Publication:

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnant females in different trimester

Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder, is characterized by recurrent collapse or blockage of the pharynx during sleep that causes intermittent cessation of airflow and a hallmark snoring gasping pattern. When OSA occurs in pregnancy, it is independently associated with increased risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and possibly fetal growth restriction and other adverse neonatal outcomes. In particular, OSA affects sleep quality and duration of sleep in pregnant women. The aim was to study the risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in pregnant females in different trimester.

Methods The study consists of a non-experimental, quantitative and cross sectional research design. A total of 60 pregnant females were included in the study and conducted at maternity clinic.

Results By analyzing data we found that females in 3rd trimester shows symptoms of compromised breathing and thus are at high risk of developing OSA followed by 2nd trimester.

Conclusions Our study shows that breathing limitation starts from 2nd trimester onwards, so, we conclude that starting breathing exercises early in antenatal period would be beneficial for the expecting mothers. The study concludes that there is high risk of obstructive sleep apnea in 3rd trimester of the pregnancy.