Snoring is relatively common during pregnancy. However, the relation between snoring and pregnancy is not fully understood, the research has found that snoring may have a negative effect on maternal health. The study was aimed at investigating the influence of snoring on gestation course and assessing whether there is a direct link between snoring and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal complications, preeclampsia or mode of delivery.

There were examined 500 pregnant women. They were offered to answer questions concerning snoring at the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The results showed that there were 340 women who snored during both trimesters. These women were divided into several subgroups with regard to the development of the condition. Thus, it was determined that frequency of snoring during the 1st trimester was 7.9% and increased to 21.2% during the 3rd trimester. Those who snored in the 1st trimester had a high BMI and those who never snored had a normal BMI. Women who snored were more likely to suffer from edema in the 3rd trimester than those who didn’t. Also, it was determined that women who snored during pregnancy experienced excessive daytime sleepiness more frequently, than those who had never snored. But, it was found that there was no relation between snoring and obstetric outcome. The research proves that snoring does increase during pregnancy and it is closely associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, high BMI, and edema.

Maria Sarberg, Eva Svanborg, Ann-Britt Wiréhn and Ann Josefsson, “Snoring during pregnancy and its relation to sleepiness and pregnancy outcome – a prospective study”, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 13 January 2014.