Correlation Between Maternal Anxiety During Mid-Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Sleep Issues: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2015 to 2016.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To explore the correlation between maternal anxiety during mid-pregnancy and infant sleep issues based on the anxiety status of mothers in mid-pregnancy. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 2122 primigravida women from Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province, was followed from pregnancy until 6 months postpartum. The study analyzed the impact of maternal anxiety on infant sleep patterns, including primary caregivers, encompassing insufficient sleep duration, frequent nocturnal awakenings, prolonged nocturnal awakening durations, and elongated sleep latency. Results: A total of 1891 mother-infant pairs were included in this analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, a positive correlation was found between maternal anxiety during mid-pregnancy and insufficient sleep duration (OR=1.69, 95% CI1.13-2.52), and elongated sleep latency (OR=2.26, 95% CI1.61-3.18). Conclusion: Maternal anxiety during mid-pregnancy is associated with sleep issues in infants. Addressing maternal mental health during pregnancy may enhance sleep quality for mothers and infants, promoting overall maternal-infant health.