Summary

Pregnant women should be aware of a groundbreaking study revealing that inadequate sleep during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of neurodevelopmental delays in children, particularly boys.

Key Findings

Averaging less than seven hours of sleep per night raises the likelihood of children facing challenges in various skills including emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive, and speech.

Connection to Maternal Health

There is a concerning connection between sleep duration and umbilical cord blood levels of serum C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production, linking maternal health and baby’s neurodevelopment.

Previous Research

Short sleep durations have been associated with health issues in pregnancy such as impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes, further impacting neurodevelopment.

Expert Opinion

Dr. Peng Zhu emphasized the importance of this research in shaping healthier pregnancy habits for the well-being of the next generation.

Related Study on Ulcerative Colitis

In addition to this, researchers report promising results from a mid-stage trial of a new monoclonal antibody for ulcerative colitis, suggesting potential for personalized treatment.

Conclusion

Both studies highlight the importance of health during pregnancy and offer hope for patients with chronic conditions, advocating for better sleep and informed health choices.