why are you not allowed to lay on your right hand side when pregnant?

[GlitterMum]

hi everyone, just wondering why are you not allowed to lay on your right hand side when pregnant? I have been every night. Is that ok?

[Queen]

I have no idea, sounds very strange to me?

[~clover~]

I don't think its too bad. There is a main artery that I think runs down that side of your back. Its a reason you shouldn't really lie on your back. It can slow blood flow to the baby & can make you pass out I think? The weight of the baby laying on it. I've heard about the right side, but heard more about not lying on your back.
I'm pretty sure from a thread a long time ago, that if you feel fine you should be fine. If you start to feel a bit off change positions & see what happens. I slept however I was comfortable & all was fine

[GlitterMum]

cheers bj. I was thinking the same thing. If i am comfy what harm could i do

[FabFiona]

I don't think that you are 'not allowed' to sleep on your right hand side, but it's best to sleep on your left. Something to do with encouraging the baby into an optimal position for labour and blood flow to the kidneys.

I think the main thing is that you try not to sleep on your back because of that main artery that runs down your spine. The weight of the uterus can shift backwards and interfere with this blood flow.

[GlitterMum]

thanks so much fiona. That def makes sense

[sallen2]

it also has to do with the majority of your organs being on your right side, the weight of bubs can make it really uncomfortable for some ....

all my midwives have said that you should just sleep however you are comfortable, sleeping on your back is even ok as long as you're comfy and it's not making you feel dizzy or nauseous ...

[HollyC]

I have been told that lying on your back is bad and left side is better for getting your baby in a good position.

And as others have said, your body tells you if something is really wrong. My baby jumps all over the place if I'm on my back.

Also, if you are like me you won't spend all night in one position. I'm always rolling over.