Sleep apnea in pregnant women

Sleep apnea in pregnant women: When snoring becomes a risk

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a disorder characterized by repeated episodes of breathing cessation during sleep due to collapse of the upper airways. Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development or worsening of this condition. Loud snoring, which often appears in pregnant women, may not be just an inconvenience but a sign of apnea that requires attention, as it carries risks for both the mother and the baby.

Why does pregnancy provoke apnea?

Several physiological changes during pregnancy contribute to narrowing of the airways:

• Hormonal swelling of the mucous membranes: Estrogen and progesterone cause swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, leading to nasal congestion and narrowing of the airway lumen.
• Weight gain: Increased fat deposits in the neck and throat area also contribute to airway collapse during sleep.
• Reduced lung volume: In the third trimester the enlarged uterus presses on the diaphragm, slightly reducing the functional lung capacity.

Risks associated with apnea in pregnant women

Each breathing pause leads to a temporary drop in blood oxygen level (hypoxia). Chronic nighttime hypoxia is a significant stress on the body and increases the risk of developing:

• Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Fetal growth restriction and the need for a cesarean section.

If your partner notices that your snoring is accompanied by breathing pauses, or you wake up feeling short of breath, be sure to discuss it with a doctor. Read about the general mechanisms in the article "Sleep apnea".