Sleeping on your back during the third trimester of pregnancy can potentially increase the risk of stillbirth, according to a study published in the journal BMJ. The study found that women who slept on their back during the last three months of pregnancy were two-and-a-half times more likely to experience a stillbirth than those who slept on their side.
The exact reasons why sleeping on your back during late pregnancy can increase stillbirth risk are not clearly understood, but researchers suggest that the position could potentially restrict the blood flow from the mother’s heart to the baby. This could potentially lead to a decrease in the necessary oxygen and nutrients that the baby needs to develop.
It is important to note that sleeping on your back during late pregnancy does not necessarily mean that a stillbirth will occur. The study only found an association between back sleeping and stillbirth, not a cause-and-effect relationship. However, given the potential risk, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid sleeping on their back during the third trimester.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of sleeping on your back during late pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can provide you with more information and help you determine the best sleeping position for you and your baby.