Sleeping-back, left side, right side...

Okay, so I know there's some weird rule about sleeping on your left side versus your right (not sure why)...and that sleeping on your back is a major no-no because it cuts of the supply to the baby and self.

So, my question would be...what is considered sleeping on your back?

I'm more comfortable on my right side than my left.
But my leg cramps are just getting worse and the only way to even slightly relieve them is to lay on my back. I try not to do this for long periods of time. But when you want to cry because your leg hurts so much, I don't know what else to do.

I have upped my potassium-I've even resorted to eating a banana (twice!!) and that is a major dumping fruit for me.

Can anyone help me? Please!!!!

Thank you,
Jessica

Either side is fine. Right or Left. Left is slightly better because it takes the pressure off your inferior vena cava and increases blood flow to your kidneys (which will help if you have any pregnancy swelling).

Sleeping totally flat on your back can block the return bloodflow to your heart, most times you'll be aware of this because you'll feel light headed and will natuurally move from this position in your sleep if you become uncomfrotable. Proping yourself up with some pillows or sleeping in a reclining position on your back is just fine.

Sorry to hear about your leg cramps. I had an awful time with them when I was pregnant with my twins.

Thanks Courtney, that is good to know. I try to sleep on my left side...but I usually start out on the right ('cause it's the side facing the tv-ha ha ha).

I do prop myself up a bit and maybe will start putting an extra pillow behind me too...
It's weird, the cramp is specific to one leg...but I think it's starting to set into the other one too.

Sorry you went through it with your twins.
Thanks for the info and support.

Hugs,
Jessica

I always go to sleep on my left side, but I ALWAYS find myself waking up on my back with my butt and legs propped up by the body pillow in a "Indian style" leg cross no less. It sounds funny, but apparently I am most comfortable that way. I never would have slept like that before, I can't wait to sleep on my tummy again!

Wow, that is an interesting position....hmmm, might be a kodak moment just for giggles later  :-)

I know the tummy isn't safe, but I can sortof do tummy/side...kind of all contortionist like. it's weird....but I know that's the least safe so I stay away from it...but I have found I sleep better that way on rare occassions....

How many weeks along do you need to start sleeping on your side instead of tummy?