Nothing is more exciting than awaiting the arrival of your little bundle of joy. Besides maintaining a healthy lifestyle, your developing child also relies on you feeling your best. Unfortunately, 75% of all pregnant women report sleep disturbances. If you find yourself tossing and turning, it may not be from night cravings or repeat trips to the bathroom. Instead, obstructive sleep apnea might be the culprit. Although it tends to affect older people and men, sleep apnea during pregnancy is relatively common. The sleep disorder deprives your body of oxygen, which can cause significant harm to you and your unborn child. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your baby.
Pregnancy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea results when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapse to block the airway. This causes potentially hundreds of pauses in breathing throughout the night. The chronic condition is often seen in patients with obesity, a large neck circumference, or large tonsils; however, anyone on can develop it. Expecting women have an increased risk for several reasons, including:
Nasal Congestion
Higher levels of estrogen can cause the mucous membranes in the nose to swell. The nasal congestion makes it more difficult to breathe. At least 8% of pregnant women experience this symptom during mid-pregnancy.
Obesity
Besides nasal congestion, the added weight can also be a contributor. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to extra tissue on your neck. Mothers-to-be who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk because of the weight gain.
Physical Attributes
Besides nasal congestion caused by hormones or allergies, certain physical attributes can also lead to the condition, such as enlarged adenoids, a large tongue, or a deviated septum.
Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Without the right treatment, the repeat depletion of your oxygen can lead to a variety of complications, like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and sleep deprivation. In addition, you can develop certain issues that can compromise the health of your unborn child, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Sleep Soundly with the Right Treatment
You have enough to worry about before your baby arrives, but you can take one stressor off your plate with sleep apnea therapy. Depending on your specific needs, you can benefit from:
- CPAP: A mask is worn at night to deliver a stream of air that’s delivered via a machine to prevent the soft tissues from creating an obstruction.
- Oral Appliance: The custom-made device repositions your lower jaw forward to keep the airway open.
If you’re experiencing chronic snoring, daily fatigue, or waking with a headache, it’s time to call your obstetrician for further advice.
About Dr. Dean Hutto
After earning his dental degree, Dr. Hutto continued his training at the Seattle Institute and the Dawson Institute for Learning. He has also completed advanced education in dental sleep medicine. He is a proud member of various professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you’ve been diagnosed with pregnancy-related sleep apnea, contact our office today.