It goes without saying that getting to sleep can be more challenging while pregnant. Even when you really need to sleep, it can be challenging to do so due to early pregnancy insomnia, discomfort with getting comfortable, and frequent nighttime urination. You might also discover that you start snoring as your pregnancy goes on. Could it be sleep apnea?
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What is Sleep Apnea?
Breathing pauses during sleep are known as sleep apnea. A woman with sleep apnea will not breathe in and out normally; instead, she will stop breathing for a moment before suddenly starting again. These breaks can take place several times throughout the course of a single night.
Pregnancy-related sleep apnea can have a number of harmful effects on both the mother and the unborn child. For instance, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight have all been associated with it. Additionally, it may contribute to the mother’s daytime sleepiness, exhaustion, and mood swings.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea during pregnancy can be caused by a number of factors. These consist of hormonal adjustments, weight gain, and an increase in blood volume.
Increased hormone levels, for instance, can make your nasal mucus membranes swell and make you feel more congested than usual, which can result in snoring and sleep apnea.
Another hormone, progesterone, is also activated by higher levels, and this can relax your airway and cause sleep apnea.
Additionally, as you put on weight during your pregnancy, your airways may become more compressed, making it more challenging to breathe at night.
Your lungs are also under pressure from your growing uterus and the baby, which lowers your air volume and speeds up your breathing.
As your pregnancy progresses, you become less likely to sleep on your back, but this also raises your risk of developing sleep apnea.
Women who have a history of sleep apnea in their families or who have additional risk factors, such as smoking or obesity, may also experience a higher prevalence of the condition.
Pregnant woman sleeping with bear
How common is sleep apnea in pregnancy?
In women of childbearing age, the prevalence of sleep apnea ranges from one to ten per cent. Since many people have this condition without realising it, it is difficult to estimate the exact number.
Sleep apnea in women is more common after menopause and during pregnancy. Sleep apnea, however, is uncommon in healthy pregnant women who are carrying uncomplicated pregnancies, despite the fact that restless sleep and shortness of breath are common during pregnancy (especially in later pregnancy).
Women who have gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia are more likely to experience it.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder defined by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in breathing interruptions or reductions in breathing lasting 10 seconds or longer. If left untreated, the condition reduces sleep quality and can lead to serious health problems.
Obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a small or narrow airway, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can all contribute to OSA. Loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things are all symptoms of OSA.
Sleep Apnea Symptom
The most obvious sign of sleep apnea is loud snoring. Many snorers have sleep apnea, though not all snorers do. After a breathless pause, a partner may also claim they witnessed or overheard the other partner “choking” or coughing and sputtering.
Another sign of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness. It can be challenging to distinguish between normal pregnancy fatigue and sleep apnea-related fatigue, but if you find yourself unable to stay awake in the afternoons or falling asleep while driving, speak with your doctor. He can request some tests to determine whether sleep apnea is the root of your fatigue.
Image Source: iStock
Other signs include frequent nighttime urination, heartburn at night, headaches and/or dry mouth upon waking. Heartburn, waking up at night, and the need to urinate are all common symptoms during pregnancy, so they aren’t absolute indicators.
How will my sleep apnea affect my baby?
Preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia have all been connected to sleep apnea during pregnancy. The good news is that having a healthy baby is much more likely when the proper treatment is received.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
The best way to treat this condition depends on the severity and cause of your sleep apnea. The following are the most common treatment options:
1. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
While you sleep, a CPAP machine uses air pressure to keep your airway open. A person who uses a CPAP machine sleeps with a mask over her nose or nose and mouth; a tube connects the mask to a machine at the bedside that provides positive air pressure.
Although CPAP therapy is highly effective for obstructive sleep apnea, some people find the machine and mask uncomfortable. If you require CPAP but are uncomfortable with the machine, consult your doctor before discontinuing use. CPAP works only if you use it.
CPAP machine | Image from iStock
2. Oral appliances
Oral appliances designed specifically for sleep can keep the airway open. They must be custom-made for you to be effective; there is no such thing as an over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all oral appliance for sleep apnea.
3. Surgery
Although surgery is not usually performed on pregnant women unless absolutely necessary, it can be done before or after pregnancy if a structural defect is discovered to be the cause of your sleep apnea.
How To Cure Sleep Apnea?
Maintaining a healthy weight may be beneficial. Obese women (and men) are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, so keep an eye on your pregnancy weight gain. During pregnancy, most women should gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Obese women should limit their weight gain to 11 to 20 pounds.
When to Go to the Doctor for Sleeping Problems
Breathing difficulties during pregnancy can be a concerning issue, and it is important to know when to seek medical attention. If you are experiencing breathing pauses or sleeping problems during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
According to Mayo Clinic, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience shortness of breath accompanied by symptoms such as swelling in your feet and ankles, trouble breathing when lying flat, high fever, chills, coughing, wheezing, or worsening of preexisting shortness of breath.
These symptoms could be signs of serious complications, such as sleep apnea, preeclampsia, or other respiratory conditions. By consulting with your doctor and addressing these symptoms early on, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.
Image Source: Shutterstock
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