Sleeping more than nine hours per night during pregnancy may be associated with late stillbirth, suggests a new study. This is because blood pressure reaches its lowest point during sleep which has been linked with foetal growth problems, preterm birth, and stillbirth. The study, led by a team from the University of Michigan, explored how maternal sleep habits, including lengthy periods of sleep without waking more than once in the night, may be associated with foetal health independent of other risk factors.
Moreover, pregnant women often report waking up and getting up in the middle of the night. Very disruptive sleep has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including growth restriction and preterm growth.
"Our findings add to research indicating that maternal sleep plays a role in foetal well being. Studies aiming to reduce stillbirths should consider maternal sleep as this is a potentially modifiable risk factor," said lead author Louise O'Brien, researcher at the varsity. "Understanding the role of maternal sleep may help us identify interventions that would put us in a better position to advise women," O'Brien added.
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