Sleep quality during pregnancy and fetal growth: A prospective cohort study

Summary The aim of this study is to investigate the association between sleep quality during pregnancy and fetal growth. Pregnant women and their fetuses at 16–20 gestational weeks in Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital were recruited. Women were classified as having “good sleep quality” (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score ≤ 5) and “poor sleep quality” (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5) according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. The fetal growth was evaluated by three ultrasonographic examinations, birth weight and birth length. We used general linear model and multiple linear regression models to estimate the associations. A total of 386 pairs of mother and infant were included in the data analysis. After adjusting for gestational weight gain, anxiety and depression, fetuses in the good sleep quality group had greater abdominal circumference ( p = 0.039 for 28–31 +6 weeks gestation, p = 0.012 for 37–40 +6 weeks gestation) and femur length ( p = 0.014 for 28–31 +6 weeks gestation, p = 0.041for 37–40 +6 weeks gestation) at 28–31 +6 weeks gestation and 37–40 +6 weeks gestation, and increased femur length ( p = 0.007) at 28–31 +6 weeks gestation. Birth weights ( p = 0.018) were positively associated with sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with poor intrauterine physical development, decreased abdominal circumference and femur length, and lower birth weight after adjusting for confounding factors. Attention to the fetal growth of pregnant women with poor sleep quality has the potential to decrease the risk of adverse fetal outcomes.