OS093. Prevalance of sleep disordered breathing in pregnancy

Snoring is a common symptom of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), a condition that is present in 4% of the general population. SDB is identified by snoring and repetitive cessation of breathing during sleep accompanied by repetitive hypoxia and has been found to be associated with hypertension, stroke and heart attack.The general risk factors associated with severe preeclampsia significantly overlap with those reported to increase the risk of SDB syndromes. Further risk factors that need consideration include: multiple pregnancy, diabetes and chronic hypertension treatment.

To determine the prevalence of SDB in the pregnant population in a metropolitan hospital and to examine self-reported snoring against actual snoring as determined by Sonomat © studies and report fetal outcomes of those who snored compared to those who did not snore.

A questionnaire containing The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Berlin Questionnaire (which examines snoring and tiredness) was administered to 3000 pregnancies over a period of two years. Women were additionally recruited for detailed sleep studies, which entailed continuous night time blood pressure monitoring, encephalogram for sleep staging and continuous night time cardiotocographic monitoring.

To date, 2206 surveys have been completed. Sleep studies have been undertaken by 280 women, of which half have continuous blood pressure readings. The detailed data provided through these studies is currently being examined and will be completed by June 2012.

This study is unique and unprecedented in the scope of detailed data obtained through the variety of parameters measured. Coupled with pregnancy progression and comprehensive maternal and neonatal outcomes, it is anticipated that this multi-faceted study will provide a wealth of knowledge on sleep patterns, SDB and its effect on pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus.