No, sleeping on your right side does not cause stillbirth; studies show that sleeping on your side (either left or right) is safe, while sleeping on your back (supine) after 28 weeks is the position linked to increased risk, with the left side often considered ideal for circulation, though both sides are fine to start and end sleep in. The critical advice is to start sleeping on your side from 28 weeks and simply roll back to your side if you wake up on your back, as the right side is perfectly acceptable for sleep.
Evidence shows that sleeping on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards, reduces your risk of stillbirth by about 50%. It doesn't matter what side you sleep on; it could be left or right, it makes no difference. The key thing is that you are off on one side and not lying flat on your back or flat on your stomach.
The same data concludes that there are no links to adverse outcomes for any sleeping position -- one is not better (or worse) than the other. You can sleep on your right or left side, and it is even safe to sleep on your stomach, although that may get more uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
Background. Many physicians advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. Previous studies have linked back and right-side sleeping with a higher risk of stillbirth, reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, a life-threatening high blood pressure disorder that affects the mother.
Increased risk
There are also a number of things that may increase your risk of having a stillborn baby, including: having twins or a multiple pregnancy. having a baby who doesn't grow as they should in the womb. being under 20 or over 35 years old.
The most common symptom of stillbirth is when you stop feeling your baby moving and kicking. Some people can also experience cramps, pain, or vaginal bleeding.
A pregnancy may also be more likely to end in miscarriage if you:
Five key warning signs during pregnancy needing immediate medical attention include vaginal bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, decreased baby movement, severe abdominal pain/cramping, and signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or fluid leakage, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental problems, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care for these symptoms.
Sleeping on the right side can lead to increased heart strain, as the heart must work harder to pump blood against gravity. Pressure on the intestines may also impair their proper function. Additionally, it can cause lymphatic stagnation and swelling.
The best sleeping position for pregnant women is on their side, preferably their left side, as this can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the baby. Avoid lying down on your back or stomach, as this can cause discomfort or complications.
Round ligament pain is a sharp, jabbing sensation on one or both sides of your lower abdomen (tummy). It's usually on your right side. This pain is not harmful to you or your baby. The round ligament connects your womb to your pelvis.
The second trimester often brings some relief. But by the third trimester, it can become hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. At this stage, high levels of estrogen can also cause some women to develop rhinitis (swelling of the nasal tissue), which can be associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Research has shown that in the third trimester (after 28 weeks of pregnancy) going to sleep on your back increases your risk of stillbirth. As the link has now been shown in 6 separate research trials, our advice is to go to sleep on your side in the third trimester because it is safer for your baby.
Women who are of advanced maternal age are at higher risk of stillbirth throughout gestation; the peak risk period is 37 to 41 weeks.
Changes in fetal movement are associated with increased risk of stillbirth after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The majority of studies have focussed on maternal perception of reduced fetal movements, which is associated with stillbirth via placental dysfunction.
Research suggests that going to sleep on your back after 28 weeks of pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth. It's thought this may be to do with the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby. The safest position to fall asleep in is on your side, either left or right.
The unhealthiest sleeping position is generally considered to be sleeping on your stomach (prone position), as it forces your neck to twist and flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain, numbness, and poor sleep quality. An overly curled fetal position is also harmful, causing joint stiffness and restricted breathing, while sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea for some individuals.
Right side sleeping has assorted benefits for heart health, such as reducing pressure on the area and making it easier to breathe. This can help those suffering from heart complications get a more restful night sleep. It can also prevent symptoms and discomfort from getting worse.
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions that are 3 minutes apart, lasting 2 minutes each, for 1 hour (or sometimes cited as 3-1-1, meaning 3 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour). For subsequent pregnancies, the 5-1-1 Rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour) is often used, indicating labor is progressing more quickly.
Top 5 Conditions of Abnormal Pregnancy
Symptoms
Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues, also called incompetent cervix, might raise the chances of a miscarriage. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine and illegal drugs. People who smoke have a greater risk of miscarriage than do nonsmokers. Heavy use of caffeine or alcohol use also raises the risk.
While most fruits are safe and healthy during pregnancy, pregnant individuals should avoid unripe papaya, which contains latex that can cause contractions, and consume pineapple, grapes, and dates in moderation, especially in the first trimester, due to enzymes or high sugar content that might trigger early labor or blood sugar spikes. Thoroughly washing all fresh fruit and avoiding pre-cut or bruised produce is crucial to prevent foodborne illness, and it's always best to consult your doctor for personalized advice.
There is no evidence of reduction in the risk of miscarriage in women prescribed bed rest. HCG administration as an alternative care for threatened miscarriage was more effective than bed rest in the Harrison study but this benefit is not confirmed when compared with placebo.
Healthcare providers classify stillbirths based on the number of weeks of pregnancy before the fetus passes. Early stillbirth: The fetus dies between 20 and 27 weeks. Late stillbirth: The fetus dies between 28 and 36 weeks. Term stillbirth: The fetus dies the 37th week or after.