Many women think that poor sleep is just part of pregnancy, and while it is common because your body is working harder than ever to support a growing baby, it can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
You may be surprised to hear that 20% of pregnant women experience loud snoring, gasping, and extreme fatigue which are symptoms in both pregnancy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If undiagnosed and untreated, OSA can raise the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and complications for the baby. Women with a history of elevated body mass index (BMI), and/or prior diagnoses of gestational diabetes, or pregnancy hypertension with previous pregnancies are at especially high risk for OSA.
Yet, the symptoms of OSA - especially frequent awakenings and fatigue - can be similar to symptoms of pregnancy, which can cause them to be overlooked.
To understand more about how sleep apnea affects women overall, read our blog, https://www.ognomy.com/resources/sleep-apnea-women-symptoms
How Can Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Sleep Apnea?
Women who develop sleep apnea during pregnancy usually fall into one of three categories: (1) those who already had OSA before becoming pregnant and were never diagnosed;(2) pre-existing or chronic OSA that worsens in pregnancy, or (3) those who develop OSA during pregnancy, known as gestational OSA.
Several pregnancy-related changes put women at risk:
- Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, there is a rise in estrogen and progesterone in each trimester which can cause or worsen sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Progesterone levels rise about 10-500X higher at full-term pregnancy compared to women who aren’t pregnant. At these very elevated levels, progesterone can cause blood vessels to expand, increasing fluid retention that leads to swelling in the airways.
- Physical changes: As the uterus expands during pregnancy, it restricts oxygen levels by 20%, while the need for oxygen increases by about 20% to support the developing baby. This imbalance between oxygen supply and demand can lead to OSA symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Mood changes, depression, and anxiety
Yet, these symptoms are also common in pregnancy in general, so many pregnant mothers remain undiagnosed.
The Risks of Undiagnosed OSA for Mother and Baby
There are well known long-term consequences on cardiovascular and metabolic health with undiagnosed OSA. In pregnancy, untreated OSA can be associated with:
- Increased risk for preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Premature delivery
Because of these, babies are at a higher risk of needing to be in the neonatal intensive care unit after birth.
In addition, it is important to talk with your delivery team if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, or you suspect you may have it, so they are able to help you get treated to better manage labor and delivery, since some medication used during can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
OSA and Postpartum
The sleep apnea journey can look different for women postpartum. Research shows that sleep apnea goes away in about half of the women diagnosed during pregnancy. It is important to follow up with your sleep medicine specialist a few months postpartum to do a repeat sleep test to see if your sleep apnea has resolved itself.
Treating OSA During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms like snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches, scheduling an appointment with a sleep medicine clinician can help you get an early diagnosis to help protect the health of you and your baby. As always, it is important to be your own advocate in your appointments.
At Ognomy Sleep, we’re revolutionizing how sleep apnea is managed by offering streamlined, at-home care powered by technology—helping you connect with specialists quickly to experience meaningful results in a matter of weeks. If you think you are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea, find out if Ognomy Sleep is the right fit for you. Schedule a telehealth appointment today. We offer a wide range of treatment options to ensure you get the personalized treatment to get you back to optimal health.
FAQ for Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy
Can pregnancy cause sleep apnea?
Pregnancy can cause or worsen sleep apnea. Hormonal changes — particularly the rise in progesterone, which increases 10–500 times above normal levels by full term — can cause blood vessels to expand and lead to airway swelling. Physical changes, like the expanding uterus restricting oxygen supply by 20%, also contribute. Women may develop gestational OSA during pregnancy even if they never had it before.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea during pregnancy?
Symptoms of sleep apnea during pregnancy include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, extreme fatigue, morning headaches, frequent nighttime urination, mood changes, depression, and anxiety. Because many of these symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy experiences, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed in pregnant women.
Does sleep apnea go away after pregnancy?
For some women, yes. Research shows that sleep apnea resolves in approximately half of women who are diagnosed with it during pregnancy. It is important to follow up with a sleep medicine specialist a few months postpartum and complete a repeat sleep test to determine whether your sleep apnea has resolved.
