Try to avoid lying on your back while you're pregnant. After about the 4th month, lying on your back puts the full weight of your uterus and baby on the inferior vena cava or IVC. This vessel carries blood from your lower body back to your heart.
The pressure of a pregnant uterus on the IVC reduces blood flow to the heart, which decreases blood flow to your uterus and the developing baby. Lying on your back also puts pressure on your spine, back muscles, and intestines. Lying on your side takes the pressure off the IVC.
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