WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Sleeping On Your Left Side

Pregnancy
Pregnancy health
Sleeping on Your Left Side
Sleeping on your left side during pregnancy can significantly enhance your comfort and health as well as the safety of your baby.
What You Should Know
Sleeping on your left side is often recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
This position is known to improve circulation to the heart, benefiting both mom and baby.
It also helps in reducing swelling and prevents the uterus from pressing against the liver.
Additionally, left-side sleeping can ease back pain and reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids, common concerns in pregnancy.
Safety Guideline
  • Avoid Back Sleeping: As your pregnancy progresses, back sleeping can cause the uterus to press against your spine and major blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your baby.
  • Switch Sides If Necessary: If your left side becomes uncomfortable, it's okay to switch to your right side. The most important thing is to avoid sleeping on your back.
  • Use Pregnancy Pillows: These can help maintain a left-side sleeping position comfortably, providing support to your back, knees, and abdomen.
Simple Tips and Tricks
  • Cushioning for Comfort: Place a pillow between your knees and another under your abdomen to alleviate pressure.
  • Elevate Your Head: Use an extra pillow under your head to help ease heartburn, a common pregnancy issue.
  • Prep for Rest: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine – warm baths, gentle stretching, or calming music can help prepare your body for restful sleep.
Q&As
Q: Is it harmful to occasionally wake up on my back? A: Waking up on your back occasionally is common and not usually a cause for concern. You can just reposition yourself on your left side upon waking.
Q: Can I start sleeping on my left side even in the first trimester? A: Yes, starting this habit in the first trimester can be beneficial and make it easier to maintain as your pregnancy progresses.
Q: Are there any risks associated with left-side sleeping? A: Left-side sleeping is generally safe. If you have concerns or experience discomfort, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Q: What if I can’t get comfortable sleeping on my left side? A: Experiment with different pillow placements for support. If discomfort persists, discuss with your doctor to ensure there are no underlying issues.
Q: Does left-side sleeping benefit the baby’s development? A: Yes, this position aids in optimal blood flow and nutrient delivery to the placenta, which is beneficial for the baby’s development.
Discover more
The Ultimate Sleep Guide
1 min read
M
Monique B
4 Jul 2023

Anyone else have trouble sleeping on their left side? Ughhhhh it makes me worry so much

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
5 comments
J
Jhodi
Sleep However ur comfortable. Ur body will let u know when u need to turn i still sleep on my stomach something its the only way im comfortable i stay that way until it gets uncomfortable
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
I sleep on my left but I forgot why the said to do so
27 Mar 2024

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J
Julie Gurule
30 Jun 2023

So wats everyone favorite position sleeping mine is on the left side but lately been tossing n turning bad.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
E
Earlinea💕 Earlinea
My back cause both my arms get numb when sleeping on my sides and sometimes when I'm on my back
27 Mar 2024

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A
Andraale
My left side
27 Mar 2024

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N
Natasha
6 Jun 2023

Hi ladies quick question So I know sleeping on your left side is way better for your baby but I keep finding myself wanting to sleep on my right side but I’m getting so paranoid about it. Does anyone else have this problem? #20weeks #sleep

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
J
Jayla
Girlll I sleep on my right side too n occasionally my stomach (with pregnancy pillow ) but I do tend to be a little sore when I wake up sleeping both waves . It’s better to sleep on left because lungs and all that jazz I would say just don’t do it everyday I try to alternate everyday my doc said if I start off on my left but end up somewhere els that that’s okay ♥️♥️
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amari
. As long as you're not sleeping flat on your back it's fine
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tip
5 Jun 2023

I kno they say lay on the left side, but sleeping like that EVERYTIME I lay down is making my left side hurt… but I don’t wanna harm the bby laying on the right, it’s just more comfortable

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
31 comments
G
Gabriella
I most definitely understand cause it’s starting to get very uncomfortable for me and it’s so hard to stay off my stomach cause that’s how I slept my whole life do you know if we are allowed to sleep on our backs ?
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tip
That’s the thing, they say not to sleep on our backs or on the right side😔😔
27 Mar 2024

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N
Naya
21 Mar 2023

Any other positions we can sleep tired of sleeping just on my left side Shit be uncomfortable 🤣🤣😫😫😫😫

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
4 comments
𝓣
𝓣𝓲𝓯𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓨 💞
I've heard your right side wasn't bad to sleep on if you need to but it's best on your left side bc it gives baby more oxygen. Sleeping on your back or stomach I've heard though that you shouldn't. ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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C
Crystal
I'm 21wks and my ob doctor said I can sleep on my back for now but once my baby is a lot bigger I have to stop
27 Mar 2024

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K
Karma
18 Feb 2023

While sleeping it’s said that sleeping on left side is better but I am still getting confused that do we need to lay down left hand side down or right side down on bed?😀

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
K
Kelly
I’m roughly 25 weeks as well and I sleep on left and right side but I put a pillow between my legs for support. I asked my midwife and she said it doesn’t matter but that putting a pillow between your legs will take some pressure off.
27 Mar 2024

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E
Elizabeth
Yes sleeping on left side is better
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hope
21 Nov 2022

Does anyone have any tips on sleeping on the left side. Cause I find it very hard. #insomnia #sleep #help!

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
3 comments
M
Misty
I find it hard too..I cant..I end rolling to my right side where I can actually sleep
27 Mar 2024

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P
Princess Mobley
I thought it was just me lol maybe the baby is growing closer to that side 🤷🏽‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rheonna
31 Oct 2022

I know they say sleep on your left side but I absolutely HATE sleeping on my left side!! It’s so uncomfortable and I barely get any sleep when I do 😩

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
7 comments
T
Tatiana 👩🏾‍🦰😍🇯🇲
Same here but I be having to force myself I just put hella pillows around me 😩😂
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rheonna
🤣 I’ve tried that too maybe I’ll just cave and buy a pregnancy pillow
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shanita
20 Aug 2022

Sleeping only on my left side is becoming soooo uncomfortable. Of course i’m use to sleeping on my right side. I spoke with my OB and she says sleeping on the right presses on the vena cava. So now i’m super paranoid about it. Ugh i’m so ready for december 😩.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
9 comments
S
Shanita
hang in there… we have to get thru this together 💪🏾
27 Mar 2024

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M
Maria
9 Jan 2022

I been sleeping in my left side the whole weeks , but yesterday I fell sleep in my right side and now I feel uncomfortable in my left side lol

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
0 comments
R
Rachel
I switch a lot between the two bc of sciatica
27 Mar 2024

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💙
💙Shay💙
I always alternate between the two, being on my left helps keep the acid reflux down but being on my right helps relieve my sciatica so flop wrong like a fish all night long. If only back sleeping was an option 😔
27 Mar 2024

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