Is Sleeping on your back safe during pregnancy?
After ~20 weeks, prefer your side — back-sleeping can compress a major vein. Side-sleeping is ideal. This is general guidance, not medical advice — always check with your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
Frequently asked
Is sleeping on your back safe during pregnancy?
After ~20 weeks, prefer your side — back-sleeping can compress a major vein. Side-sleeping is ideal.
How much sleeping on your back is safe during pregnancy?
After ~20 weeks, prefer your side — back-sleeping can compress a major vein. Side-sleeping is ideal. When in doubt, keep portions modest and ask your provider about your situation.
Is sleeping on your back safe while breastfeeding?
Guidance can differ once you’re no longer pregnant — some things that are limited in pregnancy are fine while breastfeeding, and vice versa. Check with your provider about sleeping on your back specifically for your situation.
References
Sources we consult
We cross-check our editorial guidance against these authorities. Click any source for the original.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ↗
Pregnancy and women’s health clinical guidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ↗
US public-health data and recommendations
March of Dimes ↗
Pregnancy and newborn health education
US Food and Drug Administration ↗
Food, drug, and infant-formula safety regulation
Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez, MD, FAAP (Board-certified pediatrician & medical reviewer)