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Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Pregnancy

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Sleep Disorders in Women

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

During pregnancy there are profound anatomical, hormonal, respiratory, and sleep changes that increase the risk for sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD). Untreated SRBD can lead to preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders. It can also lead to intrauterine growth retardation, premature labor, and gestational diabetes. The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other SRBD in pregnancy can be challenging given the dynamic changes in weight, upper airway anatomy, and fluid distribution.

Despite all this, there is still poor awareness of the prevalence of SRBD in pregnancy and there should be more education about this important association. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent significant maternal and fetal morbidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Loyola Center for Sleep Disorders, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Departments, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Sunita Kumar

  2. Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Helena Schotland

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  1. Sunita Kumar
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  2. Helena Schotland
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Correspondence to Sunita Kumar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Northwestern University, N. Lake Shore Drive 710, Chicago, 60611, Illinois, USA

    Hrayr P. Attarian

  2. , Department of Neurology, NorthShore Univ. HealthSystem, Ridge Avenue 2650, Evanston, 60201, Illinois, USA

    Mari Viola-Saltzman

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Kumar, S., Schotland, H. (2013). Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Pregnancy. In: Attarian, H., Viola-Saltzman, M. (eds) Sleep Disorders in Women. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-324-4_16

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