Sleeping positions - sore hips :((

[Taurean]

can sleeping on your tummy cause major problems to the baby? or is it just 'not reccommended'...cause no matter how hard i try, i always end up sleeping on my stomach

Hmmm, I don't think it's a case of it being bad (although I'm sure it's not ideal for bubs) but more the fact that you literally won't be able to do it. I haven't been able to lay on my tummy from about 14 weeks. Initially it felt like I was lying on a tennis ball and now I'm so big it would be like trying to lie on a super-sized basketball! There is absolutely no way I could do it!

Here is some good info on sleeping during pregnancy:

Why can't I get comfortable when I go to bed?

Getting -- and staying -- comfortable in bed may be one of your greatest challenges during pregnancy, particularly if you're used to sleeping on your stomach or your back. Both positions present problems during pregnancy. During your first trimester, tender breasts may prevent you from sleeping on your stomach, and as your belly grows, lying face-down will become increasingly uncomfortable.

Sleeping on your back puts the full weight of your uterus on your back, intestines, and the inferior vena cava (the vein that transports blood from your lower body to your heart). Lying on your back can also increase the risk of you developing backaches and haemorrhoids, poor digestion, impaired breathing and circulation, and even low blood pressure.

What can I do about it?

During your first trimester, get into the habit of sleeping on your left side. Sleeping on this side benefits your baby by maximising the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys to expel waste products and fluids from your body more efficiently, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands.

Try curling up or stretching out on your left side with a pillow between your legs. (And keep returning to that position if you wake up at night and find yourself on your stomach or back.) You can buy a number of different maternity pillows, though you may find that your usual pillows work just as well. Arrange them between your legs, under your bump, and behind your back for extra comfort and support. In your third trimester, you might find that wearing a sleeping bra and a maternity belt will give you extra support and make you more comfortable.

Finally, if lying on your side puts too much pressure on your hips, buy a piece of soft foam. The foam layer goes on top of your mattress and under the sheet for added comfort and air-circulation; you should be able to find it in a range of sizes from most large department stores.

[missya]

Thank god I'm not the only one, bedtime is a nightmare at present but it helps to know I'm not alone.
Good luck to everyone, if anyone finds a miracle cure be sure to let us know.
Cheers Missy

[first_time_mummy]

thankyou taurean...that info was actually very helpful xx

[Taurean]

thankyou taurean...that info was actually very helpful xx

You're welcome

[NaeNae]

I think I may have a solution - well a semi solution anyway.

I have been literally stuffing pillows under my body and have come up with the following,

A thinish pillow (standard size) under my belly running length ways along my body but laying half on it. Then I use my thick U shaped pillow following the curve of my body on my back, again half laying on it. This tips me slightly more on to my side and onto the front pillow.

I sleep with a U shaped pillow and standard pillow anyway so I prop these up and arrange them to make the other two pillows more comfortable .

I can still feel the bed under my body for the pressure seems to be off my hip area because this is kind of suspended from the two pillows - sorry I cannot describe it properly.

The only hassle is when you change sides ( I am a restless sleeper so I toss and turn all night) and you have to swap all the pillows around.

Anyway I hope this helps others

Nae x

[Taurean]

Nae - Swapping sides when you have the perfect 'nest' is a nightmare, isn't it!!! I've gone back to just using my maternity pillow in the past couple of weeks so I do a bit of a 'tackle, roll and realign' when I switch sides. I've become quite the expert.

I woke with sore hips again this morning though. Bugger it!!! Some of the preggy website highly recommend putting a piece of foam or a doubled over doona under the sheets on your side of the bed. I might try that tonight. Will let you know if it works.

Glad to hear you're nest is providing some relief though!

[soulful]

firsttimemummy, I too quite often find myself waking up on my tummy. I don't have a massivev bump as yet, but I believe the whole 'sleeping on your tummy' issue is only due to the fact that you won't be able to due to size.

My doctor has advised me to sleep any which way that is comfortable. Your body will let you know if it's not the right/safest position to sleep in. That goes with sleeping on your back. Your body will tell you when it's time to change positions, i.e. - dizziness, faintness, pain...