Women who suffer from
untreated obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy may face an increased risk for health
problems, as could their babies, according to a study recently published in the
journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Research focused on 175
pregnant women, who were tested for OSA at their homes using a portable sleep
monitoring device. Approximately 15 percent of the women were diagnosed with
OSA.
Women with OSA had
higher weights and were more likely to show signs of high blood pressure than
those without sleep apnea. Infants born to women with OSA were more likely to
require admission to neonatal intensive care than babies born to women without
sleep apnea.
Women with sleep apnea
were also more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy and to
require delivery by Cesarean section.
The study further
illustrates the importance of treating sleep apnea, regardless of gender. As
awareness of sleep apnea’s dangers grow and the number of treatment options
increase, so does the number of dentists who have become qualified in the field
of dental sleep
medicine.
Many dentists offer
safe, comfortable and effective sleep apnea
treatment options, including custom-made oral appliances. If you or your
partner experiences regular snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, an
experienced sleep dentist may be able to help.