Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy: Risks and Treatments

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing throughout the night, which occur when tissues in the airway collapse, blocking the free flow of oxygen. OSA is most commonly found in older adults, but other groups are also at a heightened risk — including pregnant women. Let’s talk about why sleep apnea during pregnancy in Melbourne may occur, the risks involved, and how you can find effective treatment.

Why Does Sleep Apnea Occur During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy comes with many hormonal changes, among which is a significant increase in estrogen levels. Estrogen can cause the mucus membranes in your nose to swell. Because that swelling makes it more difficult to breathe through your nose, you may be more likely to breathe through your mouth, which can cause irritation in the airway that leads to obstructed breathing.

All pregnant women are at a heightened risk of OSA, but it is especially common in those who were obese before pregnancy and those who gain a lot of weight during pregnancy.

Health Risks of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

OSA disrupts your sleep and can contribute to fatigue. Even more concerning is the fact that it lowers blood oxygen levels, which in turn may contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. Pregnant women with OSA may be more likely to suffer from gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, both of which pose health risks to the baby as well as to the mother.

Treatment Options

If you are concerned that you may have OSA, speak to an expert who can arrange for you to undergo a sleep study, which is a noninvasive test that monitors you while you sleep. After the test, you’ll be able to start exploring your options for combating your apnea.

Fortunately, most of the available treatments for OSA are non-pharmaceutical, so you won’t have to worry about them affecting your baby. Popular forms of sleep apnea treatment in Melbourne include:

• CPAP therapy. A CPAP machine uses pressurized air to keep the airway open. Unfortunately, it requires the use of a mask, which can be quite uncomfortable for pregnant women sleeping on their side.
• Oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance shifts the jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open. The appliances are small, relatively comfortable, and suitable for almost all cases of sleep apnea.
• Other options. You are probably already implementing many of the lifestyle changes that can lessen the severity of sleep apnea. For example, sleeping on your side, cutting out caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a clean sleeping environment may all help.

Sleep apnea during pregnancy puts both you and your baby at risk! Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help you enjoy improved rest and improved health.

Meet the Sleep Dentist

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is double-board certified in dental sleep medicine. He specializes in helping patients fight sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. If you are concerned that OSA may be affecting you during pregnancy, Dr. Mogell can help you arrange for sleep test. To learn more about how he and our team can serve you, contact our Melbourne office at 321-313-5350.