To review the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy, highlighting the significance of addressing this often-overlooked condition.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Pregnant patients with OSA have 2- to 3-fold higher odds of preeclampsia.
OSA is linked to adverse maternal outcomes including gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, increased cesarean delivery rates, and higher likelihood of intensive care and prolonged hospitalization.
Fetal outcomes associated with maternal OSA include preterm birth and neonatal respiratory complications.
Common screening tools for OSA have modest sensitivity and specificity in pregnant populations.
Interpretation:
OSA in pregnancy is often unrecognized due to symptom overlap with normal pregnancy changes, leading to significant maternal and fetal risks, particularly due to physiological adaptations.
Limitations:
Screening tools for OSA are not highly sensitive or specific for pregnant women.
Evidence for treatment benefits is largely observational and lacks randomized controlled trials specific to pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Increased awareness and better diagnostic practices for OSA in pregnancy are essential to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, including specific actions for healthcare providers.
