Pregnancy is a crucial phase in a woman’s life. It is a time when an array of physical and mental changes takes place. Some of which can increase the risk of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by breathing pauses during sleep.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by small or long pauses in breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep it open during sleep, causing breathing to become shallow or stop altogether.

The Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): it’s the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway gets obstructed due to relaxed throat muscles, tongue, or other soft tissues.
Central sleep apnea (CSA): it’s a condition where the brain fails to transmit the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS): it’s a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. The breathing issue occurs due to a combination of mechanical and neural factors.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, cessation in breathing, gasping for breath during sleep, daytime sleepiness, difficulty in concentrating, morning headaches, and irritability.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy

Obstructive sleep apnea is prevalent among pregnant women. The metabolic, hormonal, and physiological changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea.

As the uterus gets bigger, the pressure on the diaphragm increases, which can disrupt normal breathing patterns during sleep. Additionally, high levels of progesterone hormone during pregnancy can decrease the muscle tone of the airway. These factors can lead to obstructive sleep apnea in pregnant women.

Studies show that approximately 25% of pregnant women suffer from some form of sleep-disordered breathing, with OSA being the most prevalent.

The Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy can lead to several complications. Some of the risks associated with sleep apnea during pregnancy include:.

Gestational hypertension, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
Gestational diabetes
Preterm labor
Placental abruption
Fetal growth restriction
Low Apgar scores (a measure of the baby’s health at birth)

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

It’s essential to diagnose sleep apnea early to avoid any potential risks. The diagnosis process includes monitoring the blood oxygen levels during sleep, recording breathing patterns, and other physical symptoms.

Patients may be required to undergo a sleep test, also known as polysomnography, which records different body functions during sleep.

Treating Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

There are several treatment options available for sleep apnea during pregnancy, including:.

Weight management
Positional therapy
Mechanical ventilation
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
Oral appliance therapy

However, pregnant women should consult with their doctors before starting any treatment. CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea in pregnant women.

It’s a machine that delivers continuous positive pressure to the airway. It helps keep the airway open during sleep and prevents breathing pauses. Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made device to keep the tongue or jaw at a particular position to prevent the airway from collapsing.

Preventing Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

Sleep apnea during pregnancy can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and practicing good sleep hygiene.

Pregnant women should avoid sleeping on their back as it can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Using pillows and sleeping on the side with the head slightly elevated can also help prevent sleep apnea in pregnant women.

The Bottom Line

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea due to various hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy.

Untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy can lead to several complications, which can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle and getting proper treatment. Consult with a doctor to diagnose and treat sleep apnea early to ensure a healthy pregnancy.