Can I Sleep on My Back During Pregnancy?
It is fine in early pregnancy, but from around the second trimester it is best to avoid lying flat on your back for long. The growing uterus can press on a large vein and reduce blood flow. If you wake on your back, simply turn to your side.
Why avoid it later
Lying flat lets the uterus press on the vena cava, which can make you feel dizzy and reduce blood flow to your baby. Side-lying avoids this.
If you wake on your back
Don't panic — your body usually wakes you if blood flow dips. Just roll onto your side and use a pillow behind your back to help you stay there.
Frequently asked questions
Is back-sleeping dangerous?
Prolonged flat back-lying later in pregnancy is best avoided; brief moments are not a cause for panic.
What if I wake up on my back?
Turn onto your side. Occasional back-lying while asleep is not an emergency.
Until when can I sleep on my back?
Roughly the first trimester; switch to side-sleeping from the second trimester.
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