For nine long months, you have tossed and turned at every angle trying to find a comfy spot in bed. Believe me, it feels like only a short time ago I had these thoughts I kept wondering Can I lay on my stomach after giving birth? – Let’s take a look at al the hints and tips right here.
Can I Lay on my Stomach After Giving Birth?
Yes, you can lay on your stomach after giving birth, it is completely possible and medically there is no reason that you can not. But it may not be as comfortable as you remember especially just after giving birth.
When Can I Lay on my Stomach After Giving Birth?
Tummy time for us moms is something that can be sorely missed during pregnancy. It is considered safe to sleep on your stomach as soon as you deliver but here’s the catch. Many moms find it uncomfortable.
Your uterus has expanded and stretched as it became the home to your growing baby. Your organs have been shoved and pushed out of the way to allow space for your little one’s strong kicks. After delivery, your body is somewhat magical! Slowly and steadily it will contract to allow your organs and uterus to resume their normal positions.
If you are like me and miss sleeping on your tummy then don’t be surprised if it feels weird or uncomfortable at first.
Your now-empty uterus will still be stretched and enlarged, your bladder may have some relief without those tiny toes kicking at it but laying on your front fairly quickly after giving birth can make you feel an uncomfortable pressure in your lower back and stomach. This is purely down to things still being out of place.
This may leave you wondering ‘How long after birth can you lay on your stomach?’ The answer lies differently with each individual. Many moms have waited a few weeks, others found it can take months.
The key thing to remember is to take time if it feels right then do it or if you’re like me wait a few months for your body to settle before returning to your tummy.
When Should you Avoid Laying on your Stomach?
Can I lay on my stomach after birth is a question we have answered, and as long as you have had a straightforward birth it is perfectly safe. But are there times when it is not safe or when laying on your tummy may need to be avoided post-partum?
‣ Cesarean sections
Avoiding laying on your tummy will only be recommended if you have had a cesarean section.
I’m sure I don’t need to explain why but just in case you’re wondering here it goes!
Anyone who has undergone a c-section will understand that lying directly on their stitches can cause pain and unnecessary pressure on the incision. The freshly cut muscles will need time to heal and laying on your front can lead your uterus to protrude from the muscle wall.
‣ Breastfeeding
The other time to be aware of when it is not advised is when you are breastfeeding. In those early days, you will be waiting for your milk to come in, and compressing your breasts by laying front on can cause clogged ducts and extreme leakage.
Clogged ducts are extremely painful and can make the breasts engorge making them solid to touch and difficult to feed with. Laying on your side or back will help prevent your milk from getting backed up and even though leakage may still occur it won’t be as much as if you were putting pressure on them.
What is the Best Way to Sleep after Giving Birth?
Now we have answered the question can you lay on your stomach after giving birth? In that it can be done relatively soon as long as you are comfy, let us dig into research to find the best way to sleep.
Hormones in your body are fluctuating all the time during pregnancy and this does not stop after delivery. In fact after delivery there is such a hormone surge that they can cause a restriction to the upper respiratory system, along with a now over stretched empty uterus also putting pressure on the airways it is thought that sleeping in the frontal position may not be the best option.
The key to getting the best sleep and being comfortable is to lay at a 45-degree angle. This does not compromise your airway, it gives your stomach a chance to contract, and allows your milk production to be unscathed. In hospitals the beds can be angled according to your desires but if at home just propping yourself up with a few extra pillows can do the trick.
Resting in this position for at least three days after delivery can benefit your health greatly.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is formally known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This condition can affect women during pregnancy and postpartum.
Whilst in very rare cases many postpartum deaths have been known to relate to OSA. It is the result of extreme hormonal changes that leave the patient with breathing difficulties and can sometimes be fatal.
This is why all advice is to sleep elevated in the first three days or weeks even.
Can Resting on your Stomach after Giving Birth Make your Uterus Contract Quicker?
This is a very loose and broad assumption made by women many years ago. Whilst it is not completely untrue it is thought to be a useless task.
Marte Myhre Reigstad, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology who is known for her research at the Research Centre for Women’s Health at Oslo University Hospital, states that “The only reason for doing it is that when you lie on your back, the vag points back and down. When you lie on your stomach, any tissue fragments in the uterus might drain out more easily.”
She also proceeds by declaring that a woman’s uterus should get the chance to contract naturally and at its own pace.
The other thought behind laying on your stomach soon after delivery is to ensure your body is expelling all uterine contents. In some rare cases blood clots have blocked the cervix and prevented blood loss, this can cause complications so by rolling to and fro ensures no clots can settle causing a blockage.
Wrapping Up
We have answered the question ‘can I lay on my stomach after giving birth?’ but to recap, comfort is key! If you feel comfy and out of pain then snuggle down and get some much-needed rest before your little one wakes you.
If you are more like me and find everything feels a bit heavy still then you can remain on your side or back.
Let us not forget the fact sleeping propped up can help improve our respiratory system after childbirth, this is definitely something for you to take on board!
Overall no matter which way you choose to sleep I wish you sweet dreams providing you can sleep long enough that is!
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