P012 The content and impact of dreams during late pregnancy – a qualitative exploration

BACKGROUND: While dreams are part of healthy sleep there remains controversy about their interpretation - whether intertwined with waking life or as structurally distinct. During pregnancy, dreaming has been correlated with emotional state and is often more frequent, vivid and disturbing, but there is little qualitative exploration of the content and impacts of pregnancy dreams. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore dreaming experiences during late pregnancy. METHODS: Ten pregnant people (32-39 weeks gestation) with no diagnosis of a sleep disorder were recruited for a qualitative study describing experiences of sleep in late pregnancy, including exploration of their dreams. Following informed consent, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via videoconference. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Analysis of dreaming data is presented. RESULTS: Participants were of New Zealand European (8) and European (2) background. Several experienced more frequent, often intense and impacting dreams, which included more sexual dreams, dreams perceived to be preparing for the future (for birth, baby and parenthood) and dreams associated with anxiety (about birth or losing the baby). These dreams were often disturbing and sometimes led to ongoing stressful thoughts the next day. CONCLUSION: Dreams during late pregnancy tend to be more frequent and graphic, and may represent underlying anxieties or impact on emotional wellbeing. Whilst for some, intense dreams may be seen as a normal part of pregnancy, for others dreams in pregnancy can be disturbing and warrant discussion and exploration with health professionals to potentially resolve anxieties around pregnancy and birth.