Can pregnancy increase the risk of sleep apnea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, pregnancy can increase the risk of sleep apnea. Hormonal shifts, weight gain, and swelling of the nasal passages and airways during pregnancy can all contribute to disrupted breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is most common in the second and third trimesters, and symptoms often include loud snoring, gasping for air, and daytime fatigue.

Untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy has been linked to higher risks of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, so recognizing the signs early matters for both maternal and fetal health.

If you're pregnant and noticing symptoms like snoring, choking during sleep, or persistent daytime exhaustion, don't guess your way through it. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be causing your symptoms and guide you on the right next steps to discuss with your doctor. It only takes a few minutes and could make a meaningful difference in your pregnancy care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if pregnancy sleep apnea is serious See what causes pregnancy sleep apnea symptoms Find likely causes of your pregnancy sleep apnea Explore OTC relief options for sleep apnea Find a sleep doctor for pregnancy apnea Learn safe home remedies for sleep apnea Check if pregnancy apnea needs care now

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Explanation

During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through many changes that can increase the risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. According to the references, pregnancy can lead to sleep-disordered breathing.

Why Does This Happen?

Weight Gain: Many women gain weight during pregnancy, which can make it harder to breathe during sleep.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones may relax the muscles in the throat, leading to blocked airways.
Fluid Retention: Pregnant women often retain fluids, which can swell tissues around the throat.

Why Is It Important?

Health Risks: Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
Monitoring: It's important for pregnant women to be aware of sleep apnea symptoms, like loud snoring or feeling very tired during the day.

By understanding these changes, pregnant women can talk to their doctors if they notice any symptoms. If you're experiencing unusual sleep patterns or breathing difficulties during pregnancy, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening. This can help manage risks and keep both the mother and baby healthy.

(References)

Dominguez JE, Krystal AD, & Habib AS. (2018). Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnant Women - PubMed - NIH. Anesthesia and analgesia, 29649034.
Venkata C, & Venkateshiah SB. (2009). Sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 19264939.
Carnelio S, Morton A, & McIntyre HD. (2017). Sleep disordered breathing in pregnancy: the maternal and .... Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 27924661.

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