Obstructive Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy – Myth or Functional Condition with Potentially Serious Complications

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy covers a diverse spectrum of pathological conditions provoked by physiological changes in maternal organism and growing fetus. Most of the symptoms (sleepiness, fatigue, vomiting, snoring, obstructed nasal breathing, etc.) are considered to be „normally“-related to the physiological changes during pregnancy. In fact, that subtle complains could be a harbinger of more complex disorders, which could remain neglected and undiagnosed by the consulting obstetric and gynecology specialist or primary physician. In view of the potential serious complications related to the SDB during pregnancy it is essential to consider even the mild complains of the pregnant woman as prospective alarming symptoms. Interdisciplinary consultation with otorhinolaryngologist and subsequent detailed polysomnographic study are essential for proper diagnosis in order to avoid possible life threatening complications.