There’s no doubt the female body is incredible. The changes it goes through during pregnancy number high. But, did you know you are more likely to snore whilst pregnant?
Can Pregnancy Cause Snoring
There is no doubt the amount of change a woman’s body experiences during pregnancy. But, can pregnancy cause snoring?
It may sound surprising, but up to 30% of women begin to snore during pregnancy. It often occurs in the third-trimester but still can happen at any stage.
Snoring while pregnant can affect your energy levels and lower your temperament. It can also contribute to even more tiredness, difficulty in breathing and congestion.
This sometimes can cause Sleep Apnea. Where you stop breathing for periods of time during the night. This is because of the increase in pressure on your organs and your respiratory system.
However, not all women that snore during pregnancy will experience Sleep Apnea.
Reasons why pregnancy is making you snore:
1) Swollen nasal passages. When you’re pregnant, the number of blood increases in the body. It can cause your blood vessels to expand and can lead to swollen nasal passages. This forces you to breathe through your mouth which leads to snoring.
2) Weight gain. When you’re pregnant, you gain weight. It is unavoidable given you have a human being that is slowing growing inside of you. Weight gain is one of the primary reasons why people snore. The weight you gain through pregnancy can lead to increased tissue around the neck and throat. This can narrow your airway and restrict your ability to breathe freely.
3) Colds and allergies. When pregnant you are more susceptible to getting colds and flu. Both of which can cause congestion and result in snoring and nasal irritation. Both of these increase at nighttime, resulting in snoring.
4) Sleep apnoea. Snoring can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sufferers can experience a blockage in their airway that briefly stops their breathing while they sleep. For some other signs of sleep apnea, click here.
How To Stop Snoring While Pregnant
Raising your head with pillows while you sleep will help pull your hyoid bone up and forward so the neck extends and allows better airflow. Changing your sleep position can also help reduce snoring. It’s also important to keep your respiratory tract clear so the airways are free and make breathing easier.
Every pregnant woman has different experiences when it comes to snoring. Some may experience light snoring but some have severe snoring. If you experience severe snoring while pregnant, you should contact your physician immediately because it can lead to hypertension and other health issues like maternal asthma that can even affect the oxygen flow to the baby.
For more information and if you want to talk to a sleep expert, click here.
