Sleep Apnea, Snoring & Pregnancy
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interferes with your ability to breathe while sleeping, causing the tissue at the back of your throat to block your airway. A notable symptom of sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring, but not everyone who snores suffers from it.
Seeking out a proper sleep study can help identify the issue and provide the care you and your unborn child need early on. A sleep study is a simple, non-invasive evaluation that will determine with certainty whether you suffer from a sleep disorder. Since pregnancy increases your risk of developing sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to contact a specialist if you notice any of the characteristic signs.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interferes with your ability to breathe while sleeping, causing the tissue at the back of your throat to block your airway. A notable symptom of sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring, but not everyone who snores suffers from it.
Seeking a proper sleep study can help identify the issue and provide the care you and your unborn child need early on. A sleep study is a simple, non-invasive evaluation that will determine with certainty whether you suffer from a sleep disorder. Since pregnancy increases your risk of developing sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to contact a specialist if you notice any of the characteristic signs.
Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy
These frequent signs of sleep apnea in pregnant women include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dry mouth
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Choking or gasping for breath
- Heartburn overnight
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Insomnia
- Restlessness at night
Some or all of these symptoms may result from your pregnancy, as there are many pregnancy conditions with these symptoms, which is why many pregnant women with sleep apnea go undiagnosed.
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, we encourage you to take preventive measures and call (903) 686-9076 to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Hobbs takes the time to provide the high-quality care you deserve and ensures you receive the best possible results.
The Risks of Sleep Apnea When Expecting
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires professional attention. Without proper treatment, expecting mothers can provoke more complications during their pregnancy, including:
- Lower blood-oxygen levels
- Maternal obesity
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Unplanned Cesarean section
- Pulmonary edema
- Prolonged labor
- Fetal growth restrictions
Sleep apnea can increase the risk of future health complications such as heart failure, kidney failure, and high blood pressure. It’s imperative to seek treatment to avoid these consequences and have a safe, healthy pregnancy.
Solutions for Pregnancy-Related Sleep Apnea
Dr. Hobbs recognizes the impact of sleep apnea on pregnant women, which is why it’s important to seek treatment early on to lower the risk of possible complications. We offer many different treatments to help combat sleep apnea.
Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective treatment that reduces sleep apnea. However, many of our patients stop using it as it can be an inconvenience. The CPAP machine is known to be bulky, loud, and uncomfortable.
At DentaCare Dental, we offer a comfortable alternative to CPAP: personalized oral appliances that help reduce sleep apnea symptoms. This is a snore guard that’s subtle and custom-made for your mouth. The oral appliance works by slightly moving your jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep in any position.
We know some treatments may not work for you, which is why Dr. Hobbs may recommend another alternative — improving your lifestyle. During your consultation, Dr. Hobbs will offer advice that can help improve your lifestyle and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use CPAP while pregnant?
Pregnant women with a pre-existing OSA and established CPAP treatment should continue using the treatment. After the 24-week mark of pregnancy, it’s recommended to visit your doctor to get it refitted. During this time, your BMI had increased, causing nasal congestion and your baby will have grown, causing decreased lung capacity. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Hobbs, call our Longview office at (903) 686-9076.
Is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?
It’s common to experience snoring while pregnant. While it can be a sign of sleep apnea, it can be unharmful — you may need to adjust your sleeping position and speak with your OBGYN about the safest sleep position for you. However, if you’re unsure whether or not you may have sleep apnea, we recommend undergoing a sleep study.
A sleep study is used to track your sleeping habits and monitor your vital signs throughout your sleep. Afterward, the study will be used to determine if you have sleep apnea and from there, Dr. Hobbs will choose what treatment best fits you.
How common is sleep apnea during pregnancy?
While studies show women are less likely to suffer from sleep apnea than men, as many as one in four expectant mothers suffer from sleep apnea during their trimester. This results from hormonal change, redistribution of body weight during pregnancy, and a growing baby putting pressure on the body’s organs.
What other conditions make sleep apnea more likely to develop during pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant, there are certain medical conditions that can predispose you to new or worsened sleep apnea symptoms. The chance of developing sleep apnea during your pregnancy increases if you suffer from conditions:
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes, including gestational diabetes
- Deviated septum or other breathing issues
Treat Your Sleep Apnea for a Better Rest
If you’re pregnant and feel you may be suffering from sleep apnea, call our Longview office today at (903) 686-9076 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hobbs. Or if you prefer, you can also leave your information at the bottom of the page and we’ll get back to you.
Dr. Hobbstreats patients in the Longview community as well as the surrounding areas including Marshall, Gladewater, Lakeport, and Kilgore, TX. Gain the freedom to sleep freely and enjoy a better night’s rest with DentaCare Dental.