Symptoms and Risks of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

1. Symptoms and Risks of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy One of the emerging issues in pregnant women is a severe sleep disorder in which the women are unaware that they stop breathing while sleeping, putting them and their baby at risk. This condition is known as "Sleep Apnea." Obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, diabetes, and other factors contribute to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a significant issue during pregnancy because estrogenic levels are high, causing the nose's mucus membranes to swell and cause nasal congestion. Pregnant women are at risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia conditions. But how does one know if they are suffering from sleep apnea? To know if one is suffering from sleep apnea, common symptoms include: Snoring Gasping Choking or coughing during sleep Breathlessness for a long time while sleeping. Dry mouth after waking up. Drowsiness or fatigue during the daytime. Sleep apnea can cause significant discomfort to people, especially females, during pregnancy, but there are several ways to treat sleep apnea. Often it is advised to cut down on excessive drinking and smoking to reduce the problem of sleep apnea, which in any form is not recommended to consume during pregnancy. However, if the problem persists, professional help is advised. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)- CPAP is a way that benefits from using a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while sleeping. Initially, the engine may seem uncomfortable, but with regular usage, one gets acquainted. The air pressure is somewhat more significant in the CPAP than in the surrounding, enough to keep the upper airway passages open, thus preventing snoring and breathlessness. It is often advised to use supplemental oxygen to get rid of sleep apnea. Oxygen cylinders or other forms of oxygen deliver oxygen to the lungs to maintain a reasonable breathing rate while sleeping. Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)- This device helps read the individual's breathing patterns and stores them as data. While asleep, it works accordingly by giving out pressure to normalize the breathing pattern and prevent apnea. Conclusion Sleep apnea treatment begins with changing our lifestyle. The measures listed above can assist us in curing apnea. Even though apnea can be cured through therapies, if the problem prolongs for a more extended period, surgery can be considered with the advice of a medical professional.