Snoring During Pregnancy

This article has information about snoring during pregnancy, its causes and various health conditions related with snoring of would-be mothers. The article also has information about treating the snoring problem.Alice has visited her doctor for getting remedies for her disturbed sleep. Her husband has informed the doctor that Alice has started snoring for the last one week and it is very disturbing. Doctor explained Alice that snoring is common in many pregnant women but if it is not taken care of well then it could lead to poor health condition for the mother and the baby both. In this articleCauses of Snoring during PregnancyHow to Get Rid of SnoringSnoring during Pregnancy and Health ConcernsInadequate Supply of Oxygen to FoetusGestational DiabetesCaesarean DeliveryLow Birth Weight in BabiesCauses of Snoring during PregnancyDuring pregnancy, women undergo different types of physical and hormonal changes. These changes can cause snoring in pregnant women during their sleep. Changes in the pregnancy hormones swell the mucous membrane of the nose. This leads to nasal congestion.During pregnancy, would-be mothers have weight gain. In many pregnant women, weight gain during pregnancy is excess and extra tissues get accumulated around neck and head. Accumulation of extra tissue blocks the airway passage thereby breathing becomes difficult which leads to snoring.How to Get Rid of SnoringCertain lifestyle changes and alternative therapies are helpful in resolving the snoring problems. They are:Nasal strip can be stuck before going to the bed. These strips have no drugs so they are safe for the pregnant woman. However, you must seek approval from your obstetrician before using nasal strips.To have relaxing and soothing effect in the bedroom, warm-mist humidifier can be used. This will help in better sleep. Again, you need consult your obstetrician before using it.Pregnant women should try sleeping on their side. Sleeping on the left side is suggested by most of the doctors as it helps in better blood circulation.Use plump pillows during sleep. They will provide better support to the body. Keeping their head slightly high during sleep will help the pregnant women to get rid of snoring.Eat healthy diet. Accumulation of fat in the body must be avoided. Pregnant women who are overweight are more likely to snore.Healthy lifestyle is very helpful in resolving snoring issue. Pregnant women must avoid smoking and drinking.Snoring during Pregnancy and Health ConcernsSnoring may seem normal in many pregnant women but it can have health concerns related to it. Doctors are concerned about the health of the infant if the mother used to snore during pregnancy. Here are some of the concerns related to snoring during pregnancy.Inadequate Supply of Oxygen to FoetusRegular snoring in pregnant women means they are not getting enough oxygen so the unborn baby also remains deprived of required amount of oxygen. This could lead to complications in later stages or during child birth and if the would-be mother is overweight then it increases the risk of preeclampsia. As such, snoring is quite annoying for the people who are around but in some pregnant women, snoring can be the indicator of future health problems.Gestational DiabetesIt could be a symptom of gestational diabetes. Would-be mothers who are regular snorers must have their blood glucose level tested.Caesarean DeliveryNew studies have revealed that about 1/3rd of the pregnant women snore during their pregnancy. Among these snorers, many had to go for caesarean delivery. Many had emergency C-sections.Low Birth Weight in BabiesStudies have also shown that newborn babies of mothers who snored during pregnancy had lesser weight than that of the average weight. These babies were also found to be prone to different types of medical problems.If risks in pregnant women which are treatable could be identified e.g. obstructive sleep apnoea then numbers of NICU admission, C-sections and underweight babies could be reduced. This will lead to long term health benefits and would definitely cut down the medical cost during and post-delivery.Snoring during pregnancy may seem to be harmless and would-be mothers may pay no heed to it. But studies have shown that snoring is directly related to certain health problems in mothers and the babies so this problem has to be taken seriously and get resolved.