Remind me...why should I lie on my left side?

[storkycake]

does it harm the baby to lie on my back or the right?

erm...that's it really (30 weeks)

[sazzerbear]

Although there's no real harm in sleeping on your right side, lying on your left side is actually good for you and your baby: It improves the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and it helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body. That, in turn, reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. If you train yourself to sleep on your left side early on, you'll have an easier time falling asleep when your belly is bulging later.

During the second half of pregnancy, avoid sleeping on your back, a position that puts the full weight of your uterus on your spine, back muscles, intestines, and the inferior vena cava (the vein that transports blood from your lower body to the heart). Back-sleeping can also put you at risk for backaches and hemorrhoids, inefficient digestion, and impaired breathing and circulation. Lying on your back in the second and third trimester can also cause changes in blood pressure. For some women, it can cause a drop in blood pressure that can make them feel dizzy; for others, it can cause an unwanted increase in blood pressure.

[storkycake]

Wow thanks for that sb

[sazzerbear]

No worries, good luck!

[onwardandoutward]

Does lying on right side rather than left have any implications for fetal position, oh wise one?

I only sleep on my sides now, but I do swop between them! (30 weeks)

[TheProvincialLady]

I slept on my LHS every night with my DS in the interest of optimal foetal positioning. He still ended up in a crappy OP position and labour was a nightmare.

In this pregnancy I have aimed for the LHS but slept on both sides and my back too..whatever was comfortable. He is fully engaged in LOA now.

So I would aim for LHS but don't feel too bad when your hips ache so badly from always sleeping in the same position - there are no guarantees either way.

[louii]

I used to get heartburn if i lay on my right side.

[tvfriend]

When I was pregnant with DD I really thought about how I was sleeping, the best side etc etc.
With this pregnancy I haven't read anything and had forgotten all the reasons. Am happy just to fall asleep however I am lying knowing that I need to get my sleep NOW

[sazzerbear]

I think try and do what's best but we all know that's OK in theory and in practice it sometimes goes out the window!