A new study carried out by researchers from Auckland University has linked stillbirth with sleeping position during pregnancy. The researchers have found that pregnant women who sleep on the left hand side are at a lower risk of stillbirth as compared to women who sleep on other positions.

The researchers carried out a study on 465 women, out of which 155 women gave birth to a stillborn baby. The results revealed that women sleeping on their left side in pregnancy had a 1.96 in 1,000 chance of giving birth to a stillborn baby whereas women who sleep on their right side or back had a 3.93 in 1,000 chance of giving birth to a stillborn baby.

The researchers have said that the risk of sleeping on right side or back is higher because these positions may restrict blood flow to the baby.

Professor Lesley McCowan of Auckland University said that the study is first of its kind so further research is required before any health advise is issued to the public. Further researches in this field may help in reducing the number of stillbirths.