Pregnancy and Snoring

Many women begin snoring during their pregnancy or snoring becomes worse and louder while pregnant. Some women develop sleep apnea during pregnancy. Hormonal changes and changes to the body are to blame. Usually, this resolves when you deliver the baby, but not always. Certainly, most pregnant women are familiar with poor sleep and fatigue throughout pregnancy.

Recent studies show that snoring during pregnancy can have an impact on the growing fetus. And it’s not because she hears you! That part just affects your bed partner. The fetus is impacted by dips in oxygen in snoring and sleep apnea. Women with sleep apnea are more likely to have preeclampsia, delivery by c-section, and have babies admitted to the NICU. About 20% of pregnant women have obstructive sleep apnea.

Dental devices can be used to treat snoring or sleep apnea for some pregnant women. A good night’s sleep in the third trimester of pregnancy can be challenging for most women and it doesn’t get any better when the little one arrives! Anything you can do to make sleep better for you and your partner is worthwhile.