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. Now we're looking at the affects of OSA on the newborn baby. A 2012 study showed that babies born to obese mothers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk for complications after birth.

The study tested 175 obese pregnant women at home using unattended home sleep testing. About 15% of the women had sleep apnea.

The results:

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, 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.

A December 2013 study 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 and even lower infant Apgar scores.

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!