Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
If you are an expecting mother, you may be tired quite often. Part of the reason behind pregnancy fatigue is fluctuations in hormones. For some women, however, there is another factor at play: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea during pregnancy near Bourne is a disorder that can adversely affect the well-being of both mothers and their babies. In this blog post, we will discuss how sleep apnea may affect you and your child, how you can recognize its signs and symptoms, and what you can do to address the problem.
The Increased Risk of Sleep Apnea in Pregnant Women
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. It occurs when tissues in the throat block the upper airway. Anyone can develop OSA, but pregnant women are at an increased risk because higher estrogen levels can cause nasal congestion and airway swelling. Pregnant moms with gestational diabetes or who gain an abnormal amount of weight during pregnancy are at an even higher risk.
Problems Associated with Sleep Apnea
While gestational diabetes is correlated with a higher risk of sleep apnea in Bourne, the reverse is also true; sleep apnea may contribute to gestational diabetes. Pregnant women with OSA are also more likely to develop high blood pressure and preeclampsia. C-sections are more common for women who suffer from OSA, and their newborn babies are more likely to be sent to the intensive care unit, often for breathing problems.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea
If your partner has told you that you snore loudly, or they have noticed that your breathing sometimes stops while you are asleep, you should take their observations seriously because such signs are strong indicators of sleep apnea. Other possible signs and symptoms include:
- Waking up gasping for air
- Morning headaches
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
What You Can Do
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you can ask your doctor to help you arrange for a sleep test. The test will reveal whether you have OSA and how severe the condition is. Then, you can explore treatment options. A custom oral appliance from a dentist is a popular choice because it is a comfortable, non-pharmaceutical way to facilitate easier breathing. The appliance gently repositions the jaw at night in order to keep the airway open. CPAP therapy, which uses a machine to send pressurized air into the throat, is also a possibility. However, many people find CPAP machines to be inconvenient.
Sleep apnea is a serious concern for pregnant women, but fortunately, it is not usually difficult to treat. If you are not getting the high-quality rest you need, it would be worth your time to speak to your doctor about getting tested for OSA.
Meet Your Local Sleep Apnea Expert
Dr. Cindy Adelstein is a Diplomate of the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines. In the past, she owned and operated a clinic that focused specifically on treating sleep apnea. Today, we are proud to have her on the team at Canal Side Family Dental. If you are concerned about OSA during your pregnancy, she would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our office at 508-465-5256.