--- title: Treating Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy May Keep Babies Out of the NICU description: The potential for treatment of OSA using CPAP underscores the importance of early diagnosis in pregnant women. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-455317686.png --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Treating Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy May Keep Babies Out of the NICU](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/treating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Jan 16, 2014 4:30:00 AM ### Babies Born to Obese Mothers with Sleep Apnea are at Increased Risk for Admission to the NICU. ***We posted earlier this week about [the link between gestational diabetes and OSA](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/gestational-diabetes-increases-risk-of-obstructive-sleep-apnea-7x). Now we're looking at the affects of OSA on the newborn baby. A [2012 study](http://www.livescience.com/23358-sleep-apnea-pregnancy.html) showed that babies born to obese mothers with [obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/types) are at increased risk for complications after birth.*** The study tested 175 obese pregnant women at home using [unattended home sleep testing](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/do-i-have-to-spend-the-night-in-the-sleep-lab). About 15% of the women had sleep apnea. **The results:** ![OSA_pregnancy_outcomes-1](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-455317686.png)   Researchers said that the higher rate of NICU admissions may be due to the higher rate of cesarean deliveries. [According to the Centers for Disease Control](http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/delivery.htm), in 2011 33% of all US deliveries were by c-section. Many studies have shown an increase in obesity in the American population and there is a[ correllation between obesity and increased c-section rates](http://www.obgynnews.com/index.php?id=11192&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=218897&cHash=220acf03ed30df09b3e0ba077443436d). **A [December 2013 study](http://www.sleep-journal.com/article/S1389-9457(13)01401-9/abstract) of 115 pregnancy women showed that increases in scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Snoring Symptoms Inventory (two commonly used questionnaires for identifying potential obstructive sleep apnea) were highly correlated to higher c-section rates, adverse pregnancy outcomes such as [preeclampsia](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/basics/definition/con-20031644) and even lower infant [Apgar scores](http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/delivery-beyond/pages/Apgar-Scores.aspx).** From the conclusion of the 2013 study: > ### *** "The potential for treatment of OSA using CPAP underscores the importance of early diagnosis in pregnant women."*** **Have you or a family member suffered from sleep apnea during pregnancy? If so, please share your experience or thoughts on this research in the comments below! ** Topics: [Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders), [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Kids and Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep), [Women and Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Treating%20Sleep%20Apnea%20in%20Pregnancy%20May%20Keep%20Babies%20Out%20of%20the%20NICU) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-may-keep-babies-out-of-the-nicu%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.