A meta-analysis on maternal going-to-sleep position and late stillbirth has recently been published, incorporating all available international data.1
This showed that supine going-to-sleep position is independently associated with late stillbirth in the general pregnant population. This is regardless of mother’s body size, baby size, smoking, recreational drug use, pre-existing hypertension or diabetes, fetal movements, or gestation.
There was no difference in risk with right side going-to-sleep position compared to left.
If all pregnant women in their third trimester slept on their side, this could potentially reduce late stillbirth by approximately 6%.
It is important this health message is conveyed to women in late pregnancy. Whooping cough vaccination / invitation letter in second / third trimester is one potential opportunity for this.
For information and resources see Cure Kids Sleep on Side campaign.
This Gem has been reviewed by Professor Lesley McCowan.