CPAP and Pregnacy

[Sheriff Buford]

Well, I got my son and daughter on cpap. Now, my other daughter (twin sister) who is pregnant with her 8th child has sleep apnea. Her sleep doctor told her apnea is a side affect of her pregnancy and that once the baby is born (in June) the apnea should go away. She ordered her rig from cpap.com and I get to help her set it up via Facetime this afternoon. I've told her that she'll more than likely have sleep apnea after the baby is born.

What say you?

Dang... I'd get pregnant if I wouldn't have apnea after I gave birth.

Sheriff

[JDS74]

Because she is a twin, it seems likely that it will continue after the baby is born.

BTW Congratulations on a new grand baby! Don't let your head explode with pride <grin>

[chunkyfrog]

Pregnancy can make a pre-existing condition worsen--either temporarily or permanently.
Her OB/GYN might actually be more observant than the PCP.
Congratulations on your next grandbaby.

[jnk...]

CPAP and Pregnacy

I am personally unaware of any evidence that someone can get pregnant from using CPAP.

However, CPAP.com has an article (updated February 2019) about how pregnancy and OSA can interact:

During pregnancy, a woman experiences higher estrogen and progesterone levels. This causes fluid retention and the characteristic swollen ankles. When a woman lays down to sleep, that fluid redistributes in the body and accumulates around the neck, swelling the nasal passages and mucous membranes.

In addition, these hormones alter the body’s muscle tone, relaxing many of the muscles in preparation for the growing baby. This can relax and partially close the upper airway, giving a mom less room to inhale and exhale. This combination of a smaller airway combined with fluid retention and congestion leads to Sleep Apnea for many women.

. . . If Sleep Apnea risk increases because of pregnancy hormones, does that mean the condition goes away after a mom delivers her baby? For some women, Sleep Apnea is a pregnancy condition that resolves itself after the pregnancy hormones regulate. For others, the condition lingers, especially if they gained significant weight during pregnancy.

https://www.cpap.com/blog/pregnancy-sleep-apnea/

Nice article, Daniela! ( https://www.cpap.com/about/daniela )

[zonker]

Well, I got my son and daughter on cpap.

<whew> when i read the post title and author, i thought "what the hell? isn't sheriff a GUY?!?!"

[Goofproof]

Well, I got my son and daughter on cpap. Now, my other daughter (twin sister) who is pregnant with her 8th child has sleep apnea. Her sleep doctor told her apnea is a side affect of her pregnancy and that once the baby is born (in June) the apnea should go away. She ordered her rig from cpap.com and I get to help her set it up via Facetime this afternoon. I've told her that she'll more than likely have sleep apnea after the baby is born.

What say you?

Dang... I'd get pregnant if I wouldn't have apnea after I gave birth.

Sheriff

After the baby comes, you are too worn down taking care of baby, you don't get to sleep. (Cured)

After 8 kids I'd be begging for extra air She might want to use it even if it does go away. Odd's are her doctor doesn't know squat about sleep apnea. Jim

[Sheriff Buford]

Well, I got my son and daughter on cpap.

<whew> when i read the post title and author, i thought "what the hell? isn't sheriff a GUY?!?!"

Lemme check!

[Sheriff Buford]

Walked her thru the machine and mask last night via FaceTime. Not as good as being there. Hope she did well last night.

Sheriff

[apuaplz]

1000 apologies here if I have misread the question. (health issues on my own plate so doing my best...)
But if there is a question of sleep apnea and pregnancy, i can tell you that there is ALSO a connection between preeclampsia and pregnancy. Do a google search. I myself probably had sleep apnea for many years before it was diagnosed (after two pregnancies), and I also had preeclampsia with both pregnancies. I would take this seriously. I hope this helps. Sorry if I misread the question, though.

[Janknitz]

1000 apologies here if I have misread the question. (health issues on my own plate so doing my best...)
But if there is a question of sleep apnea and pregnancy, i can tell you that there is ALSO a connection between preeclampsia and pregnancy. Do a google search. I myself probably had sleep apnea for many years before it was diagnosed (after two pregnancies), and I also had preeclampsia with both pregnancies. I would take this seriously. I hope this helps. Sorry if I misread the question, though.

I'm pretty sure I had (undiagnosed) sleep apnea through both pregnancies but I didn't have sleep apnea. It bears caution, but it's not a given.

Sheriff, I'd suggest she get TESTED (just like anyone else) before giving up CPAP after pregnancy. That way she'll know for sure (but might have to wait until baby is sleeping through the night).

[Sheriff Buford]

Sorry I didn't mention it, but she was tested. She did a home test. I haven't been able to get my paws on the sleep/titration report. Her main issue was "panicking" with the mask on. I suggested that she wear the mask during the day to get used to it and I had her twin sister coach her as well. Her twin sister had the same issue and hopefully is able to talk her off the ledge.

Sheriff