Submitted by Koala Center For Sleep Disorders
If you are like most expecting mothers, you probably get tired of hearing people say to you: “Sleep while you can.” For many, good sleep and pregnancy do not go hand-in-hand. In fact, according to the popular website, What to Expect, more than 75 percent of all expectant mothers say they experience “more sleep disturbances” during pregnancy. The third trimester is usually the most “sleep challenged” part of pregnancy. Many factors contribute to one’s difficulty sleeping, including more frequent urination, difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position, and just overall exhaustion.
According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), these normal pregnancy complaints are often compounded by the presence of sleep disorders, which are more likely to occur during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Sleep disorders range from snoring to restless leg syndrome to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a form of sleep disordered breathing that is fairly common in pregnancy but not always discussed between pregnant women and their healthcare providers.
OSA is a chronic condition in which the airway collapses during sleep, leading to complete or partial blockages of airflow. A typical sequence of OSA occurs when a person stops snoring and is silent for seconds or minutes. The brain may cause the body to jerk in an attempt to wake the sleeper so breathing will resume. The silence may end with a loud snort, cough, or gasp. This causes the sleeper to awaken briefly and begin breathing. Once asleep again, the muscles relax and the airway becomes blocked once again. This cycle can occur hundreds of times per night. If left untreated, OSA may lead to heart attack, stroke, and death. Pregnant women are at greater risk for OSA if they snore frequently, are of advanced maternal age or began pregnancy at a high body mass index (BMI).
OSA is more likely to occur in pregnant women than in women of the same age group who are not expecting. In addition, women with a previous diagnosis of OSA are likely to see an increase in severity of symptoms during pregnancy. There are several suspected reasons for this increase. If you are already overweight or obese, you are at increased risk because of the excess weight you likely carry around your neck. Women who go on to gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy are at even higher risk. Hormone changes in the body also put all women at higher risk for OSA. A 2015 article in the journal, Breathe, noted that increased levels of estrogen heighten risk for OSA because these hormone changes can cause swelling of the airways and constricted airflow. In addition, conditions like pregnancy rhinitis, a common complaint, lead to further constricted airflow.
It is important for expecting mothers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of OSA because the condition carries with it additional dangers for both mother and baby. According to a 2017 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, women with OSA are at greater risk for serious pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, longer stays in the hospital and “even admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)” than those who do not have OSA. This study’s lead author suggests that both patients and providers pay greater attention to the condition because it offers a “window” into “future cardiovascular and metabolic health.” Early intervention is key to protect both mother and baby and offer long-term health benefits.
Many doctors and researchers are working on developing better screening methods for detecting OSA in pregnancy. As is usually the case, education is key. Knowing the signs of sleep apnea and making your partner aware of them as well can help you to detect a problem earlier rather than later. Sometimes, lifestyle changes, such as sleeping on your side, avoiding excessive weight gain and establishing a consistent sleep schedule can help those with mild cases. However, if you suspect you might have OSA, consider having a discussion with your doctor about getting a sleep study. A sleep study can help to identify whether you have OSA and, if so, what the severity is.
If you are diagnosed, there are a number of treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, surgery, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Oral Appliance Therapy. Oral Appliance Therapy works to hold the jaw in a position that allows the airway to remain as open and firm as possible during sleep, thus preventing snoring and interruptions in sleep. At the Koala Center for Sleep Disorders in Dunlap, IL, Dr. Rod Willey is trained to treat OSA with Oral Appliance Therapy. By getting treatment now, you can help provide a better future for you and your baby!
For more information contact the Koala Center for Sleep Disorders in Dunlap, IL at 309-243-8980 or visit PeoriaSleep.com. Dr. Rod Willey provides treatment for snoring, sleep apnea, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) with comfortable oral appliance therapy.