In this article:
What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea happens when your breathing pauses and starts again many times during sleep. The most common form, called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked (either partially or completely) during sleep. This blockage can cause pauses in breathing that last 10 seconds or more, sometimes happening hundreds of times in one night. Even if you don’t wake up fully, it still breaks your sleep and leaves you feeling worn out and foggy the next day.- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): The airway collapses or gets blocked due to relaxed muscles or extra tissue in the throat.
- Central sleep apnoea (CSA): It occurs when the brain doesn’t give the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Mixed sleep apnoea: A combination of OSA and CSA, usually identified during a sleep study.
Why Does Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Sleep Apnoea?
As your baby grows, your body works harder to keep both of you healthy. However, this can sometimes lead to difficulty breathing during pregnancy at night. Here’s why:- Hormonal changes: Higher levels of oestrogen can cause swelling in the mucus membranes of your nose, leading to congestion. This narrows your airway and makes it harder to breathe. Progesterone, another hormone, can relax the muscles in your airway. This increases the chance of it collapsing during sleep.
- Weight gain: Gaining weight is normal during pregnancy, but extra weight around your neck or chest can put pressure on your airways.
- Growing uterus: Your expanding uterus pushes against your diaphragm and lungs, reducing the space for air. This can make breathing harder when you are lying down.
- Body position: As your pregnancy progresses, you probably won’t be sleeping on your back as much. That’s a good thing because lying on your back can put extra pressure on your airway and make sleep apnoea worse.
Are You at Risk for Sleep Apnoea During Pregnancy?
Although any pregnant person can develop sleep apnoea, some factors make it more likely:- Being overweight or obese: Extra weight before or during pregnancy increases the pressure on your airways.
- Rapid weight gain: Gaining weight too quickly during pregnancy can raise your risk.
- Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure: These conditions are linked to an increased risk of developing sleep apnoea.
- Physical features: A larger neck circumference, a deviated septum, large tonsils, or a receding chin can increase the risk of your airway collapsing.
- History of snoring or sleep apnoea: If you snored or had sleep apnoea before pregnancy, your risk is higher.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea During Pregnancy
Sleep issues during pregnancy can be tricky to detect because some symptoms are common in pregnancy anyway. But pay attention to these signs:- Loud snoring: Your partner might notice this before you do. It’s often followed by sudden pauses in breathing, then a gasp or snort.
- Waking up gasping or choking: You may wake up feeling like you can’t breathe.
- Excessive daytime fatigue: Feeling extreme tiredness in pregnancy or waking up groggy even after a whole night’s sleep.
- Morning headaches: Waking up with a headache or a sore throat could mean your sleep was disrupted.
- Mood changes or trouble focusing: Feeling irritable, forgetful, or unable to concentrate.
- Nighttime sweating or decreased libido: These less common signs can also point to sleep apnoea.
How Does Sleep Apnoea Affect You and Your Baby?
Untreated sleep apnoea can cause problems for you and your baby. Here’s how it can impact you both:For You
Your blood oxygen levels drop, and your heart rate increases when you have difficulty breathing during pregnancy at night. Over time, this can lead to:- Gestational hypertension
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia (marked by high blood pressure and organ issues)
- Longer labour or C-section
For Your Baby
These pauses in your breathing can affect your baby, too, by reducing blood flow through the placenta.- It causes your baby’s heart rate to drop or lead to acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood).
- Your baby may not grow as expected in the womb, leading to a smaller size for their gestational age.
- Increase preterm birth risk.
- Babies born to parents with sleep apnoea are more likely to need neonatal intensive care.
FAQs on Trouble Breathing at Night During Pregnancy? It Could Be Sleep Apnoea
- Can you get sleep apnoea while pregnant?
Yes, pregnancy can trigger or worsen sleep apnoea due to weight gain and hormonal changes that affect breathing. - What is the best treatment for sleep apnoea?
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, using a CPAP machine, or sleeping in a safer position to improve airflow.
