Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) prevalence is increasing in pregnancy, linked to rising maternal obesity rates.
• Pregnant women may exhibit fatigue and daytime sleepiness, masking classic SDB symptoms.
• Key risk indicators for SDB in pregnancy include habitual snoring, advanced maternal age, chronic hypertension, and high prepregnancy BMI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing concern of SDB in pregnancy.
• To identify key risk factors and diagnostic methods for SDB in pregnant individuals.
• To emphasize the importance of monitoring fetal well-being in the context of maternal SDB.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of SDB in pregnancy.
• Discussion of diagnostic standards for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Identification of clinical indicators for SDB risk assessment.

Main Results:

• SDB, including OSA, is increasingly prevalent in pregnant populations.
• Specific clinical factors reliably indicate a higher risk for SDB.
• Overnight laboratory polysomnography remains the gold standard for OSA diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Maternal obesity is a significant driver of increased SDB prevalence during pregnancy.
• Early identification of at-risk pregnant women is crucial for timely intervention.
• While direct links to adverse fetal outcomes are not established, maternal SDB necessitates vigilance for fetal well-being.