Being pregnant can cause dramatic changes in the body. For the most part, these are beneficial to your growing baby, but in some cases, they can be very harmful to both mother and child. One such condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Whether you already had it before gestation, or you developed it because of your pregnancy, OSA can cause a variety of dangerous complications. Here are just a few reasons why it’s so important to treat it when you’re expecting.
OSA and Pregnancy: Who’s at Risk?
Whether you already have OSA or develop it during your pregnancy, this condition can be very dangerous to you and your unborn child. Though rare, OSA that forms while expecting often occurs due to hormonal changes such as an increase in estrogen. This may cause your nasal membranes to swell and restrict your airway, the pressure of your uterus on the diaphragm to decrease your lung function, weight gain, or a variety of other side effects. Your odds can also increase if you have other risk factors, including enlarged adenoids, a large or “fatty” tongue, deviated septum, a receding chin, or a wider than average neck circumference.
Potential Complications of OSA during Pregnancy
OSA has many dangerous side effects when you’re not pregnant, but when you’re expecting, those can worsen, even posing a risk to your unborn child. That’s because with time OSA lowers your blood oxygen levels. This can cause daytime fatigue and an increase in your risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. Additionally, it can raise the likelihood of developing conditions that could affect the health of your baby such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of OSA During Pregnancy
Symptoms of OSA during pregnancy are often similar to or the same as those when you are not expecting. These include:
- Snoring
- Stopping and restarting breathing repeatedly throughout the night
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability
- Waking up with a headache or dry mouth
- Forgetfulness
- Frequent urination at night
Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are common in pregnancy to begin with, such as frequent urination and some mood changes, so you may not initially suspect they are related to OSA. However, if you notice any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, worse than usual, or if you are experiencing more than one of the above, speak to your doctor about sleep apnea testing.
Remember, obstructive sleep apnea during pregnancy can put both mother and baby at risk for a variety of dangerous conditions. If you notice any of the above symptoms, or if you have already been diagnosed with OSA prior to gestation, it is important to treat your sleep disorder to protect yourself and your unborn child. To learn more about sleep apnea and discuss your treatment options, speak to your sleep dentist today.
About Dr. Rodgers
A board-certified expert in sleep, Dr. Jeff Rodgers has been specializing in dental sleep medicine in private practice for over 20 years. He earned his BS in biology from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, and his dental degree at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Dr Rodgers is a Diplomate the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA). To schedule an appointment at Sleep Better Georgia: Dental Sleep Medicine for sleep apnea treatment during pregnancy or at any other stage of life, visit our website or call us today at 770-394-4310.