Snoring in Pregnancy - All You Need to Know

Introduction

Pregnancy is a period that brings about many changes in a woman’s life. Indigestion, heartburn, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and so on. Some women experience the onset of chronic snoring along with pregnancy. An American Thoracic Society study indicates that more than half of women begin snoring as pregnancy progresses. Snoring is common when air is difficult to pass through one’s mouth or nose.

Why Do People Snore?

Snoring is a rattling or gurgling noise some people make during their sleep. It occurs when there is an obstruction in the airway. It is a common condition, and everyone snores at some point. However, a loud, jarring sound in sleep can indicate sleep apnoea. It is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing in the middle of their sleep. If associated with similar conditions that cause fatigue and irritability, medical attention must be given to find the underlying cause. Otherwise, it is a common condition and needs to get more consideration.

The structures and muscles in the nose and throat relax during sleep. This can obstruct the passage of air, resulting in snoring. The space in the throat that is required to breathe becomes limited. As a result, the muscles in the throat vibrate as the person inhales, causing the characteristic sound of snoring.

Why Do Women Snore in Pregnancy?

Women who have never snored before in life might start snoring as pregnancy proceeds. This can be due to hormonal changes, changes in blood flow, or weight gain during pregnancy. The tendency to snore increases as the pregnancy advances, especially during the third trimester. The factors that might contribute to snore during pregnancy can include:

• Weight Gain: Obese people or people with more weight are likelier to snore. Weight gain during pregnancy can be a reason why pregnant women snore. The airway becomes swollen, reducing the space for air passage. The muscles flutter as the air is passed to and fro forcefully, resulting in snoring.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: A lot of hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone show their full power during this period. This can cause a fluid build-up in the nasal passages, reducing the space for the passage of air. They may also raise the possibility of nasal congestion. This further restricts the airway, causing snoring, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

• The Flow of Blood: The flow of blood increases by forty-five percent more than normal in a pregnant woman’s body. This is to support the fetus growing in her womb. This can also reduce the space in the nasal passage. As a result, the air is difficult to pass, causing congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. The breathing difficulties increase as the woman lies down.

• Physiological Features: Some women have body features that make them more prone to snoring. A large tongue, the shape of the tongue, jaw, or nostrils can be some.

• Demographics: African Americans have a more likelier tendency to snore during their pregnancy. Studies show that older people also tend to snore in sleep during pregnancy.

• Sleep Loss: Pregnant women usually find it hard to sleep. This can cause muscles in the throat to relax excessively, making air passage difficult.

When Does Snoring Usually Start During Pregnancy?

The tendency to snore is present throughout pregnancy. However, the tendency increases towards the second trimester as the pregnancy advances. The constriction of the nasal passages, stuffed nose, and tissue swelling are some of the physiological reasons contributing to snoring during pregnancy. These changes are more pronounced during the later months of pregnancy.

Some women continue to snore during their postpartum period after the delivery of the baby. Studies show that about half of women stop snoring during their postpartum period. Those who continue to snore see a decrease over time after delivery.

Is Snoring in Pregnancy a Matter of Concern?

Studies show that about half of pregnant women snore in their sleep regularly. Research is still going on to find if it has any impact on the fetus growing within. Snoring has been found to have an association with many other breathing issues during pregnancy. They can include:

• Sleep Apnoea: Sometimes, snoring might be associated with sleep apnoea. The pregnant woman may pause breathing for a few seconds to a minute and then resume breathing, gasping for air. The risk of a condition called obstructive sleep apnoea increases during pregnancy. It is a condition where an obstruction in breathing occurs while the person is sleeping. Its risk increases in the later stages of pregnancy. The risk is way higher in overweight or obese women. Healthcare experts advise pregnant women who snore more than three days a week should be screened for obstructive sleep apnoea.

• High Blood Pressure: Snoring has been found to have an association with pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure. When high blood pressure occurs during pregnancy, it can cause complications like seizures, called pre-eclampsia. In people with pre-eclampsia, snoring may contribute to elevation in blood pressure.

• Gestational Diabetes: Snoring has been found to have high blood sugar levels in pregnancy. Women with obstructive sleep apnoea are found to have double the risk of developing gestational diabetes when compared to women who do not have any sleep issues.

• Prenatal Depression: Research shows that women who tend to snore during pregnancy show an increased risk of developing prenatal depression. Prenatal depression is the depression seen in pregnancy, characterized by feeling low, anxious, sad, or hopeless.

How Can Snoring in Pregnancy Be Managed?

If the snoring of the pregnant woman causes difficulty to the bed sharers, there are ways to control it. Some ways include:

• Sleeping on the Side: The tendency to snore is more while lying on the back, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. This can be reduced by sleeping on the side. Healthcare experts advise sleeping on the left side to improve blood flow to the organs and reduce pressure.

• Elevate the Upper Body: Elevating the upper body helps to improve respiration by opening the airway better.

• Nasal Strips: Appliances like nasal strips, saline washes, and nasal dilators help to improve respiration and reduce snoring.

Conclusion

Snoring is a common phenomenon, and the person who snores might not be aware that they snore until enlightened by the bed sharers! It is not a matter of concern unless it causes difficulties like sleep apnea, fatigue, etc. Snoring during pregnancy is temporary and will resolve postpartum.