when should you stop sleeping on your back when pregnant

You should stop sleeping on your back during pregnancy around the second trimester, and definitely by week 28 (around 7 months). This is because sleeping on your back can compress major blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the baby and potentially causing dizziness, shortness of breath, or other complications. Most healthcare providers recommend transitioning to sleeping on your side for better circulation and safety from the second trimester onward, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It’s generally considered safe to sleep on your back during the first trimester, but after that, side sleeping, particularly on your left or right side, is advised to promote optimal blood flow to the fetus and reduce risks such as stillbirth. If you happen to wake up on your back during the night, it’s best to simply turn to your side and continue sleeping there.