How Pregnancy Can Impact Sleep and Breathing
Pregnancy is an exciting and beautiful time, but it also comes with a variety of physical changes and challenges. One such challenge is sleep disturbances, and for some pregnant women, these disturbances may be due to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor-quality rest, fatigue, and potential health complications. While sleep apnea can affect anyone, pregnancy can increase the risk of developing or worsening severe or mild sleep apnea due to the hormonal and physical changes occurring in the body.
In this blog, we’ll explore how pregnancy can affect your sleep and help you recognize the signs of sleep apnea. If you suspect that you may be experiencing sleep apnea during pregnancy, it’s important to seek professional advice. At North Texas Sleep Solutions in Keller, TX, Dr. Rebecca Lauck specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, even in pregnant women who are having trouble falling asleep. Contact us at (817) 431-6764 to discuss your symptoms and explore potential treatment options if you begin to develop obstructive sleep apnea.
The Connection Between Pregnancy and Sleep Apnea
Pregnancy is a time of significant change, and some of these changes can affect your ability to breathe comfortably during sleep. One of the key factors contributing to sleep apnea during pregnancy is the increased weight gain, especially around the neck and throat area. As the uterus grows and the body’s blood flow increases, these changes can lead to airway obstruction, making it harder for air to pass freely while you sleep.
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, especially increased levels of progesterone, can also contribute to increased nasal congestion and fluid retention in the airway tissues, further exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, the growing belly may put extra pressure on the diaphragm, which can lead to shallow breathing or even apnea episodes throughout the night.
Here are some common signs that you may be experiencing sleep apnea during pregnancy:
Signs of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy
1. Excessive Daytime Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is extreme daytime tiredness, even after a full night of sleep. If you find yourself feeling unusually fatigued during the day, it could be a sign that your sleep quality is being compromised. Frequent awakenings due to interrupted breathing during sleep prevent your body from reaching the deeper stages of restorative sleep, leaving you feeling drained and sluggish during the day.
Why It’s Important: Pregnancy already places a strain on your energy levels, and adding sleep apnea into the mix can make the fatigue much worse. Ensuring you get adequate, high-quality sleep is essential for both your health and the health of your baby.
2. Loud Snoring
While snoring is a common issue during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and nasal congestion, loud or frequent snoring could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked in the airways, and if this blockage leads to episodes of breathing cessation, it could indicate sleep apnea.
Why It’s Important: Loud snoring, particularly if it’s accompanied by pauses in breathing or gasping for air, should not be ignored. It may be a sign that your airways are obstructed and that you’re at increased risk for sleep apnea, which can affect both your health and your baby’s.
3. Pauses in Breathing During Sleep
If you wake up frequently during the night, or if someone notices that you stop breathing for several seconds, this could be a clear sign of sleep apnea. These episodes, known as apneas, occur when the airway is fully blocked, preventing airflow to the lungs. This can cause you to wake up briefly to resume breathing, disrupting your sleep cycle and reducing sleep quality.
Why It’s Important: Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep can increase the risk of complications like preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and low birth weight. Detecting and treating sleep apnea early can help reduce these risks.
4. Morning Headaches
Another common symptom of sleep apnea during pregnancy is waking up with headaches. These headaches are often caused by decreased blood oxygen levels during sleep, which is common in people with sleep apnea. The lack of oxygen causes the body to wake up briefly to resume breathing, which can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the morning.
Why It’s Important: Chronic morning headaches may be a sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen during the night, which can affect both your health and your pregnancy. If you experience this symptom regularly, it’s important to seek treatment.
5. Difficulty Staying Asleep
Sleep apnea can cause frequent awakenings throughout the night, leading to difficulty staying asleep. If you wake up often, feel restless, or have trouble getting comfortable, sleep apnea could be contributing to these sleep disturbances. This is especially common during the second and third trimesters, as physical changes and weight gain make it harder to maintain a comfortable sleep position.
Why It’s Important: Poor sleep during pregnancy can contribute to other issues like irritability, mood swings, and difficulty focusing. It’s important to address any sleep-related concerns with a healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting the rest you need.
How Pregnancy Impacts Sleep Apnea
The hormonal, physical, and metabolic changes of pregnancy can make sleep apnea symptoms more pronounced. Increased blood volume, weight gain, and changes in the anatomy of the airway can all contribute to the onset or worsening of sleep apnea symptoms. If left untreated, sleep apnea during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and baby, such as high blood pressure, poor fetal development, and premature birth.
Fortunately, diagnosing and treating sleep apnea during pregnancy can help mitigate these risks and improve your quality of sleep.
What to Do if You Suspect Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy
If you are experiencing any of the signs of sleep apnea during pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. A sleep study can help determine whether you have sleep apnea, and your provider may recommend certain treatments that can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Why It’s Important: Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help ensure you’re getting the rest you need, reduce the risk of complications, and improve your overall well-being during pregnancy.
At North Texas Sleep Solutions in Keller, TX, Dr. Rebecca Lauck specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, even during pregnancy. We offer comprehensive care and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your sleep apnea symptoms, ensuring you and your baby stay healthy.
Take Control of Your Sleep and Health Today
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to disrupt your pregnancy journey. With the right treatment, you can sleep better, feel more energized, and improve your overall health. If you’re struggling with symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait—reach out to us at North Texas Sleep Solutions to schedule a consultation.
Contact us today at (817) 431-6764 to take the first step toward better sleep and a healthier pregnancy!