Snoring is a common physical change many individuals notice during pregnancy. While it is not an early indicator of conception, its emergence or worsening is a recognized phenomenon that often begins as the pregnancy progresses. It is a consequence of the physiological adaptations occurring in the body to support the developing fetus. Understanding the shift in breathing patterns and airway dynamics can help explain why this disturbance occurs.
The Direct Answer: Snoring as a Common Pregnancy Symptom
Snoring is a common symptom, affecting a significant number of pregnant individuals, with prevalence rates ranging from 14% to over 50%. This increase in nighttime noise is due to physical changes and hormonal shifts related to pregnancy itself, not an early sign of conception. The onset of snoring usually occurs later in the pregnancy, beginning near the end of the second trimester and increasing into the third trimester.
About 25% of women report beginning to snore frequently (three or more nights a week) during pregnancy. The occurrence of new or worsening snoring is widespread and considered a temporary part of the process for many expectant mothers. For most, this snoring resolves once the pregnancy concludes and the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
How Physiological Changes Lead to Snoring During Pregnancy
The primary drivers of pregnancy-related snoring are hormonal surges and the associated increase in bodily fluids. Elevated levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone cause the mucous membranes lining the nose to swell. This swelling, sometimes called pregnancy rhinitis, narrows the nasal passages and upper airway, causing soft tissues in the throat to vibrate.
A significant increase in blood volume, which can rise up to 45% to support the growing baby, also contributes to congestion. This extra blood flow causes blood vessels in the nasal and throat tissues to become engorged and swollen, restricting the space for air to pass. The combination of fluid retention and tissue swelling in the upper airway creates conditions favorable for snoring.
In the later stages of pregnancy, mechanical factors also obstruct the airway. Normal weight gain can add tissue around the neck and throat, compressing the airway. Additionally, the growing uterus pushes upward on the diaphragm, altering breathing mechanics and making the airway more prone to collapse during sleep.
When Snoring May Signal a Greater Health Risk
While common, new or worsening habitual snoring should be mentioned to a healthcare provider, as it can be a marker for more serious conditions. Research connects pregnancy-onset snoring with an increased risk of developing hypertensive disorders, specifically gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Women who develop frequent snoring during pregnancy have a two-fold greater risk for high blood pressure. Preeclampsia, which involves high blood pressure and damage to another organ system, develops after 20 weeks of gestation and is strongly associated with new-onset snoring. This link stems from sleep-disordered breathing, like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which causes repeated drops in blood oxygen levels that stress the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms suggesting a progression to a more concerning condition like OSA include observed episodes of stopped breathing, gasping or choking during sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue. If snoring is accompanied by other signs of preeclampsia, such as sudden weight gain, severe headaches, or visual disturbances, immediate medical evaluation is necessary. Monitoring and treating underlying sleep-disordered breathing is important because it can help mitigate the risks of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Practical Strategies for Reducing Pregnancy-Related Snoring
Simple adjustments to sleep habits can provide relief from pregnancy-related snoring. Sleeping on the side, particularly the left side, is recommended as it reduces pressure on major blood vessels and helps prevent soft tissues from collapsing into the airway. A full-body pregnancy pillow can help maintain this side-sleeping position comfortably.
Elevating the upper body using a wedge pillow or propping up the head of the bed can improve airflow. Raising the torso and head slightly prevents soft tissues from falling backward and causing vibrations. Over-the-counter nasal strips or external nasal dilators can also be used to physically widen the nasal passages.
Maintaining good hydration and using a humidifier can help soothe swollen and congested nasal membranes. Saline nasal sprays may also reduce inflammation and clear the nasal passages, but any new product should be discussed with a healthcare provider.