According to a recent study, pregnant women who snore at least 3 nights a week are more likely to need a Caesarean section. The study conducted by the University of Michigan (UM), may be the largest of its kind to link maternal snoring to baby health by following moms from pregnancy through delivery.
The study included 1,673 pregnant women who were recruited from prenatal clinics at UM between 2007 and 2010, with 35% of the women reporting habitual snoring. Those who snored before and during pregnancy were two-thirds more likely to have a baby who weighed in the bottom 10%, they were also twice as more likely to need a C-section.
The findings suggest that there may be an opportunity to screen pregnant women for sleep problems, in an effort to help reduce the risk of poor delivery outcomes, and to cut healthcare costs.
Sleep and expecting mothers isn’t a new topic, as previous research indicates that pregnant women who snore during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
Snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder which prevents breathing for seconds at a time and reduces blood oxygen levels. Pregnant women with sleep apnea can safely be treated for breathing problems with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). The method involves a machine worn during sleep that uses air pressure to keep the airways open.
As research continues to improve the chances of safe deliveries and healthy babies, it is vital to speak with a doctor when you have trouble sleeping. Sleep is a key to success in all aspects of our lives and the new lives set to begin their journey!
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