Sleep apnoea in pregnancy could harm you and your baby, says study

Pregnant women who suffer from the sleeping disorder sleep apnoea are more likely to develop problems with their pregnancy.

People who are overweight or obese are those who most commonly suffer from the breathing disorder but children born to those suffering from sleep apnoea are more likely to spend time in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Research conducted at the University of Cleveland analysed pregnant women who suffered from the disorder and those who did not. The study found that women who suffer from sleep aponea are more likely to develop higher rates of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia causes high blood pressure and allows protein to leak into urine which can develop into eclampsia, a life-threatening seizure. Dr. Judette Louis from the University of South Florida said: “Our findings show that obstructive sleep apnoea can contribute to poor outcomes for both obese mothers and their babies. “Its role as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of obesity should be examined more closely.” Sleep apnoea occurs when muscles and soft tissues in the throat collapse causing airway blockages for a pro-longed period of time.