Research from Auckland University shows that going to sleep on your side more than halves your risk of stillbirth and is better for baby’s growth. This is because the weight of your growing uterus can press on the major blood vessels in your abdomen and can reduce blood flow to your baby when you sleep on your back.
It doesn’t matter which side you lie on, both right and left side lying are effective in increasing blood flow to baby and reducing stillbirth.
It’s best to fall asleep on your side every time you sleep from 28 weeks on. If you wake up on your back, that’s ok – just roll onto your side to fall back asleep. This includes both night time sleep and daytime naps.