In plain words
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the upper airway narrows or closes during sleep. Breathing pauses for seconds at a time, and the sleeper wakes briefly. Loud snoring, gasping, and daytime sleepiness are common signs. In pregnancy, weight gain and changes in the airway can make it more likely. Estimates vary by study, and it becomes more common as pregnancy goes on and with higher body weight. Sleep apnea can make pregnancy tiring and can affect sleep quality. Some clinicians link it with blood pressure changes. A mother may be asked about snoring at a prenatal visit. A is the usual way to confirm the condition.
The deeper version
Obstructive sleep apnea is defined by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep, measured as an apnea-hypopnea index, with 5 or more events per hour and symptoms meeting criteria for diagnosis. Prevalence estimates vary widely by study, rising with body mass, , and later gestation. Pregnancy increases airway edema, reduces functional residual capacity, and alters ventilatory drive. Associations with gestational hypertension, , and have been reported in observational studies, though causation is not established. Diagnosis is by polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing, and positive airway pressure is the standard treatment in pregnancy when indicated.
Where it comes up
- Can't sleep: pregnancy insomniaPregnancy: Your Body
- Exhaustion in the first trimesterPregnancy: Your Body
- Forgetfulness and brain fogPregnancy: Mind and Life
- Blood sugar, dizziness, and energy crashesPregnancy: Eating
- Sleep deprivation: what it does and how to survive itPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about obstructive sleep apnea
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Sources
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine — International Classification of Sleep Disorders, third edition, 2014