Pregnancy is a transformative journey, but for some women, it comes with the added challenge of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), ranging from mild snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While the dangers of untreated OSA during pregnancy pose risks, there is a noticeable lack of awareness regarding these potential consequences. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of chronic and gestational OSA, exploring the implications for both mother and baby and offering insights on managing this condition with the help of CPAP therapy.¹
Chronic OSA vs. Gestational OSA:
Pregnant women with OSA fall into two distinct categories: those with pre-existing OSA (chronic) and those who develop OSA during pregnancy (gestational). Physiological changes in pregnancy, such as increased upper airway edema and hormonal fluctuations, contribute to gestational OSA.¹ Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.
1. Utilizing CPAP While Pregnant
Optimizing sleep apnea management during pregnancy can be a delicate balance. Studies indicate a surge in OSA prevalence across gestation, emphasizing the need for tailored screening tools. CPAP is the preferred treatment plan for management, offering potential benefits for both maternal and neonatal outcomes.¹
As we look into how CPAP impacts pregnancy, we encourage you to look into replacing your CPAP supplies. It is crucial to have updated supplies to receive the benefits of CPAP therapy, and we can check your insurance coverage to discover what supplies are in need of renewal.
Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
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2. Maternal Morbidity
Untreated OSA poses severe risks for pregnant women, increasing the likelihood of hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The Sleep Disordered Breathing Sub-study highlights the association between OSA and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and an elevated risk of cesarean delivery.¹
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3. Mechanisms of Disease and Long-term Implications
Exploring how various factors in the body during pregnancy, such as inflammation, stress, and the activation of specific responses, interact with sleep apnea brings questions about the long-term consequences of untreated OSA in pregnancy. When sleep apnea is not treated, it can be connected to both type II diabetes and heart problems.¹ This is why it is crucial to stay compliant with CPAP therapy during pregnancy, while traveling, or any circumstance when deviating from normal routine.
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4. Clinical Care
Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care require a multidisciplinary approach for women with OSA. Optimizing CPAP settings, addressing co-morbidities, and navigating risks are integral to ensuring a smooth journey through pregnancy.¹
Collaboration between the pregnant individual, their care team, and the CPAP supply team (us) provides the best opportunities for navigating OSA through pregnancy. Have any questions about what mask to choose or best care practices? Call us at (866) 564-2252 and we would be happy to assist you.
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Pregnancy with OSA demands nuanced care and proactive management. CPAP therapy emerges as a cornerstone in this journey, offering a beacon of hope for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. As we navigate the complexities of sleep apnea during pregnancy, a commitment to awareness, early detection, and innovative CPAP solutions ensure that every expectant mother receives the care she deserves, promoting not just a healthy pregnancy but a healthier future.
Don’t forget – your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
Source:
- “Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy” by Dominguez JE. National Library of Medicine. 2018 June.
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