Better conversations could strengthen stillbirth-prevention efforts
A University College Cork study led by researchers from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at INFANT Research Centre and the School of Public Health, highlights missed opportunities to reduce stillbirth risk in Ireland.
Every parent wants to do everything they can to give their baby the best possible start.
Yet new research from University College Cork has found that while most women know they should go to sleep on their side during late pregnancy, many are never told why it matters.
The national study, involving almost 800 women across Ireland, is the first to examine awareness of maternal sleep position recommendations in Ireland and the behavioural factors that influence whether women follow them.
A simple action with the potential to reduce stillbirth
International evidence has shown that going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of stillbirth.
The research found that although most women recognised side sleeping as the recommended position, only around six in ten understood that the advice is linked to reducing stillbirth risk. Even more concerning, discussions about stillbirth were rarely part of conversations with healthcare professionals.
Instead, many women first encountered this information through websites, social media or pregnancy apps rather than through routine maternity care.
Knowledge was strongly associated with behaviour
The study found that women who correctly understood the recommendations were more than four times more likely to adopt the advised sleep position.
Researchers also found that women were most motivated to follow the advice when they understood it was better for their baby, highlighting the importance of explaining not just what to do, but why it matters.
Informing future public health action
The findings suggest that improving awareness is not simply about providing more information.
Instead, consistent messaging, earlier conversations during pregnancy, and practical advice that helps women manage common challenges such as reflux or discomfort could improve adherence to sleep position recommendations.
The researchers suggest these findings could help inform future national public health campaigns and maternity care guidance aimed at reducing preventable stillbirths in Ireland.
Research at a glance
Research focus
Understanding women’s knowledge and behaviours around sleep position during late pregnancy.
Participants
769 women who had given birth in Ireland within the previous two years.
Key findings
- Most women knew they should go to sleep on their side, but many did not understand the link with stillbirth prevention.
- More than one-third reported receiving no advice about sleep position during pregnancy.
- Women who understood the recommendations were over four times more likely to follow them.
- Much of the information women received came from non-clinical sources rather than healthcare professionals.
- Earlier, clearer and more consistent communication could strengthen stillbirth prevention efforts.
Read the full study here.