What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop breathing for short periods of time while you are asleep. In obstructive sleep apnea, you stop breathing because your throat narrows or closes. People with sleep apnea do not know that they stop breathing when they are asleep; however, they do snore and sometimes wake up startled or gasping for breath. Most women with obstructive sleep apnea will have a normal pregnancy; however, these women have a higher chance of having complications. Before you try to get pregnant, an appointment for preconception counseling may be helpful.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. This causes your airway to narrow or even close, which causes your breathing to be inadequate for 10 to 20 seconds and for the oxygen level in your blood to lower. Without you realizing, these disruptions occur throughout the night and impair your ability to reach the deep, restful phases of sleep.The following are risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea: a family history of obstructive sleep apnea, overweight or obese, certain racial or ethnic groups (Hispanic, Black, or of Asian descent), people with other medical conditions: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or polycystic ovary syndrome, or a neck wider than 38 cm.

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

The main symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, tiredness, and daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms can include, restless sleep, waking up choking or gasping, morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat, waking up often to urinate, waking up feeling unrested or groggy, and trouble thinking clearly or remembering things. Some people with sleep apnea don’t have symptoms, or they don’t know they have them. They might figure that it’s normal to be tired or to snore a lot. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause the following complications during pregnancy: increased chance of preterm birth, increased chance of pregnancy related high blood pressure, and increased chance of gestational diabetes.

How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea or if you are a member of certain high risk groups, your doctor may want to test you for obstructive sleep apnea.

What is the treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?

The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is a device that keeps your airway open while you sleep. Treatment with this device is called "continuous positive airway pressure," or CPAP. People getting CPAP wear a face mask at night that keeps them breathing. Before you start trying to get pregnant, you will need to work closely with your health care team to adequately treat your obstructive sleep apnea. Your doctor will also test you for diabetes and hypertension. These conditions often happen in people with sleep apnea. Treating these conditions will help prevent pregnancy complications.

How can obstructive sleep apnea be prevented?

Maintain a healthy weight, exercise, avoid alcohol and medications like tranquilizers and sleeping pills, and avoid sleeping on your back, which can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway.

Read more: obstructive sleep apnea