Many are unaware of the fact that pregnant women snore, especially during their third trimester. Do you know – pregnant women are two to three times more likely to snore than non-pregnant women. A recent research study claims narrowing of the upper airways as the cause for this.

Snoring in pregnancy causes many problems

• It causes problems to the partner making him separate from her at the times when she needs his support.
• It also leads to various health problems if becomes severe.
• Chronic snoring can cause respiratory problems at night, and cause daytime sleepiness, rise in blood pressure.
• All the above symptoms can be dangerous to both the mother and the fetus. Fetus may suffer from growth retardation.
• Snoring in pregnancy can lead to sleep apnea.

Snoring in pregnancy linked to increased weight

It was found that snoring in pregnancy happens more during the third trimester. Researchers claim that likelihood of snoring is linked to the pregnant woman’s weight.

Compared to the non-snorers, pregnant snorers were found to have more pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index. Additionally, the pregnant snorers were found to have a greater neck circumference. On average it is one centimetre more than that in the non-snorers.

During pregnancy upper airways get narrower due to increased weight and distention of the abdomen. Fat can infiltrate the pharyngeal muscles. It may also get deposited in soft tissue of neck and around upper airways. It increases neck size and narrows the airways. All these changes increase the frequency of snoring and nocturnal respiratory disturbances.

Simple way to control snoring – sleep on one side. If the symptoms turn extreme, one can go for mandibular advancement devices or positive airway pressure masks.

Learn home remedies for snoring relief.