How Sleep Apnea in Jupiter Can Affect Pregnancy

Sleep apnea can have several negative consequences for a person’s quality of life and overall health, and that’s especially true if a person is pregnant. A study published by the scientific journal Obstetrics & Gynecology has revealed a connection between sleep apnea and a variety of pregnancy complications, and the takeaway is quite clear: sleep apnea can make pregnancy more dangerous for both mother and child. Read on below to learn more about what the researchers found.

The Facts

The study was primarily intended to research how obesity affects pregnancy, and as part of the research, the 175 obese pregnant women were tested for obstructive sleep apnea using a home sleep study. People who suffer from sleep apnea experience brief but frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, and with obstructive sleep apnea, this occurs because the soft tissues in the mouth and throat relax into and block the airway. This is more likely to happen if a person has extra fatty tissue around their windpipe, which is typical for those who are obese. As a result, a person tends to feel exhausted during the day and may experience issues with focus, memory, and mood regulation.

It turned out that 15% of the participants had obstructive sleep apnea. Compared to the other women in the group, those with sleep apnea were notably heavier and more likely to have chronic high blood pressure (which is a condition known as preeclampsia).

Among the women with sleep apnea, 65% eventually required a C-section, and 42% had preeclampsia. Most alarming, 46% of the babies born to mothers with sleep apnea required admission to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), mostly due to breathing problems. Researchers attributed this to the higher rate of C-sections.

What We Can Learn

Because the study only included obese women in the testing group, it’s unclear whether or not sleep apnea would have similar effects on pregnant women who were closer to average weight.

Nonetheless, the findings do indicate that there is at least some connection between sleep apnea and pregnancy complications, so a person dealing with sleep apnea symptoms should definitely seek out treatment if they are currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant. This may involve something as simple as losing weight so that the airway is less likely to become blocked during sleep, or a patient may be prescribed a CPAP machine or oral appliance.

Whatever the case may be, making sure that an expecting mother is able to get adequate sleep is better for both them and the baby in the long run.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell has been providing effective snoring and sleep apnea treatment in Jupiter for more than 30 years. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, and/or have concerns about sleep apnea, he can provide the answers you need and even offer treatment if necessary. For questions and more information, Dr. Mogell can be contacted through his website.