Patients with OSA Do's and Don'ts
Facts about OSA in the Workplace
OSA & Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can increase the risk of OSA in women, particularly during the third trimester. This is due to weight gain, hormonal changes, and temporary reduction in the size of the upper airway. Women who have OSA risk factors prior to pregnancy are especially vulnerable to developing OSA during pregnancy. For women who already suffer from OSA, pregnancy may increase the severity of the disease.
The exact prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in pregnancy is not known. However, it is estimated that between 14-23% of pregnant women snore (a major symptom of OSA) as compared to 4% in non-pregnant population.
OSA during pregnancy may increase the chance of pregnancy related complications, including the following:
- pulmonary hypertension
- pre-eclampsia
- gestational diabetes mellitus
- low birth weight infants
Diagnosis and treatment with CPAP prior to the third trimester can significantly improve OSA symptoms and reduce complications for the mother and the infant.
Physician References for OSA & Pregnancy