Snoring often begins or increases during pregnancy, even in individuals who have never snored before. This common nighttime noise affects a significant number of expectant mothers as the pregnancy progresses. The phenomenon is largely due to the profound hormonal and physiological shifts that occur to support the developing baby. Understanding the mechanisms behind this change and recognizing when it signals a potential health concern can help manage this symptom.
Physiological Causes of Pregnancy Snoring
The primary drivers of snoring during pregnancy are the dramatic increases in reproductive hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. These elevated hormone levels cause the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages and throat to swell. This swelling leads to a condition sometimes called “pregnancy rhinitis,” which causes nasal congestion and forces breathing through the mouth, a key trigger for snoring.
Beyond the hormonal effects, the body’s increased fluid dynamics also contribute to airway narrowing. Blood volume expands by approximately 40% to 50% by the third trimester to support the placenta and fetus. This increase in circulating fluid results in tissue swelling, or edema, throughout the body, including the blood vessels in the upper respiratory tract. The engorgement of these tissues narrows the air passages, making it easier for the soft palate and throat tissues to vibrate and produce the characteristic snoring sound.
Physical changes related to the growing fetus place additional stress on the respiratory system. Normal weight gain during pregnancy can result in extra tissue accumulation around the neck and throat, compressing the airway. Also, as the uterus expands, it pushes upward on the diaphragm, the major muscle involved in breathing. This mechanical restriction can alter breathing patterns during sleep and increase the likelihood of the airway collapsing.
Potential Health Risks Associated with Increased Snoring
While most pregnancy-related snoring is a benign annoyance, loud, frequent, or severe snoring can signal a form of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). The most concerning form of SDB is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the airway repeatedly closes, leading to pauses in breathing and drops in blood oxygen saturation. This reduction in oxygen can affect both the mother and the fetus, making monitoring essential.
Habitual snoring during pregnancy has been independently linked to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders. Studies have shown that pregnant individuals who snore frequently are significantly more likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia compared to non-snorers.
The impact of severe, untreated SDB can extend to fetal outcomes. Persistent, heavy snoring is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction, meaning the baby is born smaller than expected for gestational age. This association is related to the intermittent drops in maternal oxygen levels, which can affect blood flow and nutrient delivery to the placenta. Severe snoring is also correlated with a higher rate of low Apgar scores in newborns.
Safe Strategies for Management and Relief
Simple changes to sleeping posture can often provide significant relief for pregnancy-related snoring. Sleeping on the side, especially the left side, improves circulation and reduces pressure on the major blood vessels and airways. Using a full-body pregnancy pillow can help maintain this side-sleeping position throughout the night.
Elevating the head and upper torso can help reduce congestion and prevent the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing. This can be achieved by propping up the head of the bed or using a wedge pillow to raise the body from the waist up.
Nasal congestion, a major cause of the noise, can be managed with drug-free options. These include saline nasal sprays or nasal washes. Over-the-counter nasal strips or dilators can also physically widen the nasal passages, making breathing easier.
Maintaining healthy weight gain within recommended guidelines can limit the physical factors contributing to airway compression. It is important to consult a physician if snoring is accompanied by symptoms like gasping or choking during sleep, severe morning headaches, or extreme daytime fatigue. These signs may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, which requires professional evaluation and potentially treatment like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for the health of both the mother and the baby.