Obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy: 1 sleep study may not be enough in high-risk women

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by multiple episodes of airflow limitations and intermittent hypoxia. Pregnancy is a risk factor for developing OSA and OSA is associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal morbidities, even beyond the gestational period. Despite the high prevalence of OSA and its impact on perinatal outcomes, there are no standard methods and optimal timing to screen for this disorder. Consequently, OSA is currently underdiagnosed in pregnancy. We present a case of severe OSA in pregnancy that developed in the third trimester of pregnancy after a negative study in early pregnancy. Our report emphasizes how lack of standardized screening and diagnostic methods in pregnancy can misdiagnose OSA, even in severe cases, and highlights the need for further research in this area.