Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy

There is a lot to consider when you are pregnant. When your tests come out positive, you start getting everything related to your life scrutinized. Don’t worry; it’s always for your own good because your good health is going to affect your baby in pretty positive way. As a matter of fact, you would also want things to be checked before they are brought in for you.

In that situation, it can be normal for you to have both anxiety and excitement. Both these feelings may make you lose your sleep at some extent. While it may be OK to lose some sleep, you need to take it seriously if you are unable to sleep because it might be the case of Obstructive sleep apnea.

Effects of sleep apnea on pregnancy

Sleep apnea is the disorder which involves collapsing of soft tissues in the oral cavity, leading to blockage of air flow. As a result, the person may not be able to breathe for short periods. Remember, this problem isn’t just limited to snoring. It can have pretty adverse effects on memory, focus, and cardiovascular health. The problem gets worse when you are pregnant.

Many women suffer from sleep apnea before getting pregnant. It is quite easy to underestimate the problem because its symptoms appear only when the sufferer is asleep. This is one of the major reasons that sleep apnea may remain undiagnosed for many people.

Nevertheless, the number of women who start experiencing sleep apnea after getting pregnant is no way near less. The major reason for the occurrence of this disorder during pregnancy is pretty much related to heightened estrogen levels. These higher levels of estrogen result in swelling in the mucus membranes of the airway.

Complications due to sleep apnea

Although you may not consider it a bigger problem, sleep apnea is quite dangerous for overall health. And the problem can get worse when pregnancy comes into the mix. According to a research, it was found out that pregnant women with sleep apnea were more vulnerable against disorders such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as gestational diabetes. The research also states that sleep apnea in pregnant women can result in cardiomyopathy, which can turn out to be fatal enough to cause death.

Sleep apnea is dangerous not only for pregnant women but also for everyone else. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are not having these complications in your life. In order to prevent can get rid of sleep apnea, you can visit your dentist or doctor.