A wake-up call for expectant mothers: The link between sleep apnea, fetal health

Sleep plays a crucial role in overall health and this is particularly true during pregnancy when the body undergoes significant changes However for some expectant mothers a condition known as sleep apnea is known to disrupt this essential aspect of restSleep apnea during pregnancy is a serious concern that can have implications for both the mother and the developing baby As researchers delve deeper into the complexities of maternal health understanding the relationship between sleep apnea and pregnancy becomes increasingly vitalIn an interaction with Middaycom Dr Sibasish Dey Head of Medical Affairs South Asia ResMed provided insights into the connection between sleep apnea and pregnancy Dr Deys expertise sheds light on the potential risks and challenges faced by expectant mothers who experience sleep apnea as well as the implications for their prenatal care and overall wellbeingHere are the edited excerpts from the interviewWhat are the potential risks and complications associated with sleep apnea during pregnancyDey Pregnancy while a joyous time often disrupts sleep due to physiological changes which can pose significant risks and complications Sleep plays a vital role for both the mother and the developing foetus However hormonal and anatomical shifts can lead to discomfort making rest elusive especially in the later stages which can lead to several major consequencesThe chance of having obstructive sleep apnea OSA increases with pregnancy and even after the gestational period OSA is linked to a number of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes and maternal morbiditiesSleep apnea during pregnancy can lead to longterm health complications such as the increased risk of gestational diabetes preeclampsia etc Moreover it may even affect foetal health contributing to intrauterine growth retardation and preterm birth Hence prioritising sleep hygiene is crucial for both maternal and foetal wellbeing during pregnancyCan untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy lead to long term health issues for both the mother and the childDey Sleep apnea may significantly impact maternal and foetal health outcomes due to oxygen deprivation during sleep It heightens risks of gestational diabetes hypertension preeclampsia and preterm birth in mothers while also potentially leading to low birth weight and developmental issues in babies Apneainduced oxygen fluctuations can impair placental function limiting oxygen supply to the foetus and maternal sleep disturbances also affect foetal developmentFurthermore untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy can have long term health consequences for both the mother and child including increased risks of chronic conditions and developmental delays Hence early detection and intervention are essential to mitigate these risksAre there any specific challenges or considerations in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in pregnant womenDey Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in pregnant women can be challenging as the overall awareness around OSA is low Sleep apnea impacts women differently owing to hormonal variances during pregnancy Differentiating between pregnancyrelated symptoms such as snoring and fatigue and those indicative of sleep apnea can be complexThe treatment decisions must carefully balance the benefits of improving maternal sleep and health outcomes with minimising potential risks to the developing foetus Close collaboration between obstetricians sleep specialists and other healthcare providers is essential in navigating these challenges effectivelyWhat strategies or treatments are available for managing sleep apnea in pregnant women and how do they impact pregnancy outcomesDey There are several strategies to lessen pregnancyrelated difficulties with sleep The primary strategies are to modify the sleeping posture like sleeping left lateral and practising good sleep hygiene In cases where OSA is symptomatic and troublesome physicians may recommend Continuous Positive Airway Pressure CPAP machines oral appliancesContinuous positive airway pressure CPAP therapy may be used with caution during pregnancy to enhance oxygen levels and relieve discomfort Womens symptoms differ from mens symptoms hence PAP therapy for them requires a tailored algorithm ResMed has introduced AutoSet For Her AfH a womenspecific therapy that addresses and adapts to the unique breathing patterns of womenThe key to better sleep during pregnancy is managing pregnancyrelated sleep problems in addition to practising good sleep hygiene The mothers and the childs outcomes can be optimised with routine prenatal care and cooperation between obstetricians and sleep medicine specialistsHow does sleep apnea impact pregnancyrelated conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertensionDey Sleep apnea can worsen pregnancyrelated conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension by disrupting breathing during sleep leading to oxygen deprivation and stress This stress can induce insulin resistance heightening the risk of gestational diabetes Moreover interrupted breathing can elevate blood pressure worsening hypertensionWhat measures can be taken to raise awareness and improve screening for sleep apnea among pregnant women in IndiaDey It is essential to promote awareness of womens specific sleep apnea symptoms so that more people and their loved ones are aware of the warning indicators According to our ResMed Sleep Survey 2023 respondents only 21 per cent of males and 24 per cent of females have been tested for sleep apnea highlighting the lack of awareness of sleeprelated conditionsRegular screening for sleep apnea should be a component of an annual physical checkup for women especially pregnant women as the condition is often underdiagnosed This would not only be consistent with the progressive trend of the healthcare sector but it would also increase pregnant womenrsquos access to these vital treatments