What are the effects of staying up late during pregnancy on the fetus?

Nov 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Staying up late during pregnancy may generally affect fetal growth and development, increase the risk of preterm birth, impair nervous system development, reduce fetal immunity, and cause disruptions in the fetus's circadian rhythm. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can lead to maternal endocrine disorders, affecting the secretion of hormones such as insulin and growth hormone, thereby reducing the nutritional supply available to the fetus. Prolonged sleep deprivation may result in intrauterine growth restriction.

1. Impaired growth and development: Staying up late during pregnancy can lead to maternal endocrine disturbances, affecting the secretion of hormones such as insulin and growth hormone, thereby reducing nutrient supply to the fetus. Prolonged disruption may result in intrauterine growth restriction.

2. Increased risk of preterm birth: Sleep deprivation keeps the mother in a prolonged state of fatigue and weakens immunity, making her more susceptible to infections or abnormal uterine contractions during pregnancy. These conditions may stimulate premature uterine activity, increasing the likelihood of preterm delivery.

3. Impaired nervous system development: Fetal nervous system development relies on a stable maternal environment. Staying up late disrupts the mother’s physiological rhythms, leading to abnormal secretion of brain neurotransmitters. These abnormalities may be transmitted to the fetus, interfering with normal neural differentiation and development.

4. Reduced fetal immunity: After staying up late, the mother's resistance decreases, making her more vulnerable to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. If maternal infection occurs, pathogens may cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus, resulting in lower immunity in the newborn.

5. Fetal circadian rhythm disruption: In utero, the fetus gradually adapts to the mother’s daily routine. Staying up late disrupts the mother’s biological clock, which in turn may cause irregular sleep-wake patterns in the fetus.

Pregnant women should develop regular sleep habits, aim to fall asleep before 10 p.m., and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per day. If insomnia occurs, they should promptly adjust their mindset or consult a doctor to avoid long-term sleep deprivation that could harm maternal and fetal health.

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Which has a greater impact on pregnancy: cytomegalovirus IgM or IgG?

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Can two HIV patients have a healthy child?

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Does elevated cytomegalovirus IgG have an impact on pregnancy?

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