New research suggests that poor sleep quality in late pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight in infants, but higher weight after age 1-2 years.

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The findings from the study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, show this is particularly prevalent in male infants and babies born at term.

Global childhood and adolescent obesity rates have more than doubled from 1990 to 2022, now affecting more than 390 million children aged 5-19 years.

Scientists say incorporating sleep quality assessments into routine prenatal care could help identify at-risk pregnancies early and benefit both mother and child’s health.

The study highlights the importance of maintaining good pregnancy sleep health to mitigate impacts on children’s metabolic health and reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

Monitoring sleep health in routine prenatal care could be a simple and powerful step toward healthier growth for the next generation.

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