A research abstract presented at a recent meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies showed that women with severe sleep apnea had a higher incidence of gestational diabetes and early preterm birth. The sleep disorder has been linked to heart disease and stroke in non-pregnant people but very few studies have looked at how sleep apnea affects women (and their babies) while pregnant.

The researchers reviewed medical records of 150 women who had undergone sleep studies and had given birth. Most of the women were overweight or obese at the time they delivered their babies. “Our findings suggest that moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly gestational diabetes and preterm birth” according to researcher Dr. Francesca Facco. “However it is unclear if sleep-disordered breathing is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of obesity.”

Further studies are going to be needed to clarify the relationship between sleep apnea, pregnancy and weight.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have symptoms of sleep disordered breathing such as excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring or gasping during sleep you should complete a sleep study to rule out obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Your health, and the health of your baby are important and these symptoms should not be ignored.

For additional information about treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea please contact StoneRidge Dental Care at 614-476-6696 today.