Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy

I'm only a few weeks pregnant. Can I still sleep on my stomach?

The size of the uterus is the determining factor as to whether it can compress your vena cava, causing dizziness when you're flat on your back, or whether your baby gets cramped when you sleep on your belly.

In early pregnancy, any sleeping position is fine. Your uterus isn't big enough to rise out of the pelvis and become an abdominal organ before 12 weeks, so there's really no chance of "crushing" your baby. As your pregnancy progresses, you will likely get uncomfortable enough to want to change your sleeping position, but for the record, lie on your left side after 12 weeks. The right side is OK too, but the left side is better. And again, lying on your back later in pregnancy is the worst position.

I'm not used to sleeping on my side! How am I supposed to get comfortable?

For many pregnant women, side sleeping is uncomfortable. The answer? Pillows. Lots of them. You don't have to spend a fortune on fancy pillows—any old pillows will do.

Begin by lying on your side (ideally, your left side) with your top leg crossed over the bottom one. Tuck a pillow under your head, tuck another pillow under your belly, yet another one between your knees, and, if you want to, hug one. You might even want to stuff a fifth one behind your back. These pillows will help you support your body—even when you're nearing the end of pregnancy.

Yes, you'll probably roll around in the night and end up on your back again. As soon as you wake up (or your loving partner wakes you up), turn over and reassemble the arrangement.

You'll soon get used to this sleeping position, and it will give you something else to look forward to once you've delivered—sleeping comfortably on your back, belly, or even left side!