Pregnancy & Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea and TMJ treatments in Ottawa, ON

Pregnant woman looking at her belly

The Lasting Consequences for You and Your Baby

Moms-to-be typically have a maternal instinct to do what’s best for their health and that of their unborn baby. Avoiding alcohol, hot tubs, and uncooked meats is usually at the top of the list. One area that’s often overlooked is changes in your breathing patterns while you sleep.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous health condition that can affect you at any time in your life, even during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the consequences of untreated sleep apnea can have a major impact on you and your baby. 

Are you snoring more often or louder than normal? Are you experiencing pauses in your breathing while you sleep? These are common symptoms of sleep apnea. Explore our guide to the connection between pregnancy and sleep apnea, and see how we can help put your worries to rest.

How Sleep Apnea Affects You During Pregnancy

The type of sleep apnea that typically occurs as a result of pregnancy is called obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA. OSA occurs when a blockage in your upper respiratory tract temporarily stops the flow of air during sleep. This is especially harmful to your baby because they depend on you for oxygen.

Interrupted breathing during sleep is referred to as an event. Sleep apnea events occur for at least ten seconds and happen several times throughout the night. Repeated loss of oxygen during sleep is associated with a variety of consequences that can be life-threatening.

Complications of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

When an expecting mother suffers from sleep apnea, there are health consequences for both her and her baby. In one study, mothers had an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia – high blood pressure during pregnancy.

In another study, research shows that newborn babies born to mothers with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to experience the following complications:

  • Admission into the neonatal intensive care unithands holding baby feet
  • Delivery via C-section
  • Require resuscitation at birth
  • Congenital abnormalities

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

As the fetus develops, your body goes through several changes to support your baby’s health. The following factors can increase your chances of sleep apnea during pregnancy:

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause mucous membranes in your nose to swell, congesting airways, and increasing the chances of sleep apnea. 
  • Women who experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy are at a greater risk for developing sleep apnea. 
  • A large neck circumference can place additional pressure on airways, restricting airflow.
  • If you had sleep apnea before conception, you’ll have the condition during pregnancy.

Be Aware of Sleep Apnea Symptoms

About ten percent of pregnant women have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you may experience any number of the following symptoms:

  • Waking up choking or gasping for air
  • Excessive daytime fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Loud snoring
  • Decreased libido
  • Observed moments of pauses in breathing

It’s important to note that your sleeping partner may be the one that recognizes the signs of sleep apnea. If you notice any symptoms, contact our Ottawa office and we’ll help you find the best solution for you during your pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy & Sleep Apnea

What’s the best treatment for sleep apnea during pregnancy?
Can sleep apnea during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?
Will sleep apnea go away after pregnancy?
Is it safe to undergo a sleep study while pregnant?
What’s the best treatment for sleep apnea during pregnancy?

The best treatment for sleep apnea depends on your unique condition. Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea can benefit from an oral appliance, while severe cases require a CPAP machine. Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can begin treatment right away.

Can sleep apnea during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can affect the health of you and your baby. While there aren’t any studies that indicate a link between sleep apnea during pregnancy and miscarriages, you’ll want to undergo a sleep study just to be safe. It’s just one more way you can ensure the health of you and your unborn child.

Will sleep apnea go away after pregnancy?

Some patients enter into pregnancy with a pre-existing condition of sleep apnea and others develop the disorder during pregnancy. If you have a pre-existing condition, it’s unlikely that your symptoms will resolve without treatment.

According to research, patients with gestational sleep apnea that lose weight can expect to see an improvement in their condition. To be safe, you’ll want to undergo a sleep study so we can monitor your condition and ensure you’re getting the quality sleep you need.

Is it safe to undergo a sleep study while pregnant?

Sleep studies are non-invasive and won’t affect the health of your pregnancy. A sleep test measures vitals such as heart rate and oxygen saturation. An in-lab test can also examine leg and eye movements, and brainwaves. All of these tests are completed on the surface of your skin, without causing any harm to you or your baby.

Breathe Freely For a Healthy Pregnancy

Carrying a child is no small feat and it’s important to ensure you and your baby are in the best of health, so you can enjoy a smooth pregnancy and delivery. If you have sleep apnea, contact our Ottawa office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dahan by calling (613) 454-1854. We’ll help you on your journey to a restorative night’s sleep.

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