Snoring and Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

When you are carrying an extra 20 pounds or so and spending so much energy growing a new life, it can be exhausting. Unfortunately, though, for some women, a good night’s sleep can be tough to come by in those last months of pregnancy. Why does sleep change in pregnancy, and what can you do about it? 

Why do sleep patterns change during pregnancy?

It seems like bad sleep is a side effect of several of the different changes your body goes through during pregnancy. When you gain weight, the extra tissue around your head and neck can lead to snoring problems. Even hormones can contribute to snoring – estrogen and progesterone can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, leading to sudden snoring when you never snored before, or you may snore more loudly than you used to. 

Sleep apnea is another sleep problem that can suddenly start happening when you are pregnant (usually around the sixth month), and it is one you should tell your doctor about right away. Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing during sleep. Although this only happens for a very brief amount of time, it can drop the amount of oxygen in the blood. If you are excessively tired during the day, snore, or wake up gasping for air, you may have sleep apnea. 

What can you do about pregnancy sleep problems?

Pregnancy sleep apnea has been associated with gestational hypertension and diabetes, which is why it is so important to see your doctor about any sleep problems you are having. He or she may recommend that you start using a continuous positive airway pressure machine, an automatic positive airway pressure device, or that you begin oral appliance therapy. 

Your body is going through a lot of changes – it is almost no wonder that your sleep would be affected by it all. It is important to get as much sleep as you can when you are pregnant – call Lakeside Allergy ENT for a consultation about your pregnancy sleep problems so that you can get some much-deserved rest. Lakeside Allergy ENT has offices in Rockwall and Forney. Call (972) 771-5443 today!