I'm fine though.

Even if you are asleep, your body will wake you up to let you know its time to roll over. Cos we're amazing things us humans!

[Doing my best]

I love lying on my back, but I try not to.. But the last month and abit, after about 10 mins it gets so sore, I swear each time that I will never do it again! But for some reason, I always do it, especially to play with DD..

[Lukesmum]

he said that it is absolutely no problem at all unless it is too uncomfortable for you or unless you get dizzy. Either way, he said that your body will know and it will right itself accordingly whether you are awake or asleep

This is exactly what my Ob said to me a few weeks ago. I think you always wake up or move before it becomes a problem.

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

Thanks ladies. I feel reassured now.
The main thing that worried me was one of my pregnancy books said the pressure of the baby could cause constipation. So every time I tried to relax I'd think "constipation!" and hurriedly flip onto my side, then start thinking about how much less comfortable it is to lie on my side.

[Life is Good]

Well, if it gives you any comfort (lol), I haven't been constipated once this pregnancy and I have spent many an hour on my back

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

Thanks again. I posted quickly from work earlier.

"The main thing" wasn't constipation, it was a concern about the baby and my general health. However, the prospect of constipation has been the thing that's had my on my side when I feel much more comfortable on my back.