Snoring and Pregnancy

Snoring during pregnancy is fairly commonplace. In a recent survey, almost a quarter of healthy pregnant women were reportedly snoring frequently, while many others said they snored occasionally. However, just 4 per cent of comparably healthy, non-pregnant women of the same age admitted to snoring on a regular basis.

Increased hormone levels, particularly estrogen, can cause tissue to become more puffy and swollen. Tissues that line the nasal passages and throat are no exception and this can lead to nasal congestion and even a runny nose. This swelling and congestion is probably worsened by the increase in circulating blood volume during gestation. Another well-documented risk factor for snoring is weight gain, but this is, of course, characteristic of any normal pregnancy. 

Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). So while gestational snoring maybe just that, it could also be a symptom of this far more serious condition. Furthermore, heavy snoring and obstructive sleep apnea during pregnancy have been linked to gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and pre eclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of the ankles, hands or face), both potentially dangerous conditions.

Pregnant women concerned about their snoring should seek qualified medical advice to determine whether further investigations are necessary. For the vast majority of women, snoring is no more than a temporary nuisance that will most likely disappear once the baby arrives.