Obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy and fetal outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To simultaneously investigate the polysomnography (PSG) and nonstress test (NST) records of pregnant women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to observe NST changes during maternal desaturation and determine maternal and fetal outcomes.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of pregnant women assessed by questionnaire for symptoms of OSA. Women with self-reported frequent snoring or apnea were offered PSG and NST.

RESULT: OSA was diagnosed in 4 (11.4%) of the 35 pregnant women who underwent PSG. Three (75%) had fetal heart decelerations accompanying maternal desaturation. The neonates of women diagnosed with OSA had lower mean Apgar scores and birth weights compared with neonates of women without OSA. Three neonates from the women diagnosed with OSA were admitted to the newborn healthcare unit.

CONCLUSION

OSA in pregnancy has important maternal and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women should be assessed for symptoms of OSA and suspected cases should be offered PSG.