During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a roller coaster of changes, which can be exhausting. You should do all you can to protect the quality of your sleep while you are growing a tiny human! Unfortunately, some pregnant individuals develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can increase health risks for both them and their precious cargo. What should you know about the connection between sleep apnea and pregnancy? This blog post explains.
Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy: An Overview
OSA is a disorder that occurs when tissues in the throat interfere with the free flow of oxygen. Apneas (pauses in breathing that last for at least 10 seconds) can occur many times throughout the night.
Pregnant women are at a heightened risk of OSA because they sometimes experience increased nasal congestion, which can lead to snoring and even pauses in breathing. Obese pregnant women are at an especially high risk.
The Risks of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy
OSA during pregnancy can do more than make you feel exhausted. It comes with an increased risk of numerous problems. Pregnant mothers with OSA might be more likely to develop:
- Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Prolonged labor
- Unplanned C-sections
- Gestational diabetes
The child of a mother with OSA might also experience some problems, such as:
- Preterm birth
- Developmental issues
- Reduced oxygen flow
In severe cases, untreated OSA during pregnancy could lead to the infant’s death.
What Can You Do?
Clearly, sleep apnea during pregnancy is nothing to take lightly. Here is how you can protect the quality of your sleep:
- Look for symptoms. If your partner says that you snore loudly or that you sometimes stop breathing during sleep, you should visit a medical professional to talk about the problem.
- Comply with treatment. If you are diagnosed with OSA, you should comply with any treatment that you are given. Many women find success with a custom oral appliance from a dentist.
- Sleep on your side. Side sleeping reduces the risk of apneas (it is also important to protect your child during the third trimester of pregnancy).
- Manage your weight. Some weight gain is to be expected during pregnancy. However, excessive gain might pose a threat to the quality of your sleep.
- Use a humidifier and/or nasal strips. These may reduce nasal congestion and promote high-quality sleep.
It is important that you get enough rest during pregnancy! Monitor the quality of your sleep so you can take steps to manage your OSA if necessary.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Melody Stampe is an experienced sleep dentist who is board-certified by the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. She specializes in helping patients conquer OSA via oral appliance therapy. If you are an expecting mom and have concerns about the quality of your sleep, Dr. Stampe and our team would be happy to provide direction on your next steps. Contact Richardson Sleep and Facial Pain Center at CityLine at 972-907-1718.