Snoring is common, and its occurrence can increase significantly during pregnancy. This often temporary symptom affects a notable percentage of expectant mothers, with estimates ranging from 14% to 53% experiencing it, particularly as pregnancy progresses. While snoring can be a source of discomfort and sleep disruption, understanding its causes and remedies can help manage this common pregnancy-related change. For many, snoring that begins during pregnancy will resolve after childbirth.
Understanding Why Snoring Occurs During Pregnancy
Physiological changes during pregnancy contribute to the increased likelihood of snoring. Hormonal shifts play a significant role, as elevated estrogen and progesterone can cause nasal tissues to swell. This swelling, often referred to as pregnancy rhinitis, restricts airflow and makes breathing through the nose more challenging, especially when lying down. Progesterone can also lead to a relaxation of the soft muscles in the throat, which may partially block the airway and cause the characteristic vibrating sound of snoring.
Increased blood volume during pregnancy also contributes to nasal congestion. Blood volume can increase by up to 45% to support the developing fetus, leading to fluid accumulation in the nasal passages. This fluid retention can further narrow the airways, making it harder to breathe freely during sleep. Additionally, natural weight gain during pregnancy can add tissue around the neck and throat, exerting pressure on the airways and increasing the risk of snoring. These factors often combine to make snoring more noticeable, typically beginning in the second trimester and becoming more pronounced in the third trimester.
Effective Strategies to Reduce Snoring
Implementing lifestyle adjustments can help reduce snoring during pregnancy.
Sleeping Positions
Sleeping on your side, especially the left, can improve airflow and reduce airway compression. Using a pregnancy pillow can help maintain this position, providing comfort and support. Elevating the head of the bed or using extra pillows can also help keep airways open and alleviate congestion.
Nasal Aids
To address nasal congestion, a frequent cause of snoring in pregnancy, various aids can be beneficial. Nasal strips can be applied to the bridge of the nose to gently open nasal passages and improve airflow. Saline nasal sprays are another option, as they help moisturize and clear mucus from the nasal passages, making breathing easier. A humidifier in the bedroom can add moisture to the air, which helps thin mucus and soothe irritated nasal membranes, thereby easing congestion.
Other Strategies
Maintaining proper hydration is also important, as drinking enough fluids helps to keep mucus thin and prevents it from becoming too thick, which can worsen congestion. Avoiding irritants such as alcohol and tobacco is also relevant, as these substances can relax throat muscles and worsen congestion, contributing to snoring. Finally, aiming for healthy weight gain, as recommended by a healthcare provider, can help minimize excess tissue around the airway that could contribute to snoring.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While snoring during pregnancy is common, certain signs suggest consulting a healthcare provider. If snoring is accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness, even after adequate sleep, it could indicate a more significant issue. Loud, frequent snoring that includes gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing warrants medical attention, as these can be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Untreated OSA during pregnancy can have implications for both maternal and fetal health.
A sudden onset or worsening of snoring, particularly in the third trimester, should also be discussed with a doctor. This is especially true if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, new or worsening high blood pressure, or significant swelling. Snoring, particularly new-onset snoring during pregnancy, has been linked to an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which are serious conditions involving high blood pressure during pregnancy. Medical evaluation can help rule out these and other conditions, such as gestational diabetes, ensuring appropriate management for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.