obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (osahs) and pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is a temporary condition of life during which important changes in the physiology of women occur; such changes are resolved, to a large extent, after childbirth. Physical, hormonal and psychological changes can be observed as weight increases progressively. These factors may predispose to a respiratory sleep disorder or exacerbate an existing sleep disorder. The scientific literature suggests a higher prevalence of snoring in pregnant women, although databases show the diagnosis code of sleep apnea in less than 1% of pregnancies. The presence of both snoring and apnea during pregnancy has been associated with some adverse outcomes discussed in this article, which seeks to sensitize physicians to consider this diagnosis during pregnancy.