The road to parenthood can be an exciting time for many individuals. Whether it’s your first baby or your second or third, each time is different, so if you are noticing it is more difficult to breathe while sleeping, it could be that sleep apnea is to blame. Read on to find out how this common condition can affect your pregnancy and what you can do to get the help you need to breathe easier.
What Sleep Apnea Symptoms Are Most Common Among Pregnant Women?
Although many experts claim that the risk of developing sleep apnea during pregnancy is low, it is still possible. It is why you should be mindful of the various symptoms so that you can contact a sleep dentist for help should you need it:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing throughout the night
- Chronic daily fatigue
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
- Frequent urination throughout the night
How Can Sleep Apnea Negatively Affect Pregnancy?
Without timely treatment, sleep apnea can become a serious problem for pregnant women. Not only will the daily fatigue keep you from being more active, which is highly recommended during pregnancy (unless otherwise directed), but it can also lead to low blood oxygen levels. This factor alone can be problematic, as the less oxygen your body receives, the greater the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
These health problems can contribute to the development of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, both of which can be harmful to your baby.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
In addition to talking to your physician, you’ll also find it helpful to schedule an appointment with a sleep dentist. After analyzing information collected from a sleep study, they can recommend the appropriate form of treatment to help you get the sleep you need. This might include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Treatment (CPAP)
- Oral Appliance Treatment
- Weight Management during pregnancy
- Lifestyle Changes (i.e., changing sleep position, using a humidifier, using a pregnancy pillow, etc.)
Since sleep apnea is a possibility during pregnancy, it’s important that you take all the necessary precautions to maintain a healthy weight, incorporate healthy foods into your diet, and maintain a regular sleep schedule. If you begin to snore or develop sleep apnea during these nine months, allow a trusted professional to provide you with the right solution to better protect yourself and your baby.
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Irving consists of several experts and specialists who are here to make sure your pregnancy is successful. If you are living with sleep apnea or believe you may be exhibiting symptoms associated with this condition, make sure to contact us right away. Our team is here to provide a unique solution that will benefit your sleep habits while also working with your local physician to ensure the safety of your baby.