Sleep Apnea’s Overlooked Role in Pregnancy - Report - MDSpire

Sleep Apnea’s Overlooked Role in Pregnancy

Evidence links pregnancy-related obstructive sleep apnea with cardiometabolic and pulmonary complications relevant to sleep medicine practice.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • January 12, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Report: Sleep Apnea’s Overlooked Role in Pregnancy

Overview

Pregnant patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face significantly higher risks of preeclampsia and other adverse outcomes. This narrative review highlights the need for improved recognition and management of OSA in pregnancy to mitigate maternal and fetal risks.

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that can lead to serious complications, particularly during pregnancy. The physiological changes associated with pregnancy often mask the symptoms of OSA, resulting in underdiagnosis. Recognizing and addressing OSA is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Data Highlights

Pregnant patients with OSA have 2- to 3-fold higher odds of preeclampsia and are more likely to require intensive care. Treatment with positive airway pressure has shown potential benefits, though adherence varies.

Key Findings

  • OSA in pregnancy is linked to higher odds of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes.
  • Fetal outcomes include increased risks of preterm birth and neonatal respiratory complications.
  • Common screening tools for OSA have modest sensitivity and specificity in pregnant populations.
  • Polysomnography remains the gold standard for diagnosing OSA, while home sleep testing is feasible for high-risk patients.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure therapy may improve some cardiometabolic and hypertensive outcomes in pregnant patients.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be vigilant in screening for OSA in pregnant patients, especially those with risk factors such as obesity and chronic hypertension. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Conclusion

Recognizing and treating obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy is essential to prevent serious complications and improve overall health outcomes for mothers and their infants.

References

  1. Dhamelia P, et al., The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal, 2023 -- Sleep Apnea’s Overlooked Role in Pregnancy
  2. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Dysfunctional cognitions and insomnia symptoms in pregnant women: the serial mediation roles of pre-sleep arousal and maladaptive habits
  3. ADA News — January JADA outlines emerging dental therapies for obstructive sleep apnea
  4. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Sleep Apnoea: Emphasizing Gender Differences for Targeted Treatment Approaches
  5. conexiant — Sleep Apnea’s Billion-Dollar Toll
  6. Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Consensus Guideline
  7. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in high risk pregnancy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
  8. Obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy: Nationwide assessment of obstetric characteristics and maternal morbidity at delivery - ScienceDirect

Original Source(s)

Sleep Apnea’s Overlooked Role in Pregnancy

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • January 12, 2026

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