Snoring during pregnancy is an alarming symptom that leads to severe irreversible consequences for the woman and the fetus. It develops in 60% of pregnant women at a later date. The reasons are hormonal changes, edema, metabolic disorders.

Snoring during pregnancy is a negative symptom. It indicates physiological disorders in the female body, creates a potential threat to the development of the fetus. The condition requires a revision of the daily regimen, nutrition, in severe cases, drug adjustments.

Causes and mechanism of snoring during pregnancy

The main causes of snoring in pregnant women are associated with the restructuring of the endocrine system, changes in the metabolic process.  

Factors causing laryngeal vibration and loud breathing:

• a sharp change in hormonal levels;
• being overweight in excess of the normal weight gain during pregnancy;
• edema in the third trimester caused by preeclampsia (late toxicosis);
• displacement of the fornix of the diaphragm as a result of an increase in the uterus.

In the first or second trimester, the symptom is short-lived and appears with acute respiratory infections, seasonal allergies. It is not dangerous for the woman and the fetus, it goes away with an improvement in the general condition.

In 80% of cases, abnormal snoring during pregnancy develops at a later date. The predominance of the hormone progesterone in the body relaxes the smooth muscles of the nasopharynx, larynx, palate and uvula. When the air circulates, soft tissues vibrate and create a characteristic sound.

Important! In some pregnant women, snoring is a consequence of abnormalities in the structure of the upper respiratory tract. This is a narrowing of the respiratory lumen, curvature of the cartilaginous septum, leading to a violation of nasal breathing. 

With gestosis, the appearance of snoring is due to tissue edema due to the accumulation of fluid in the body and renal failure as a result of physiological organ overload. More common in obese women of varying severity.

A sign of loud breathing appears in pregnant women with chronic internal pathologies: hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent), metabolic syndrome (increased fat volume, impaired fat, carbohydrate metabolism).

Why snoring is dangerous for a pregnant woman and a fetus

Snoring is a pathological condition that triggers a chain of negative consequences for the woman and the unborn baby.

The main danger is impaired respiratory function. The physiological air travel in the bronchi and lungs changes during snoring. Symptoms of hypoxia gradually increase. Oxygen starvation is a delay in fetal growth, disturbances in the formation of the nervous system, and in severe cases, a direct threat to life. Children are born small, weak according to the Apgar scale (assessment of vital functions and reflexes of the newborn).

Important! If snoring is not eliminated, then a chronic lack of oxygen leads to impaired mental development and the activity of the speech apparatus, the sensitivity of nerve receptors, and hyperactivity in the child. 

For women, snoring is dangerous with consequences such as premature birth, the development of apnea (short-term cessation of breathing, mainly during a night’s sleep). Eclampsia is rarely observed ─ a severe pathology, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• high blood pressure;
• epileptic-type skeletal muscle cramps;
• hemorrhage in the brain;
• acute renal failure;
• coma.

With severe hypoxia due to snoring during pregnancy, a cesarean section is performed as obstetric aid. This will protect the baby’s condition and prevent serious and irreversible postpartum consequences.

How a woman can stop snoring

To choose the tactics how to alleviate the condition of pregnant women with snoring, it is necessary to assess the intensity of the symptom. If a woman feels well after sleep, her general condition is satisfactory, there is no drowsiness and fatigue, then physiotherapy procedures are prescribed to stop snoring. Pregnant women are recommended physical therapy, special breathing exercises. Exercises restore the functionality of the bronchial tree, increase the vital capacity of the lungs, and eliminate chronic hypoxia.

Sleeping on your side is recommended to stop snoring in late pregnancy. This position relaxes the smooth muscles of the larynx, eliminates the narrowing of the airways, and blocks irritation of the nerve receptors due to edema.

According to the doctor’s prescription, it is allowed to use special anti-snoring devices : a plaster, silicone clips, a mouth guard, implants for the palate, ENT devices, orthopedic pillows. In parallel, women with the help of training strengthen the muscles of the larynx. Exercises involve increased tongue movements (rising to the soft palate in a state of strong tension), loud pronunciation of the sounds “y”, “and”, “s” for 20-30 seconds at night.  

Before going to bed, it is mandatory to ventilate the room, wet cleaning is carried out daily. Shown walks in the fresh air for at least an hour, preferably 2 times a day, morning and evening.

What not to do if you snore heavily during pregnancy:

• sleeping on your back in a stuffy room with dry air and low humidity;
• drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially at night;
• smoke, take alcoholic beverages;
• lead a passive lifestyle;
• drink carbonated drinks, strong coffee, black tea.

Dried fruits, nuts, white bread, pasta, cereals (wheat, semolina, millet) are excluded from the diet.

Increase the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. Drink green tea with lemon, herbal preparations (after doctor’s approval).

To reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, relieve swelling, irritation, perspiration, relieve pain, rinse the throat with medicinal herbs of an astringent action. Decoctions are prepared using eucalyptus, chamomile, St. John’s wort, calamus, cornflower, willow, marigold. Rinsing is done 3-4 times a day, the last one before bedtime.

Often, pregnant women do not attach importance to the appearance of snoring and do not voice this question at a gynecologist’s appointment. Loud noises and noisy breathing are symptoms that lead to serious consequences that a woman should be aware of. Snoring in pregnant women is a reversible process that can be corrected and treated.