Side Sleeping

Women that go to sleep on their side from 28 weeks of pregnancy can halve the risk of stillbirth, compared to going to sleep on their back.

After 28 weeks of pregnancy, lying on your back presses on major blood vessels which can reduce blood flow to the uterus and the oxygen supply to the baby. The starting sleep position can be on either the left or the right side – either side is fine.

It is important to note that it is normal to change position during sleep and many pregnant women wake up on their back.

Healthcare professionals should always advise women that the important thing is to start every sleep lying on their side (both for daytime naps and at night) and if they wake up on their back, that's quite normal and to just roll over on their side at that time.