Why we need to encourage pregnant women to sleep on their sides from 28 weeks

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PRACTICE

Why we need to encourage pregnant women to sleep on their sides from 28 weeks

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Vanessa Weenink

MRI image
Figure 1 MRI showing the inferior vena cava (IVC) and aorta with the mother lying on her left side (left) and back (right)

CLINICAL UPDATE

Most risk factors for late-pregnancy stillbirth are not modifiable, but the risk due to sleep position is. This article presents the latest research findings and a new awareness campaign for pregnant women in the third trimester

Key messages for health professionals to discuss with all pregnant women, Sleep on Side When Baby’s Inside from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Going to sleep on your side (either left or right side) from 28 weeks of pregnancy