Side Sleeping in Later Pregnancy: It Does Not Have to Be the Left Side

The NHS¹ recommends going to sleep on your side, either left or right. It advises avoiding going to sleep on your back after 28 weeks because research links that position with increased stillbirth risk. This advice does not assess an individual baby’s health or guarantee an outcome.¹

Either side is included

Discuss discomfort and any individual sleeping instructions with your midwife. Either side is included in the NHS¹ guidance.¹

Keep the answer with your pregnancy care notes. If advice from different places seems inconsistent, bring the specific wording to the next discussion so the care team can explain how it applies to you.

If you wake on your back

The NHS¹ says to turn onto your side before going back to sleep if you wake on your back. It also suggests pillows supporting your bump and between your knees for comfort.¹

Discuss position difficulties with your own care team.¹

Bring persistent difficulty into the conversation

If lack of sleep is bothering you, the NHS¹ advises discussing it with your doctor or midwife, as well as people who support you.¹

Write down the concern you want answered and any instructions you need clarified. Confirm whom to contact if a question remains after the appointment.

Did I Do That in My Sleep? includes a 14-Night Lights-Out Record and a Visit Brief. Use them to organize observations and questions alongside your pregnancy care team’s advice. Explore the sleep playbook.