WAKE-UP CALL FOR NEW MUMS
WOMEN diagnosed with sleep disorders during pregnancy are almost twice as likely to give birth more than six weeks early.
The findings of a US study of three million women has sparked calls from Australian sleep experts for the introduction of sleep techniques into antenatal classes.
One in eight Australian women has sleep problems in pregnancy.
“Identifying sleep disorders before a woman becomes pregnant and during pregnancy could save babies’ lives,” sleep consultant and midwife Amanda Bude said.
The study said insomnia increases the risk of preterm birth by 30 per cent.
While the lack of sleep is unlikely to cause premature births it can trigger inflammation which can lead to prematurity.
One in 10 Australian babies are born preterm – less than 37 weeks.
Gold Coast lawyer Katie Bruggy suffered insomnia while pregnant with daughter Ava, who was a preterm baby.
“I was lucky to get four hours of broken sleep per night,” the Clear Island Waters mum said.
“I was exhausted. I had problems with sleep before I got pregnant but I think the hormones and being uncomfortable made it a lot worse.
“Sleep was not discussed at ante natal classes. I think learning sleep techniques would be very helpful.”