Sleep Disordered Breathing in Pregnancy and Adverse Maternal Outcomes—A True Story?

Pregnancy may predispose women to the development or worsening of sleep disordered breathing. Recent studies have shown a significant association between sleep disordered breathing and adverse pregnancy-related outcomes including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and severe maternal morbidity including pulmonary edema, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and admissions to the intensive care unit. More research is needed on the mechanisms linking sleep disordered breathing to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Large trials that examine the impact of therapy for sleep disordered breathing during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes are also needed.