Are You Experiencing Sleep Problems?
If you’re pregnant and find it hard to sleep throughout the night, it may be from your naturally changing body. While this is usually the case, it may also be a sign of something more serious, such as sleep apnea. It’s vital that you get quality sleep during your pregnancy to ensure good health for both you and your unborn baby.
During your third trimester, it’s common to suffer from insomnia due to your daytime energy being fully controlled by your unborn baby. However, if you or your partner notice sleep troubles early on in your first trimester, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.
Learn below if your sleep troubles may be a sign of sleep apnea during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Related Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of Americans. It’s caused by an obstruction in the airway leading to multiple breathing disturbances throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause snoring, or more specifically, choking and gasping for air because your tongue or extra throat tissue blocks you from breathing. However, you might not even remember waking up.
Common signs of sleep apnea in pregnant women include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dry mouth
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Heartburn overnight
- Excessively sleeping during the day
- Insomnia
Some of these symptoms may be a result of your pregnancy, and for this reason, many expectant mothers with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact our Syracuse office. Dr. Argyle will discuss your symptoms with you and explain the next steps.
How Your Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Child
Sleep apnea not only affects your health but your unborn baby’s wellbeing. Your body provides your baby with vital nutrients, and sudden changes in your oxygen or blood pressure can cause severe problems. Side effects of pregnancy-related sleep apnea can include heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Additionally, sleep apnea can prevent your unborn child from maturing, or cause them to develop sleep apnea or diabetes later on in their life. That’s why it’s crucial to have your health monitored throughout your pregnancy.
Our Treatment Options
If you’ve received a proper sleep apnea diagnosis, the next step is to find an effective treatment that works for you. While the traditional sleep apnea solution is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), many patients find that an oral appliance works better for them.
At your consultation, Dr. Argyle will work with you and discuss the many benefits that a customized oral appliance can provide. He’ll also suggest a regular exercise routine to improve sleep, as well as address any questions or concerns you may have.
Put an End to Your Sleep Apnea
Pregnancy already comes with its own challenges and suffering from sleep apnea isn’t something you should have to worry about. To put an end to your sleep apnea symptoms or obtain a proper diagnosis, schedule an appointment with Dr. Argyle.
Our customized oral appliances will put you on track for a quality night’s sleep once again. Contact our Syracuse off by calling (801) 416-3562 or get in touch through our online contact form.