Abstract
Background
Going-to-sleep in the supine position in later pregnancy (≥28 weeks) has been identified
as a risk factor for stillbirth. Internationally, public awareness campaigns have
been undertaken encouraging women to sleep on their side during late pregnancy.
Aim
This study aimed to identify sleep practices, attitudes and knowledge in pregnant
women, to inform an Australian safe sleeping campaign.
Methods
A web-based survey of pregnant women ≥28 weeks’ gestation conducted from November
2017 to January 2018. The survey was adapted from international sleep surveys and
disseminated via pregnancy websites and social media platforms.
Findings
Three hundred and fifty-two women participated. Five (1.6%) reported going to sleep
in the supine position. Most (87.8%) had received information on the importance of
side-sleeping in pregnancy. Information was received from a variety of sources including
maternity care providers (186; 66.2%) and the internet (177; 63.0%). Women were more
likely to report going to sleep on their side if they had received advice to do so
(OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–5.1). Thirteen (10.8%) reported receiving unsafe advice, including
changing their going-to-sleep position to the supine position.
Discussion
This indicates high level awareness and practice of safe late-pregnancy going-to-sleep
position in participants. Opportunities remain for improvement in the information
provided, and understanding needs of specific groups including Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander women.
Conclusion
Findings suggest Australian women understand the importance of sleeping position in
late pregnancy. Inconsistencies in information provided remain and may be addressed
through public awareness campaigns targeting women and their care providers.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 16, 2021
Accepted:
April 6,
2021
Received in revised form:
April 6,
2021
Received:
December 1,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
