The publication of a New Zealand study examining the link between sleep habits and stillbirth in pregnancy has received strong international media interest.
The research, published in the British Medical Journal, found that the risk of stillbirth for women who slept on their left side was 1.96 per 1000 compared with 3.93 per 1000 for those who slept in any other position.
You can read more about the study and expert commentary gathered by the SMC here.
Although the research is preliminary and no firm recommendations can be made yet, the first-of-its-kind study has captured the attention of the media around the world. Below are just a few examples of the wide spread local and global coverage the research has received.
International Coverage:
BBC News: Sleep position during pregnancy ‘link to still-birth’
Guardian: Link found between stillbirth and sleeping position in pregnancy
Mirror: Mums-to-be should sleep on their left side
Slate: How a pregnant woman sleeps could impact stillborn risk
FOX news: Sleep position may affect still birth risk
The Telegraph: Sleeping routine clue to stillbirths
The Independent: Sleeping on left may cut risk of stillbirth
New Zealand Media coverage:
TVNZ News: Sleeping on left side may reduce still births
Radio NZ Checkpoint: Stillbirth study suggests sleep position important
3 News: New research to combat stillbirth
Southland Times (also in The Press): Caution urged over stillbirth findings
Stuff.co.nz: Sleeping patterns linked with stillbirths – research
Rotarua Daily Times: Still birth less likely for pregnant women who sleep on left: Survey