Pregnancy causes many changes to occur throughout the body. While women work to keep their overall health and well-being in the best possible shape, being unable to fall asleep or stay asleep can have a negative impact on your daily life. If sleep apnea is to blame, it might also cause potential problems for your unborn baby. Read on to learn about the possible risks and how seeing a trusted sleep dentist can help keep you and your child safe.
What Can Cause Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy?
The hormonal changes you experience during these nine months can lead to the development of sleep apnea, especially when you consider weight gain and inflammation. Not only can additional pounds put more pressure on your airway, but swelling throughout the nasal passages can increase sinus congestion and the possibility of snoring and obstructed breathing.
But that’s only your bodily changes that contribute to sleep apnea. The baby also plays a role. As it grows, increased pressure on the lungs can make it difficult for you to get a good, deep breath.
Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy: What Are the Risks?
If obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem, the risks associated with it can negatively affect you and your baby. Some of the more prominent issues that can develop include:
- The development of high blood pressure, lower oxygen levels in your blood, increased heart rate, acid reflux, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, memory loss, and more.
- The potential for gestational hypertension and diabetes, both of which can cause pre-eclampsia, extended labor, or an unexpected cesarean section.
- Reduced blood flow to the baby as a result of high blood pressure caused by ceased or paused breathing.
- Problems with the baby’s growth and development within the womb because of low oxygen levels and a drop in their heart rate.
- An increased risk of preterm birth.
- An increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls
What Kind of Treatment is Available for Sleep Apnea?
If you think you’re dealing with sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek out a sleep dentist who can help. Their advanced training and level of expertise will ensure that you receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment that positively benefits both you and your baby.
Many women receive help with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device that is worn over the nose or face and pushes pressurized oxygen through the airway to avoid an obstruction. However, you may choose a more user-friendly solution – oral appliance therapy.
Custom-made according to your specific needs, you will wear it at night so that your jaw moves forward just enough so that your airway remains open, allowing for uninterrupted sleep and easy breathing.
Getting timely care for your sleep apnea is one of the most important things you can do while pregnant. Not only will getting the sleep you need and breathing freely improve the way you feel, but you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that your baby is safe and healthy.
About the Practice
Our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano believes in helping patients get much-needed rest. Women who are pregnant and suffering from OSA can get the care they need when scheduling a visit with one of our qualified sleep dentists. We’ll recommend a sleep test before providing a formal diagnosis. A personalized plan will then be designed to treat OSA while keeping the mother and baby safe. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a sleep apnea screening so that we can determine the best treatment solution.