Effects of a Mother-fetus Interaction Promotion Program on Sleep and Activity in Mothers and Infants

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate effects of a mother-fetus interaction promotion program on maternal and infant sleep/activity regulation, and examine the correlation between maternal and infant sleep/activity.

Methods: Thirtyfour mother-infant dyads were recruited from an OB-GY clinic with postpartum care center, and assigned to the intervention group (17) or control group (17). Data were collected from January 18 to August 5 2005. A programmed education focused on mother-fetus interaction was provided to the intervention group in the 3rd trimester. Maternal sleep/activity record was completed at 32-36 weeks gestation and infant sleep/activity record was completed for one month after birth.

Results: During the 3rd trimester, there were no significant differences in maternal sleep/activity between the groups, except for frequency of mothers’ night awakening and urination at night. There were no significant differences in infant sleep, but significant difference was found in feeding times between the groups. Correlation of maternal sleep in the 3rd trimester and infant waking times was significant.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that maternal sleep/activity during pregnancy influences infant sleep/activity at 3-4 weeks, and that nursing interventions to regulate maternal sleep/activity provided to primiparas can be beneficial to the regularity of infant sleep/activity patterns.