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Questions and Answers

Q. While pregnant, I find it difficult to sleep on my side (left and right) because of sciatic pain down my buttocks and legs. Will it harm the baby if I find myself sleeping on my back sometimes?

A. It is recommended to sleep on the left side because of enhanced bloodflow to the placenta,baby, and your own heart. Have you tried using one or more pillows placed along between your legs to help with sciatic pain? If you do not experience problems such as nausea, dizziness or clammy skin when lying on your back, then your baby is probably not in a position where the blood flow in your great vessels (vena cava) is compromised. I often woke up flat on my back in all four of my pregnancies and always thought, "Great, how long have I been like this?" I never experienced any problems and my boys have all been healthy and do well in school. Talk to your practitioner for extra reassurance.

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.