Pregnancy is full of surprises and exciting milestones. However, it also comes with its challenges. For instance, many women find it difficult to get quality rest – especially if you work full time and/or already have small children. Sleep apnea is also something that can negatively affect pregnant women. Here are some of the risks that sleep apnea can present and what you can do about it.
Are Pregnant Women More Likely to Develop Sleep Apnea?
Yes, women who are pregnant are more likely to develop sleep apnea due to many changes going on in the body. Here are some of the more prominent ones.
- Weight Gain: Pregnancy usually comes with some weight gain. This can increase the amount of soft tissue around the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, contributing to airway destruction.
- Increased Blood Volume: The increase in blood volume during pregnancy can lead to congestion and swelling in the upper airway.
What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea for Pregnant Women?
Untreated sleep apnea can pose a variety of risks for you and your baby. Here are some of the more serious ones to consider.
- High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea can result in hypertension, increasing the risk of preeclampsia.
- Gestational Diabetes: Poor sleep quality can affect glucose metabolism, leading to gestational diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Sleep apnea can strain the cardiovascular system, increase the risk of heart disease and other related conditions.
- Low Birth Rate: Sleep apnea can affect oxygen levels and blood flow, leading to fetal growth restriction.
- Preterm Birth: Stress and complications associated with sleep apnea can increase the likelihood of preterm labor.
- Developmental Issues: Chronic oxygen deprivation and disrupted sleep can impact your baby’s development.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
CPAP therapy is the most common treatment solution for sleep apnea. This treatment involves wearing a mask that provides a continuous flow of oxygen to keep the airway open. However, many people find this treatment uncomfortable, so they are less likely to comply with their treatment. Alternatively, many patients find relief through oral appliances. These work by shifting the lower jaw into position to keep the airway open during sleep.
Sleep apnea is dangerous when untreated, so if you are experiencing symptoms, you should let your dentist know. Steps can be taken to support a healthy pregnancy!
About the Practice
At Smile Works, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Mt. Pleasant community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (843) 654-7300.