Publications
Understanding maternal sleep position behaviour during the third trimester of pregnancy: A national cross-sectional mixed-methods study
Awareness of third-trimester sleep position advice was high among women in Ireland, but understanding of its link to stillbirth was incomplete. Clear, consistent and earlier advice, addressing common discomforts, may support adherence to side-sleeping recommendations.
- Authors
Tamara Escañuela Sánchez, Keelin O'Donoghue
- Year
- 2026
- Journal Name
- Women and Birth
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Awareness / Knowledge, Stillbirth
- Project
- Full Citation
Escañuela Sánchez T, Corcoran P, Matvienko-Sikar K, Greene R, O'Donoghue K. Understanding maternal sleep position behaviour in the third trimester of pregnancy: A national cross-sectional mixed-methods study. Women and Birth. 2026;39(4):102233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102233.
- Link to Publication
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102233
Abstract
Going to sleep on the side from 28 weeks of pregnancy is recommended because sleeping on the back is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. This study explored women’s awareness of this advice in Ireland, their reported sleep practices, and factors that may influence whether recommendations are followed.
An online national survey was completed by 769 women who had given birth in Ireland at or beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy within the previous two years. Most women knew that side-sleeping was recommended and reported going to sleep in an advised position. However, understanding of why the advice matters was less consistent. Only around 60% linked sleep position recommendations with stillbirth prevention, and many reported that healthcare professionals had not discussed this risk.
Women with accurate knowledge of the recommendations were more likely to report side-sleeping. Better sleep quality and believing that the position was better for the baby were also associated with following the advice, while physical discomforts such as reflux could make this more difficult.
Earlier, clearer and more consistent information, alongside practical advice for managing pregnancy discomforts, may help women follow sleep position recommendations.