Sleep apnea may nevertheless occur.
Although the precise prevalence is not known, it’s estimated to affect 10% of pregnant women.
These symptoms include:
The condition is likely under-diagnosed.
Squaredpixels / Getty Images
High-risk women with obesity, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth retardation should be evaluated.
This may include an overnight sleep study called apolysomnogram.
Severely affected women may develop obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
During pregnancy, it can be helpful for women to sleep on their sides.
The gold standard treatment is the use ofcontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
As natural weight gain occurs, the pressure will likewise need to be increased.
Sleep Foundation.Pregnancy & sleep: common issues & tips for sleeping.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The dangers of uncontrolled sleep apnea.
2017;26(3):259-265. doi:10.1089/jwh.2016.5917
HelpGuide.org.Sleep apnea.
Sleep Foundation.How weight affects sleep apnea.
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.The lungs in pregnancy.
2015;10(6):e0129094.
