Does Sleep Apnea Affect Pregnancy?
Do you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night? While this could be due to your body changing during pregnancy, it can also be a sign of something more serious. It’s crucial that you adequate sleep to ensure both you and your baby remain healthy during your pregnancy.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans. It causes you to wake up frequently during the night gasping for air. This condition occurs when your airway is being obstructed while you sleep, blocking your airflow.
Signs That You Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause serious consequences, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. People with a family history of sleep apnea, are overweight, or have a large neck circumference are at higher risk of developing this sleep disorder.
You should contact Dr. Aldrich if you experience any of the following:
- Snoring
- Frequently waking up throughout the night
- Gasping for air in the middle of the night
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our office right away.
Does Sleep Apnea Affect My Child?
Sleep apnea not only affects you and your body, but your unborn child’s well-being as well. Since your body provides nutrients for your baby, a sudden change in oxygen or blood pressure can cause them to develop problems. Side effects of sleep apnea include heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Studies show that women with sleep apnea are more likely to have a baby born with birth defects or breathing problems than people without it. They found that a larger percentage of pregnant women had pre-eclampsia — a potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
Additionally, sleep apnea can prevent your unborn child from maturing, or cause them to develop sleep apnea or diabetes later in life. That’s why it’s important to have your health evaluated regularly throughout your pregnancy.
Discover Your Treatment Options
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea by your doctor, the next step is seeking treatment as soon as possible. The traditional form of treatment is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but many patients find alternative treatments like oral appliances work better for them.
Dr. Aldrich will talk to you about the treatment opions that were given to you by your physician, and explain the benefits of oral appliances in greater detail. She’ll also suggest that you maintain a regular exercise routine to improve your sleep and will address any questions or concerns you may have.
Contact Our Salem Office
Your body is constantly changing during pregnancy and can affect multiple aspects of your life including your quality of sleep. If you notice a decline in your quality of sleep, contact our office right away at (503) 391- 9558 or fill out our contact form below. We’ll work with you to find the most efficient and comfortable solution to treat your sleep apnea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a CPAP during pregnancy?
Women with pre-existing OSA and established CPAP treatment should continue with their treatment plan during pregnancy. CPAP may need to be readjusted around the 24-week mark of pregnancy due to induced nasal congestion and an increased BMI. Women who have untreated OSA during pregnancy should immediately seek treatment to prevent any possible health risks from occurring to both mother and unborn baby.
Can sleep apnea harm an unborn baby?
Women with untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy face several health risks to themselves as well as their unborn child. According to researchers, women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop preeclampsia, a high blood pressure condition, while pregnant. Babies born to women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to be delivered via cesarean section and be admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
This is why it’s crucial to seek diagnosis and proper treatment for sleep disorders. If you’re pregnant and feel you may be suffering from sleep apnea, call our Salem practice at (503)-391-9558 and we will coordinate with your physician.