A US study shows that sleep disorders affect the health of the unborn baby. In particular, irregular sleep increases the risk of prematurity.
Ladies, if you are expecting a happy event in the months to come, make sure you sleep well, as poor sleep during pregnancy will be bad for the baby. In recent study, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine observed 170 pregnant women sleeping for 20 weeks. They were particularly interested in their levels of production of cytokines, cells that regulate the immune system.
Poor sleep disrupts the immune system
And according to the results, poor sleep during pregnancy disrupts the immune system and can lead to childbirth complications or low birth weight. According to the researchers, excess cytokines in the body attack and destroy healthy cells and weaken the tissues of pregnant women capable of fending off disease.
Placental circulation can, for example, be interrupted by an excess of cytokines, which can even cause premature birth in some cases.
These results plead in favor of medical support taking into account sleep problems from the first months of pregnancy, the researchers argue. “This way the problems will be identified more quickly and doctors can work with pregnant women to find solutions,” concludes sleep medicine researcher Michele Okun.
Tips for sleeping well
However, the nights of expectant mothers are not always easy regardless of the trimester of pregnancy. Between the hormonal changes, the rounding belly and the kicking of the baby, it is sometimes difficult to spend peaceful nights. To regain or maintain a good sleep throughout this particular period, specialists recommend that pregnant women regularly practice a gentle sporting activity, such as walking or swimming, avoiding heavy meals in the evening or even resting. bask in a bath at the end of the day in order to relax.
In addition, to promote falling asleep, it is advisable to go to bed as soon as the first signs of fatigue appear. And so that Morphée’s arms are more comfortable, especially at the end of pregnancy, do not hesitate to use a nursing pillow. This kind of crescent-shaped pillow placed between the thighs allows you to settle more easily on the side, when the belly is well rounded at the approach of childbirth.
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