Pregnancy can bring about many changes, including changes in dental health. One serious change that can affect one to ten percent of pregnant women is sleep apnea. At Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD, we treat sleep apnea, a condition that should not be ignored.
It is thought that between one and ten percent of pregnant woman develop what is called gestational sleep apnea. Because some of the changes pregnancy may bring include weight gain and the congestion of mucous membranes in the upper airway, obstructive sleep apnea can develop into a problem when it wasn’t one before. It is important to note that pregnancy is different for everyone and it does not always result in these changes, nor do these changes always result in sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that should be treated.
The risks of obstructive sleep apnea include hypertension, heart attack, heart failure, liver problems, and excessive daytime fatigue, among other health issues. In addition, gestational sleep apnea is sometimes linked to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to preterm delivery, low birth weight, and can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.
If you are pregnant and showing signs of sleep apnea, it is important to be evaluated and treated. To schedule an appointment with Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD, call our office at (301) 608-9270 or visit our website, www.bishopdental.com.
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