Preliminary Evidence Linking Maternal Sleep-Disordered Breathing During Pregnancy to Early Childhood Development: A...

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy may reduce maternal oxygenation, cause sleep fragmentation, and influence offspring development. This pilot study explored potential associations between OSA during pregnancy and child outcomes at age 3.

Pregnant women aged 23-48 years who underwent home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) at 28-32 weeks of gestation between June 2021 and July 2025 were enrolled. OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5. Mothers and children were prospectively followed until the child reached 3 years of age. Children's developmental levels (motor, cognitive/adaptive, language/social, and total) were evaluated using the New K-Type Developmental Test. Anthropometric measures (height, weight, and head circumference) and dental occlusion were also assessed. Correlations between the maternal AHI and developmental indices were examined.

Thirty-four women, including six with OSA, completed the follow-up assessment. No significant differences were observed in children's physical growth or occlusion between the OSA and non-OSA groups. The maternal AHI showed a negative tendency with the total developmental index and the cognitive/adaptive and language/social domains. One participant with severe OSA (AHI = 69.3) showed markedly lower developmental scores, suggesting a possible dose-dependent trend rather than a definitive threshold. Given the small number of OSA cases and the influence of a single severe case, these findings should be interpreted cautiously as preliminary and descriptive.

OSA during pregnancy may be associated with differences in early childhood development. The findings highlight the importance of maternal sleep health awareness and feasible screening approaches, such as HSAT, during pregnancy.