What is the safest sleep position in pregnancy?
Going to sleep on your back in the third trimester is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
From 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side — left or right. Research shows going to sleep on your back in the third trimester is linked to about twice the risk of stillbirth. If you wake up on your back, don’t worry; just turn onto your side.
Why it matters
Lying on your back puts the weight of the baby and womb on the main blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the baby.
Studies of thousands of pregnancies found going to sleep on your back after 28 weeks roughly doubles the risk of stillbirth. It’s the position you fall asleep in that matters most, because that’s the one you usually hold longest.
Left and right sides are equally safe.
What to do
- From 28 weeks, settle to sleep on your side — for naps too.
- Use a pillow behind your back to make rolling over less likely.
- If you wake up on your back, simply turn onto your side.
Common questions
Do I have to sleep on my left side?
No. Research shows the left and right sides are equally safe. What matters is avoiding going to sleep on your back.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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