Is it safe to lay on the stomach at 19 weeks gestation?

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Dainyal Siddiqui, MD

Internal Medicine

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Manuel Jimenez, MD

Cardiology

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Franz Pierre-Louis, MD

Infectious Disease

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Last updated: March 4, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Lying on your stomach at 19 weeks pregnant is generally not recommended. At this stage, your uterus has expanded significantly above your pubic bone, and stomach-sleeping puts direct pressure on your growing baby and uterus. This position can restrict blood flow to the placenta and potentially cause discomfort for both you and your baby. Instead, try sleeping on your left side, which optimizes blood flow to the placenta and kidneys. If you're struggling with sleep positions, consider using pregnancy pillows to support your back and abdomen. Some women find that a slight incline with pillows under the upper body helps with comfort. If you accidentally wake up on your stomach, don't panic—simply change positions. Your body will typically alert you through discomfort before any harm occurs. As your pregnancy progresses, side-sleeping will become increasingly important for optimal circulation and comfort.

Key Considerations

  • The uterus has expanded significantly at 19 weeks, making stomach-sleeping less comfortable and potentially restrictive to blood flow.
  • Sleeping on the left side is recommended to optimize blood flow to the placenta and kidneys.
  • Pregnancy pillows can help support the back and abdomen, making sleep more comfortable.
  • A slight incline with pillows under the upper body may also help with comfort.

Evidence-Based Recommendations

The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is not directly related to sleeping positions, but rather to maternal cardiac function and blood pressure measurement during pregnancy 1, 2. However, these studies do highlight the importance of optimal circulation and blood flow during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommends sleeping on the left side during pregnancy to improve blood flow to the placenta and kidneys. While there is no direct evidence on the safety of lying on the stomach at 19 weeks gestation, the general consensus is to avoid this position due to potential discomfort and restricted blood flow.

Additional Tips

  • If you're struggling with sleep positions, consider consulting with your healthcare provider or a prenatal care specialist for personalized advice.
  • Keep in mind that your body will typically alert you through discomfort before any harm occurs, so don't panic if you accidentally wake up on your stomach.
  • As your pregnancy progresses, side-sleeping will become increasingly important for optimal circulation and comfort.

References

1
Research

Maternal cardiac function in twin pregnancy at 19-23 weeks' gestation.

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2022

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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