Protect Your Child’s Health
Carrying a child is a heavy burden for expecting mothers, but those who suffer from sleep apnea are faced with even greater challenges.
With over three decades of experience as a dentist, Dr. Ura is a sleep specialist who provides customized, convenient oral appliances to treat our patients’ sleep apnea. If you’re an expectant mother who struggles with this disorder, check out this guide to learn how to ensure your child’s wellbeing.
Sleep Apnea, Snoring & Pregnancy
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that interferes with your ability to breathe during sleep, causing the muscles in the back of your throat to relax and block your airway.
The leading symptom of sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring, though not everyone who snores suffers from this disorder. An evident display of sleep apnea is a person seeming to be choking or gasping for air while asleep.
The Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy
Common signs of sleep apnea in pregnant women include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dry mouth
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Heartburn overnight
- Excessively sleepy during the day
- Insomnia
Some of these symptoms may be a result of pregnancy, and for this reason many expectant mothers with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Ura advises that you take cautious measures and schedule a consultation. Dr. Ura will work closely with a sleep physician to determine your ideal sleep apnea treatment and ensure the best possible results.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Unborn Child
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires professional attention. In the absence of treatment, it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and unplanned Cesarean sections. Pregnant women with sleep apnea may also experience prolonged labor and fetal growth restrictions.
An additional complication of sleep apnea during pregnancy is obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). This occurs when an overweight person fails to breathe sufficiently, causing blood carbon dioxide levels to rise and blood sugar levels to drop. This fluctuation can be harmful to both your health and your unborn child.
Treating Pregnancy-Related Sleep Apnea
It’s crucial to identify and treat sleep apnea at the first sign of restlessness. The initial and most common treatment prescribed is a CPAP machine, though many patients complain that it’s noisy, uncomfortable, and difficult to use.
Dr. Ura offers a convenient alternative to CPAP — customized oral appliances. This alternative allows you to breathe freely through the night by shifting your lower jaw forward, preventing your tongue and soft oral tissue from obstructing your airway.
Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are custom-made and designed with your comfort in mind. It’s small, quiet, easy to wear, and doesn’t require a power source. You have the freedom to sleep in any position and finally enjoy a better night’s sleep.
Visit Dr. Ura for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dr. Ura recognizes the impact of sleep apnea on pregnant women, but he also understands that every patient is unique. Without optimal and personalized treatment, you and your unborn child are both at risk of developing serious health complications.
Fortunately, Dr. Ura can provide a comfortable, modern solution with oral appliance alternatives. Call our office today at (603) 237-1124 to learn more. Your new life begins today.
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