Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Obese Women During Pregnancy

Excess weight or obesity is associated with an increased risk of health disorders: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular risks, dyslipidemia and sleep apneas. During pregnancy in obese women, the risk of preeclampsia increases by three and the risk of fetal death in utero by five. Snoring and Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal cardio pulmonary status, fetal heart rate and fetal acidosis-basis status by recurrent upper-airway obstruction, hypoventilation, and intermittent nocturnal hypoxia. Reports in pregnancy have identified in association with OSA and preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth.

The prevalence of OSA among women is estimated to be 2-5%, but it remains underdiagnosed during pregnancy. In sleep apnea syndrome, a few data have shown better pregnancy and fetal outcome with the use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

the hypothesis is in obese pregnant women that there could be a significant association between sleep apnea syndrome and hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia and adverse fetal outcomes This is a prospective study of Women with a body mass index of 35 kg.m2 or greater. The aim of this study is to determinate the prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome in obese pregnant women and the benefit of CPAP on the maternal and fetal outcome.