Chasing Z’s: Sleep Quality and Bedsharing in Teen Moms

Abstract

Pregnancy and motherhood during adolescence is a major U.S. public health concern, and teen mothers are likely to experience negative consequences given their status as a young mom. One potential intervention method lies within health behaviors, specifically sleep quality and bedsharing practices. Although research demonstrates relationships between specific types of sleep problems and pregnancy, little is known about the prevalence and type of sleep problems and bedsharing intentions for pregnant women from diverse backgrounds. This project aimed to investigate and describe sleep quality, including the factors that might affect sleep during pregnancy, as well as bedsharing intentions during the third trimester of pregnancy in adolescent women from a large Midwestern city. Participants in this study included a sample of female adolescents participating in a larger, longitudinal pilot study testing the feasibility and implementation of a multiple health behavior change intervention. Results of the current study suggest pregnant, adolescent women may experience poor sleep during their third trimester. It was also discovered that teen mothers are likely to choose co-sleeping for reasons such as distance and/access, preparation, and safety. The results of the current study have important implications for the care of these women and their families, as well as their medical care providers.