05/12/2025
✨ Why Pregnant Women Should Avoid Lying on Their Backs — And Which Positions ARE Safe ✨
Did you know that after about 20 weeks of pregnancy, lying flat on your back can actually be uncomfortable and unsafe for both mom and baby? This is because the weight of your growing uterus can press on a major blood vessel called the vena cava, which may lead to something known as Supine Hypotensive Syndrome.
🩺 What is Supine Hypotensive Syndrome?
It’s when lying on your back lowers your blood pressure due to reduced blood flow. This can cause dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or feeling faint — and it can also reduce oxygen flow to the baby, even if you don’t feel any symptoms.
So what position is safer and more comfortable?
Sleeping on your side — especially your left side — is recommended.
This position helps keep blood flowing freely to the placenta, supports healthy kidney function, and reduces swelling in your legs and feet.
If staying on your side is tough:
✔ Place a pillow between your knees
✔ Add a small pillow behind your back to prevent rolling
✔ Use a pregnancy pillow for extra support
And don’t stress if you wake up on your back — just gently roll to your side again. 😊
Healthy sleep = a healthier mom and healthy baby❤️💙