Sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) occurs in about 30% of pregnancies. The subject has been and is still neglected by both sleep specialists and especially in the clinical routine of gynecologists. However, the coincidence SDB and pregnancy represents an enormous risk for both the mother and unborn child. With regard to adverse pregnancy outcomes, pregnant women have an increased risk for gestational hypertension and diabetes, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. The rate of caesarian sections is increased. Furthermore, pregnant women with SDB have an increased mortality rate. With regard to the unborn and newborn child, the rate of miscarriages, premature births, and stillbirths is increased. Additionally, intrauterine growth retardation and postpartum disturbed development up to six years is reported. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard of therapy even in pregnancy. CPAP therapy is able to prevent the above mentioned complications without disturbing the course of pregnancy. For both sleep specialists and gynecologists there is a need for raising the awareness of SDB disorders in pregnant women.