Snoring is not good for the unborn baby. A large study from the University of Michigan published in the scientific journal Sleep establishes a link between snoring in the mother and the health of the unborn baby. Researchers have found that snoring two to three nights a week increases the risk of having a cesarean section and lower weight babies.
Women who snore before and during pregnancy were found to be most at risk. They were 65% more likely to have a smaller-than-normal baby. They also doubled their likelihood of suffering a cesarean during childbirth.
Women whose snoring occurred only during pregnancy were also at greater risk than those who do not snore.
The study involved 1,673 pregnant women, 35% of whom reported habitual snoring during pregnancy. They were questioned about their possible snoring and its frequency. Data on childbirth as well as their lifestyle (alcohol, food, tobacco, etc.) were taken into account.
Better identify respiratory disorders during pregnancy
According to experts, the occurrence of snoring during pregnancy can sometimes signal more serious health problems in the mother who could suffer, for example, fromSleep Apnea, respiratory problems due to less oxygenation of the blood during the night, high blood pressure or even pre-eclampsia.
As for the impact on the child’s weight, the researchers suggest that snoring could trigger inflammation that affects the placenta.
For Dr. louise O’Brien, author of the study, these results underline the importance of “better identifying respiratory disorders during pregnancy” which could lead to complications during childbirth or for the baby.
