sleeping on back while pregnant

Sleeping on the back while pregnant is generally considered safe during the first trimester. However, after about 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid sleeping on the back because the growing uterus can put pressure on major blood vessels like the inferior vena cava and aorta. This pressure can reduce blood flow to the heart, fetus, and placenta, potentially causing dizziness, low blood pressure, reduced fetal growth, and in some studies, it has been linked to an increased risk of stillbirth. The safest and most recommended sleep position during the second and third trimesters is sleeping on the side, preferably the left side, as it promotes optimal blood circulation and decreases risks related to blood flow restriction. It is important not to panic if waking up on the back occasionally but to try to avoid prolonged back sleeping as pregnancy progresses.