Duration and quality of sleep during pregnancy are associated with preterm birth and small for gestational age: A prospective study

Objective To explore the associations of duration and quality of sleep during pregnancy with preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA). Methods A prospective study was carried out on 1082 healthy women with singleton pregnancies from Chengdu, China. Self-report questionnaires, including duration and quality of sleep and other information, were administered at 8-12, 24-28, and 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. Data on gestational age and weight and length of the neonates were recorded after delivery. After controlling the potential confounders, a multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate whether duration and quality of sleep were associated with preterm birth and SGA. Results Participants with short duration of sleep during the third trimester were more likely to report preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-4.81) and SGA (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.18-6.54). Participants with poor quality of sleep during the third trimester were at high risk for preterm birth (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.29-5.84) and SGA (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.19-5.38). Conclusion Short duration and poor quality of sleep during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and SGA. Sleep characteristics should be assessed during prenatal evaluations to decrease adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Automated summary

The study found that short duration and poor quality of sleep during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and SGA. It is important to assess sleep characteristics during prenatal care to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.