Protecting You and Your Child
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects many people but can have severe health effects. The disorder disrupts your sleep throughout the night, preventing your bad from rehabilitating and creating a dangerous environment for your unborn child. Normally, patients suffering from OSA have to focus only on themselves, but the health risks involve more than just them for pregnant patients. Fortunately, at Sac Sleep and Breathing, we offer solutions to help treat sleep apnea.
Read our guide below to learn more about sleep apnea symptoms, dangers, and treatments.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea causes the airway to relax during sleep, effectively blocking air passage. This blocks off breathing, causing the patient to wake up abruptly throughout the night. A primary cause of sleep apnea is weight gain, so the natural weight gain of pregnant patients can trigger issues breathing during sleep.
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea because as their hormone levels rise, the membranes in their faces can swell and result in obstructed breathing. It’s important to understand your own risks and the signs of sleep apnea to help identify an issue and seek treatment quickly. Without professional treatment, the disorder can have harmful effects on you and your child.
The most common indicators of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Frequently interrupted sleep
- Awakening gasping for air
- Excessive fatigue
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty focusing
- Consistent headaches
Health Risks of Sleep Apnea in Pregnant Patients
Without professional treatment, sleep apnea tends only to get worse. Sleep apnea can cause several health complications, affecting pregnant patients and their unborn children. These complications can be severe, including:
- Low blood-oxygen levels
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia— high blood pressure
- Unplanned Cesarean section
- Pulmonary edema—excess fluid in the lungs
- Prolonged labor
- Fetal growth issues
- Increased risk of neonatal intensive care
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can have consequences if left untreated. Dr. Grivas and our experienced staff understand the health risks associated with the disorder and are committed to providing care that helps you and your child. We offer customizable treatment plans and practical solutions that alleviate your symptoms and reduce your risk of any complications.
Traditionally, the treatment for sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. However, many patients report that they are difficult to transport, hard to use, and too loud to sleep with. To combat this issue, we offer alternative treatment options.
At Sac Sleep and Breathing, we’re proud to offer the Vivos Oral Appliances as a personalized, modern-day alternative sleep apnea treatment. The Vivos process is designed to gently but effectively treat your sleep apnea by switching between daytime and nighttime appliances. The appliances allow you to breathe easier at night while correcting any oral issues causing your symptoms. We also offer lifestyle tips and will discuss any approaches that may benefit your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
It’s important to understand the symptoms of sleep apnea if you’re pregnant so that you can receive the treatment you need. Common signs of the disorder include:
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Interrupted sleep
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing while awake
If not treated immediately, sleep apnea can cause further complications for you and the baby. Dr. Grivas recommends undergoing a sleep study to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Am I more at risk for developing sleep apnea if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women do face a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea due to the heightened estrogen levels in the body. This results in swelling of the membrane, which causes congestion and blockages. The good news is that Dr. Grivas provides patients with Vivos oral appliances to help relieve you of your sleep apnea symptoms.
Does sleep apnea affect the baby during pregnancy?
Sleep apnea can affect the growth of your baby if not treated properly. Dr. Grivas first recommends that you undergo a sleep study to get an accurate diagnosis of your condition. That way, he can design a treatment plan that’s effective in preserving the health of both you and your child. If you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, we encourage you to give our office a call at (916) 735-4060.
Is sleep apnea during pregnancy dangerous?
There are multiple dangers associated with sleep apnea during pregnancy that can put you and your child at risk. These complications can include an increased risk for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and longer hospital stays. The first step in ensuring that your symptoms are treated properly is by undergoing a sleep study so that Dr. Grivas can assess your case. Once you receive an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Grivas can help you get the restful sleep you deserve.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea With Dr. Grivas
We’re committed to helping you reclaim your sleep and foster a healthy, beautiful child. There’s no need to suffer through another night of snoring. Our sleep apnea treatment options can effectively treat your symptoms and restore your health. Call our Sacramento office at (916) 735-4060 to schedule a consultation today.