Pregnant Women Are Advised To Sleep Sideways To Avoid Stillbirths
Girls are being counseled to sleep on their side during pregnancy for at least three months to help avoid stillbirth.
A study of over 1,000 women found that the risk doubles if women go to sleep on their backs in the third trimester.
The analysis looked into 291 pregnancies which ended in stillbirth and 735 women who had a birth.
Researchers say the position in is most significant - and they should not worry if they're on their back when they wake up.
About one in 225 pregnancies in the united kingdom finishes in stillbirth, and the study authors estimate that roughly 130 babies' lives a year could be saved if women went to sleep on their side.
Researchers can not say for sure why the chance of stillbirth is increased - but there is plenty of information that suggests when a lady is lying on her back, the combined weight of the baby and uterus puts pressure on blood vessels that can then restrict blood flow and oxygen to the baby.
Edward Morris, by the BJOG, said the new study was "exceptionally welcome".
"This is significant research that adds to the growing body of evidence that sleeping posture in late pregnancy is a modifiable risk factor for stillbirth."
The maternity charity Tommy's has begun an effort to elevate awareness of the analysis and to encourage girls to sleep on their side.
Michelle Cottle's baby Orla was stillborn following a pregnancy at 37 months in 2016.
She writes a website "Dear Orla" and hears from women who've been through the same experience.
The daughter of Michelle, whose, says sensible advice such as this for moms is important to make them feel more in control.
"I really think it can help to empower individuals, as it feels like something you'll be able to go away and do with the hope of having a more healthy pregnancy and a better result than sadly lots of folks do have.
"I look back now, and I really feel quite traumatized with my (second) pregnancy because it was a bit like living your worst nightmare every day.
"Every time there's possibly a quiet moment, and you don't know if your baby is alive or not is absolutely terrifying.
"Night-time is the worst as well because a lot of people would say they believe that their infant died maybe when they were sleeping. I think because you need to sleep, that is really scary.
"So I think having clear things that could help you feel a little more in control is actually important for girls."
