Sleep-Disordered Breathing may Alter the Outcome of Pregnancy

Humans spend around 30 percent of their lives sleeping. Unfortunately, this time to re-energize and recharge our batteries may not always be so "restful" for everyone. Now, a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women dealing with this health issue may endure more problems throughout their pregnancy.

For the study, researchers examined 188 women and assessed the prevalence and trend of sleep-disorder breathing (SDB) and its effect on pregnancy outcomes.

Researchers discovered a dose-dependent relationship between the severity of SDB throughout early pregnancy and the risk of developing gestational diabetes. They also found that those with more moderate or severe SDB throughout early pregnancy were at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

"This study suggests a dose-dependent relationship between SDB exposure in early pregnancy and the subsequent development of gestational diabetes," the authors noted in the study. 

However, researchers note that there was no association between SDB exposure in early or late pregnancy, as well as any of the other adverse pregnancy outcomes.