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Questions and Answers

Q. Why is there so much emphasis on lying on my left side during my pregnancy?

A. The vena cava, the major source of blood to your baby, is compressed when you lie on your back after the fourth month, from the weight of the uterus. So, lying on your side facilitates blood flow to the heart and thereby improves blood flow to the placenta so that your baby benefits too. Lying on your left side can also help to lower your blood pressure if this is a problem.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.