Sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy has recently gained medical interest due to its consequences on maternal health and fetal outcome. In fact, although epidemiologic data are still scanty, several reports indicate that snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy are commonly associated with maternal hypertension, morbidly increased body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus and, at child birth, are correlated with an increased percentage of C-sections, preterm births with in-

Sleep disorders in pregnancy

“…On the other hand, counter-acting gestational protective factors against SDB include maternal positional changes favoring a lateral positioning of the body, REM reduction, and the rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve promoting placental oxygen delivery despite scanty maternal reserves. 19…”

“…On the other hand, counter-acting gestational protective factors against SDB include maternal positional changes favoring a lateral positioning of the body, REM reduction, and the rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve promoting placental oxygen delivery despite scanty maternal reserves. 19 Snoring is drastically increased in pregnant women, mainly due to the estrogenic effect on the nasal mucosa. Loud snoring in the third trimester has an estimated prevalence between 14-45%.…”