Snoring in pregnancy

Although snoring in pregnancy is a temporary problem, it can still cause a lot of discomfort - both to the woman herself and to her immediate environment. What can be done to get rid of snoring, or at least minimize its manifestations? Is it necessary to treat it at all? Does it not have any negative impact on the process of pregnancy? On these and other questions we will try to answer in this material.

Epidemiology

Snoring in pregnancy bothers about 60% of women. Specialists consider it a normal phenomenon, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy.

If the future mother had cases of periodic or constant snoring before pregnancy, then during pregnancy the problem may worsen: the unpleasant symptom will bother more often, and its manifestations will be more pronounced.

Apneas that occur spontaneously during a night's sleep are particularly dangerous. These are periodic involuntary stops of breathing, lasting 8-10 seconds, sometimes a little longer. The number of such delays during the night can reach 4 hundred times. They can significantly affect the quality of oxygen supply to the future child.

Usually, after childbirth, the problem disappears.

Causes of the snoring in pregnancy

Snoring in pregnancy is a common problem. However, it can be caused by more than one reason. There are many such causes, for example:

• toxicosis, gestosis;
• impaired kidney function, swelling;
• hormonal changes;
• an increase in blood volume in the circulatory system;
• colds, infectious diseases.

Next, we will talk about what causes become the "culprits" of snoring most often.

• Overweight. It is no secret that women usually gain weight during pregnancy. The limits of the norm are considered indicators of weight gain of 10-15 kg for the entire period of pregnancy. But in such parameters "fit" few, as it is not uncommon when the future mother gains even 35-45 kg. It turns out that the mechanical pressure of the growing fetus on the respiratory organs is supplemented by the pressure of fatty tissues located in the abdomen and neck.
• Swelling of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. Swelling can be caused both by a cold or infectious disease, and hormonal changes. In the second half of pregnancy, some women have a specific runny nose (it is also called hormonal), which is accompanied by stuffy nasal passages, shortness of breath. In case of runny nose or sore throat, the probability of snoring increases significantly.
• Gestational diabetes. Snoring in pregnancy can occur due to impaired digestion of carbohydrates, which, in turn, is provoked by a hormonal surge.
• Harmful addictions. Smoking is a strong toxic factor that provokes a lack of oxygen in the blood, contributes to the appearance of edema of the mucosa, which manifests itself in the form of snoring.

In addition to the above reasons, snoring in pregnancy can occur as a result of stress, nervous breakdowns, allergic processes. Constriction of the upper respiratory tract can be caused by chronic tonsillitis, thyroid disease. But not always the causes are so serious. Often the problem is provoked by trivial factors: uncomfortable pillow, uncomfortable conditions for sleep (for example, stuffiness in the room), tight clothes, overeating, etc. [1]

Risk factors

Snoring during pregnancy is most likely to occur in expectant mothers who are overweight, or those who have gained fifteen or more kilograms during pregnancy. If snoring has happened to a woman before, then during pregnancy, she has an increased risk of apnea - short-term stop breathing in sleep. And this already creates a more complex problem associated with the risk to the fetus.

It is more common for such pregnant women to snore:

• hypersensitive, prone to allergic reactions;
• with abnormal cranium and jaw structure;
• suffering from chronic respiratory pathologies, diseases of the hearing organs;
• suffering from cardiovascular, liver or kidney diseases;
• who have chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, adenoidal overgrowths of the third degree and above.

Future mothers who smoke or drink alcohol are at risk: bad habits should be eliminated before pregnancy.

Pathogenesis

The central nervous system is responsible for proper breathing during sleep. It is the central nervous system that makes sure that the pharyngeal mucosa, the uvula and the surface of the soft palate touch and open during inhalation and exhalation.

Specialists identify two common root causes that explain the appearance of snoring in pregnancy:

• Reduced lumen of the respiratory tract - for example, as a result of inflammatory or allergic process, due to the presence of a foreign object in the nasal passage, or due to swelling of the tonsils. "The culprit" may also be toxemia, causing not only swelling of the extremities, but also swelling of the mucosa.
• The decrease in muscle tone is due to the hyperproduction of progesterone, which is necessary for the normal course of pregnancy. In addition, thyroid hormones also play an important role here.

Snoring in pregnancy requires checking the patency of the respiratory tract and the quality of muscle tone. A special danger is apnea - suspension of breathing, which occurs against the background of prolonged closure of the laryngeal walls. [2]

Symptoms of the snoring in pregnancy

Snoring in pregnancy is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling of the extremities, shortness of breath (especially after physical activity). These symptoms are especially common in women who are overweight.

If snoring is associated with inflammatory or allergic processes, then the symptomatology is as follows:

• mucousy nasal discharge;
• lacrimation;
• itchy body;
• pain or a feeling of dryness in the throat.

Sometimes - for example, if the airways are too narrow - women may experience dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath and nosebleeds. If this happens, it is recommended to seek medical attention without delay.

The first signs that you should seek medical attention are as follows

If the expectant mother often wakes up during sleep, does not get enough sleep, feels very sleepy during the day, if she finds signs of cardiovascular diseases, she should definitely visit a doctor. Such signs seem unrelated, but may indicate serious problems, such as central or obstructive sleep apnea.

During a woman's night's sleep, she may be disturbed:

• frequent awakenings;
• sensations of choking or shortness of breath;
• difficulty falling asleep;
• nicturia, excessive sweating.

The side effects of snoring show themselves during the daytime as well:

• increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• anxiety, irritability, depression;
• heart rhythm disturbances, headache, dizziness;
• swelling, circles under the eyes.

If the described signs are present, then going to the doctor should be mandatory.

Snoring in late pregnancy

There are certain factors that are known to influence the appearance of snoring in the last weeks of pregnancy. This can be late gestosis, diabetes mellitus and increased blood pressure. In this case, the main sign is swelling - both extremities, face and respiratory tract.

However, if the problem occurs shortly before delivery, it does not always indicate the development of complications: in 90% of expectant mothers in this situation, there are no negative consequences. After the birth of the baby, unpleasant sounds during sleep disappear. 10% of women are diagnosed with obstructive apnea syndrome, which develops due to the blockage of the lumen of the respiratory tract. That is, a woman stops breathing for some time (usually a few seconds), after which respiratory movements are restored. [3]

When obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed, there may be some impairments that affect your health:

• complications during labor;
• cardiovascular disease;
• of a child's developmental disorder.

Nevertheless, do not panic: in many cases, snoring in pregnancy in the last weeks does not indicate the existence of danger to mother and baby. The trouble disappears completely almost immediately after childbirth.

Complications and consequences

During snoring, and especially with apnea, the degree of oxygenation of the blood is significantly worsened. Of course, this has a negative impact on the condition of the fetus, because it also suffers from oxygen deficiency.

As for the woman herself, with the appearance of snoring in pregnancy, she runs the risk of forming serious health problems:

• increased blood pressure;
• cardiovascular disease;
• stroke;
• depressive states.

Expectant mothers who suffer from heavy snoring are in the risk group for developing diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. Specialists note that such pregnant women are more likely than others to undergo caesarean section surgery.

Heavy snoring interspersed with periodic breath-holding in the form of apnea can cause these complications:

• intrauterine developmental delays in the baby;
• the onset of fetal abnormalities;
• faltering pregnancy;
• breathing disorders in a newborn baby.

To avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to diagnose the problem in time by contacting a doctor.

Diagnostics of the snoring in pregnancy

First of all, you should be alert if snoring in pregnancy is strongly pronounced, periodically accompanied by breath-holding. Additional unfavorable symptoms are poor restless sleep, choking sensations, apathy and headaches in the first half of the day, loss of energy.

In case of suspected malfunctions in the pregnant woman's body, it is necessary to perform a thorough objective examination, such as polysomnography or cardio-respiratory monitoring during sleep. Computerized pulse oximetry can be a screening method, indicating the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Polysomnography is considered the main method of snoring diagnosis. The study is performed at night, when the patient is asleep, which allows to determine the presence of respiratory delays, duration and frequency of snoring, dependence on the position of the body during sleep and so on. After deciphering the obtained data, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment and gives individual recommendations.

A number of common diagnostic procedures for snoring include endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract. The procedure is performed when the patient is immersed in medicated sleep. With the help of an endoscope, the upper respiratory organs are carefully examined, disorders and pathological changes are recorded. [4]

Diagnosis of snoring does not require any specific preparation. After the procedures, the patient is usually sent home. The doctor decides on the need for conservative or surgical treatment based on the results.

Treatment of the snoring in pregnancy

Snoring in pregnancy can be treated with different methods, as each expectant mother has different reasons for the problem:

• Conservative therapy involves the use of various drugs and accessories that promote relaxation of the muscles during sleep, facilitate breathing, helping to maintain the correct position of the jaw during night rest (we are talking about special inserts, mouthguards, mouthpieces, etc.).
• Surgical treatment is not prescribed for all women, but only in the presence of strict indications - for example, in the case of polyps of the upper respiratory tract, elongated uvula, adenoiditis, etc. Radiowave or laser uvulopalatoplasty is used as a therapeutic surgical method. Such intervention is not prescribed if snoring is complicated by apnea, because during postoperative regeneration, mucous tissue edema may block the passage of air into the respiratory tract.
• Sipap therapy is the use of a special device to eliminate snoring (apnea) associated with overgrowth of tissues of the soft palate, tonsils of the pharynx, etc. The device increases the pressure of the respiratory system, thus improving its patency and stimulating it to overcome obstacles in the air flow. The device increases the pressure in the respiratory system, thus improving its permeability and stimulating the overcoming of obstacles by the air flow.
• Drug treatment consists in the use of medications aimed at eradicating associated pathologies that could cause snoring in pregnancy. Such drugs include drugs to correct the hormonal balance, to stabilize blood pressure, etc.

If the future mother has problems with excess weight, she is recommended to follow a diet. The main principles of dietary changes are as follows:

• Exclusion of simple sugars and flour products;
• Increasing the proportion of protein foods, porridge, vegetables and fruits in the diet;
• frequent, small meals.

It is also necessary to establish a regimen of sleep and rest, walk more often in the fresh air, engage in light exercise. Yoga for pregnant women is perfect for this purpose.

How to get rid of snoring in pregnancy?

First of all, you should try to get rid of snoring in pregnancy by improvised means. For example, it is necessary to stabilize the level of humidity in the room, more often open the windows for ventilation, wipe the floor with a damp cloth, change and air the bed, including pillows and blankets. Doctors advise to pay special attention to these recommendations:

• Try to breathe deeply, using nasal breathing. The air should be fresh and clean, so ventilate the room regularly and sleep with the window open.
• Don't sleep on your back. It is better to sleep on your left side. It is even better if you use an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping.
• Don't eat or drink at night and watch your weight.
• Monitor the humidity and temperature in your sleep room. The optimal humidity is 50-60% and the optimal temperature for night rest is +18 to +20°C.
• During the day and shortly before bedtime, it is recommended to take a walk in the fresh air.
• If you have a tendency to have a stuffy nose, you should rinse it with a salt solution before going to bed.
• Give up smoking and other addictions, and do not take any medications without a doctor's prescription.

If snoring in pregnancy bothers you, try to eat right. Exclude from the diet spicy, salty dishes, sweets. The fact is that such food not only contributes to the appearance of excess weight, but also stimulates swelling. [5]

Medications that may be prescribed

Sonilux	It is taken for a long time, for a month, as the effect becomes noticeable about 14 days from the beginning of treatment. It is obligatory to be monitored by a doctor during the entire period of therapy. Take one scoop of the drug, drinking water, about 2 hours before going to bed. Caution: the drug may cause allergies.
Snorex	The drug in the form of a spray is used once a day: during the day half an hour before meals, or at night before going to bed, 1-2 presses with a hit on the upper palate, tonsils, larynx. The remedy is considered bioavailable and is usually not accompanied by the development of side effects.
Silent Night Spray	The drug in the form of a spray is used during the day half an hour before meals and at night 1-2 injections into the nasopharynx. The drug is well accepted by the human body and does not cause the development of side effects.
Sea buckthorn oil	Use as nasal drops, injecting 1-2 drops into each nostril before bedtime. Possible side effects: allergy.
Apifarm anti-snoring	Natural preparation that prevents dryness of the nasal mucosa, drip into the nose 2-3 times a day 1-2 drops. Rare side effects are manifested in individual hypersensitivity reactions.

Prevention

During pregnancy, even in the absence of snoring, preventive measures are very important:

• adherence to all doctor's recommendations;
• eliminating any self-medication;
• timely visit to the doctor in case of respiratory tract disease, infectious pathologies, allergic processes;
• Washing the nasopharynx with seawater or saline;
• choosing the right posture during night rest (back position is undesirable);
• avoiding bad habits;
• overweight correction.

Pregnant women are especially sensitive to stress and any diseases, so it is important to prevent their occurrence in advance. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system and lead an exceptionally healthy lifestyle.

Forecast

The prognosis can be different for different women, depending on many factors. Most pregnant women are concerned, including directly the sound of snoring, which they make, as future moms feel awkward in front of family members, in front of their "other half". However, every woman must realize that snoring during pregnancy affects both the female body and the fetus, worsening in a sense the course of pregnancy and fetal development. Whether unfavorable consequences will appear depends on the cause of the malfunction. In some situations, the doctor has to prescribe appropriate treatment to rid the patient of the problem.

What threatens snoring in pregnancy in most cases? This is a regular lack of sleep, a constant feeling of fatigue, systematic pain in the head, memory retardation and impaired concentration. In more complicated cases, heart and vascular diseases develop, hypoxia, the risk of hypertension and myocardial infarction increases. To avoid trouble, it is still necessary to consult a doctor, not being ashamed of your problem: snoring is successfully treated, including in pregnant women.