Sleep apnoea living in pregnancy

Overview

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. During pregnancy, this can happen more often because of body changes like weight gain and swelling in the airway. It can affect both your health and your baby’s health, but with proper care, it can be managed safely.

Sleep apnoea affects about 8–10% of pregnant women, but many don’t know they have it. It becomes more common in the second and third trimesters.

It can affect any pregnant woman, but it is more likely if you are overweight, over 35, have a history of snoring, or have conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent nighttime waking

Causes

Main causes

• Weight gain during pregnancy, which can narrow your airway
• Hormonal changes that cause swelling in the lining of your nose and throat
• Increased pressure from your growing uterus on your diaphragm, making it harder to breathe deeply

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese before or during pregnancy
• Having a large neck circumference
• Smoking or using tobacco
• Having pre-existing sleep apnoea
• Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
• A family history of sleep apnoea

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you have a sudden increase in sleepiness that affects your safety, seek same-day medical advice.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you snore loudly or notice pauses in your breathing at night
• If you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep
• If your partner reports that you gasp or stop breathing while asleep

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your sleep habits and may refer you for a sleep study. This test monitors your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep.

Tests that may be done

• Overnight sleep study (polysomnography) – done in a sleep lab or at home with a portable device
• Home sleep apnoea test – a simpler test you can do while sleeping in your own bed

What to expect at your appointment

You will be given a small device to wear at night that records your breathing. The results are reviewed by a sleep specialist. The test is painless and does not affect your pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on keeping your airway open during sleep. The most common and effective option is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which uses a mask to gently blow air into your throat. Other treatments include lifestyle changes and mouth devices.

Self-care at home

• Sleep on your side rather than your back – this helps keep your airway open
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives, as they can relax your throat muscles
• Use a pregnancy pillow to support comfortable side-sleeping

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe a CPAP machine (a mask and small air pump) to use every night. Some women may benefit from an oral appliance that positions your jaw forward. These treatments are not medications and are safe in pregnancy.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not typically considered during pregnancy. If needed, it would be delayed until after delivery.

Living with this condition

Managing sleep apnoea while pregnant may feel challenging, but with a regular sleep routine and mask training, most women adapt quickly. Tell your partner about your condition so they can support you and notice any breathing pauses.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a calm, dark bedroom environment
• Avoid large meals close to bedtime
• Stay active during the day with gentle activities like walking or prenatal yoga

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet can help you avoid excessive weight gain. Gentle exercise such as swimming, walking, or prenatal stretching can improve your energy and sleep quality. Always check with your midwife before starting new activities.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Sleep apnoea can lead to mood swings, irritability, or anxiety. Poor sleep also increases the risk of depression. If you are feeling down, overwhelmed, or have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to your healthcare provider or a crisis helpline immediately.

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent sleep apnoea entirely during pregnancy, but maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy, avoiding smoking, and sleeping on your side can reduce your risk. If you already have sleep apnoea, using your CPAP consistently helps prevent complications.

Complications

If left untreated

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia (a dangerous condition with high blood pressure and organ damage)
• Gestational diabetes
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Increased risk of C-section
• Longer hospital stay after delivery

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most women with sleep apnoea have healthy pregnancies and babies. Following your treatment plan and staying in close contact with your healthcare team gives you and your baby the best chance for a good outcome.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.