Sleep Apnea’s Overlooked Role in Pregnancy

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

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Pregnant patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have 2- to 3-fold higher odds of preeclampsia and require more intensive care.
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OSA in pregnancy is often unrecognized, as symptoms are mistaken for normal physiological changes.
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Maternal OSA is linked to adverse outcomes, including gestational hypertension, diabetes, and cesarean delivery.
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Fetal risks associated with maternal OSA include preterm birth, growth abnormalities, and neonatal respiratory complications.
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Screening for OSA in pregnancy has limitations, with common questionnaires showing modest sensitivity and specificity.

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