Women and Snoring
Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia of pregnancy, is a combination of
symptoms that occur during pregnancy. Symptoms can include: high blood
pressure, swelling, sudden weight gain of more than one pound per day,
headache, nausea, and visual disturbances. This condition occurs in approximately
5% of expectant mothers, usually between the 20th and 24th weeks. It can
prevent the placenta, which gives air and food to the baby, from getting
enough blood.
Studies have recently found that women who snore when they are pregnant
may be at greater risk for this condition. Studies have also found that
4% of women may snore before pregnancy but approximately 20% may be snoring
by the end. It has been found that 10% of the women who do snore during
pregnancy may develop pre-eclampsia. Breathing devices such as masks that
deliver oxygen under pressure and custom snoring guards made by your dentist,
may help decrease the snoring.
Other treatments for this condition include delivering the baby, if close
enough to full term. If this is not possible, decreasing the blood pressure,
bed rest, medications given by your physician and in some cases hospitalization
maybe necessary to protect the mother and baby.
|