The desire to lie on one’s stomach is a common feeling for new mothers, often driven by the discomfort of sleeping on the back and the exhaustion from sleep deprivation. Post-delivery, the body feels sore and unfamiliar. Whether this position is safe and comfortable depends almost entirely on the type of delivery and how the individual body is healing. Understanding the physical changes that occur after childbirth can help determine the ideal time to attempt this long-missed sleeping position.
When Is Lying Prone Safe and Comfortable
For those who experienced an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, lying on the stomach is safe and poses no risk to the recovering uterus. The immediate limitation is external comfort due to bodily soreness and trauma to the perineum. The perineal area, which may contain sutures from a tear or an episiotomy, is tender and sensitive to direct pressure. Lying face down can place uncomfortable tension on this wound site, making the position painful for the first few days.
This initial discomfort can be managed with side-lying positions, which help relieve pressure on the pelvic floor and any stitches. Most intense afterpains (uterine contractions that help the organ shrink) peak in the first two to four days after birth. Once this initial wave of cramping and perineal soreness begins to subside, often within the first week, many women find the prone position tolerable and even relieving. Healing is highly individual, and one should always listen to their body’s signals regarding pain and comfort.
Considerations After a Cesarean Delivery
The primary concern following a Cesarean delivery is the fresh abdominal incision. Placing the full weight of the body directly onto the surgical site is the main obstacle. The incision site remains tender for several weeks, and the deeper layers of muscle and fascia require six to eight weeks for complete recovery. Superficial skin stitches or staples may be removed or dissolve within one to two weeks, but the underlying healing continues long after.
To minimize strain, it is recommended to avoid sleeping flat on the stomach. However, a modified prone position can be attempted sooner by using pillows or towels strategically placed around the incision. Creating a donut shape allows the incision to rest in the hollow space, preventing direct compression while still allowing the body to lie face down. Any sharp or pulling pain over the incision area should be a clear signal to immediately stop and revert to a side-lying or semi-reclined position.
How Lying Prone Can Aid Recovery
Lying on the stomach can offer physiological benefits that support the postpartum recovery process beyond simple comfort. The mechanical pressure it applies to the abdomen aids in uterine involution. Involution is the natural process where the uterus contracts back down to its pre-pregnancy size, which takes approximately six weeks. Lying prone, especially with a small pillow under the lower belly, encourages the uterus to contract more firmly, which can help accelerate the process.
This increased contraction also aids in expelling lochia, the vaginal discharge of blood and tissue. Allowing the uterus to drain efficiently helps prevent the pooling of discharge and contributes to a reduction in afterpains. The position can help relieve postpartum gas and bloating. The gentle pressure and change in internal positioning encourage trapped air bubbles to move through the digestive tract, offering relief from abdominal discomfort.