Is Stomach Sleeping Safe During Pregnancy?

What experts say about stomach sleeping, when to stop, and safer alternatives

Introduction

Many mums-to-be wonder: “Can I still sleep on my stomach while pregnant?” If you’ve always been a stomach sleeper, it may feel like the most natural way to rest. But as your pregnancy progresses, you’ll notice your body—and your sleep—begin to change. The safety and comfort of stomach sleeping depends on the stage of pregnancy, and experts generally recommend transitioning to side sleeping after the first trimester.

This guide explains why stomach sleeping feels fine early on, when it becomes impractical, and what you can do if you miss your favourite position. We’ll also show how different types of pregnancy pillows, especially the U-shaped pillow which is the most effective option for transitioning to side sleeping, can help you stay comfortable and prevent rolling onto your stomach. These supportive designs are widely recommended for pregnant side sleepers in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Why Stomach Sleeping Feels Comfortable

Stomach sleeping is common because it can feel cosy, grounding, and natural. In early pregnancy, many women don’t notice any discomfort and continue sleeping on their front as they always have. Benefits include:

• Reduces snoring for some people
• Can ease mild lower back pressure early in pregnancy
• Feels familiar and calming if you’ve always slept on your stomach

Stomach Sleeping in the First Trimester

During the first 12 weeks, your uterus is still small and well protected by the pelvis. Sleeping on your stomach is usually safe at this stage. Some women even find it helps ease nausea or bloating. However, it’s a good idea to begin experimenting with side sleeping early so the transition feels easier later on.

Why Stomach Sleeping Gets Difficult Later

As you enter the second trimester, your bump starts to grow. Stomach sleeping becomes physically uncomfortable—and eventually impossible. By the third trimester, lying face-down places unnecessary pressure on the abdomen and makes restful sleep unlikely.

Most women naturally stop stomach sleeping by mid-pregnancy, but those who still prefer it may need support to break the habit. Tools that stabilise your position—especially U-shaped pregnancy pillows—can make a major difference because they support your bump at the front and your back at the same time, preventing rolling.

What Experts Recommend

Health authorities, including the NHS and ACOG, generally advise against stomach sleeping after the first trimester. Side sleeping—especially on the left—is recommended as the safest option for circulation and comfort. Back sleeping is also discouraged later in pregnancy due to circulation risks (see our full guide: Is Back Sleeping Safe During Pregnancy?).

Safer Alternatives if You Miss Sleeping on Your Front

If you naturally love stomach sleeping, switching can feel frustrating. Here are some alternatives that mimic the comfort of stomach sleeping while keeping you safe:

• Semi-prone side sleeping: Tilt slightly forward onto a supportive pillow—it mimics stomach sleeping without pressure.
• Use a J-shaped pillow: Good for comfort and anchoring if you tend to lean forward.
• Try a wedge: A small wedge pillow under your bump gives a gentle “hug” feeling like lying forward.

How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Side

Transitioning to side sleeping is one of the biggest challenges for lifelong stomach sleepers. Your body is used to the pressure and grounding of lying face-down, and without that familiar sensation, sleep may feel unsettled at first. Here are gentle, effective ways to retrain your sleep position:

• Create a forward-leaning side-sleep position: Use a pillow in front of you so you can lean slightly forward without rolling fully onto your stomach.
• Place a pillow behind your back: This stops you rolling backwards or flat onto your stomach unintentionally.
• Use a U-shaped pillow: The only pillow style that supports your bump, knees, hips, and back simultaneously—making it ideal for breaking the stomach-sleeping habit.
• Try an anti-roll pillow setup: Surround your torso with support to keep your spine aligned and prevent accidental turning.
• Train slowly: Start by falling asleep on your side, even if you wake up on your stomach. Over time, your body adapts.

How Pregnancy Pillows Can Help

If your goal is to make side sleeping comfortable and consistent, a U-shaped pregnancy pillow is the most effective option. It surrounds your whole body, relieves pressure on your hips and lower back, and prevents rolling forward or backward. Other pillow types add comfort, but they do not provide the same all-round stability needed for habit change.

• U-shaped pillow: The best pregnancy pillow for side sleeping and the only style that genuinely supports a transition away from stomach sleeping.
• C-shaped pillow: Provides comfort but does not stop rolling.
• J-shaped pillow: Good for leaning forward or hugging, but does not fully prevent stomach sleeping.
• Wedge pillow: Offers targeted bump or back support only.

Explore our U-shaped pregnancy pillow collection to find the best full-body support for safer side sleeping. These maternity pillows are widely used in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for improving sleep quality, supporting alignment, and preventing rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stomach sleeping safe in early pregnancy?
Yes, in the first trimester it’s generally safe. Your uterus is well protected at this stage.

When should I stop stomach sleeping?
Most experts recommend stopping after the first trimester, when your bump begins to grow.

Can stomach sleeping harm the baby?
Early on, no. Later in pregnancy, it becomes uncomfortable and is not advised because of pressure on the abdomen.

What if I wake up on my stomach?
Don’t worry. Just roll onto your side. A U-shaped pillow can help keep you in place.

What’s the best alternative?
Side sleeping (preferably the left) is safest for circulation and comfort. Learn more in: Transitioning to Side Sleeping.

Conclusion

Stomach sleeping is safe early in pregnancy, but by the second trimester it’s no longer practical or recommended. The safest, most comfortable position is on your side, especially with proper pillow support. A U-shaped pregnancy pillow offers the most complete solution for transitioning away from stomach sleeping and keeping your body aligned through every stage of pregnancy.

Want to learn more about pregnancy sleep positions? See our full guides on back sleeping and side sleeping.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife for personalised guidance.