Snoring During Pregnancy: Safe Solutions & Complete Guide
Affecting 40% of pregnant women especially in the third trimester, pregnancy snoring is usually benign but can signal sleep apnea - discover safe, effective solutions including the Back2Sleep intranasal orthosis.
Snoring during pregnancy is a very common phenomenon, affecting around 40% of pregnant women, particularly from the 3rd trimester onwards - although generally benign and temporary, it may be a sign of a more serious problem such as sleep apnea which requires medical attention, making safe solutions like the Back2Sleep intranasal orthosis essential for maintaining open airways without medication during this critical period.
Although annoying, it is generally benign and temporary.
However, it may be a sign of a more serious problem such as sleep apnea which requires medical attention.
Essential Information About Pregnancy Snoring
| Important Points | Summary |
|---|---|
| What is snoring during pregnancy? | A common phenomenon affecting 40% of pregnant women, especially in the 3rd trimester. Generally benign and temporary, but can be a sign of sleep apnea requiring medical attention. |
| Good sleeping position | Sleeping on the left side clears the airway and avoids compression of the inferior vena cava. |
| Use a humidifier | Maintains ideal humidity levels (40-60%) to prevent dehydration of nasal mucous membranes. |
| Breathing exercises | Muscle and tone the upper respiratory tract to reduce the vibrations that cause snoring. |
| Back2Sleep solution | Maintains nasal passages mechanically open during sleep without medication. |
| Disappearance after childbirth? | Yes in the majority of cases, except for 18% of women who continue to snore. |
Pregnancy Snoring Statistics
What Causes Snoring During Pregnancy?
Weight Gain
Weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy. Extra weight increases fatty tissue in neck and throat, narrowing airways. The expanding uterus also raises the diaphragm.
Hormonal Changes
Major hormonal fluctuations including progesterone and estrogen cause swelling of nasal and throat mucosa, creating resistance to air passage.
Gastric Reflux
Pregnancy considerably increases acid reflux risk due to uterine pressure on stomach. Reflux irritates throat and inflames pharynx soft tissues.
Nasal Congestion
Pregnancy rhinitis affects many women, causing nasal passages to swell and partially obstruct, forcing mouth breathing which generates snoring vibrations.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is an inevitable part of pregnancy. This extra weight increases fatty tissue in the neck and throat, narrowing the airways. The expanding uterus also pushes upwards, raising the diaphragm and creating a smaller residual volume in the lungs.
Hormonal Changes
Major hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, including:
- 💊 progesterone
- 💊 estrogen
They cause swelling of the nasal and throat mucosa. This narrows the upper airways and creates resistance to the passage of air, the source of the sound vibrations that cause snoring. This rhinitis affects many pregnant women.
Gastric Reflux
Pregnancy considerably increases the risk of acid reflux due to the pressure exerted by the uterus on the stomach. Reflux irritates the throat and inflames the soft tissues of the pharynx, causing them to relax during sleep. This partially obstructs the respiratory tract, causing vibrations that lead to snoring.
Learn About Sleep DisordersSolutions to Reduce Snoring During Pregnancy
Have a Good Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your left side is strongly recommended during pregnancy for several reasons.
First of all, this position prevents the uterus from compressing the inferior vena cava, ensuring good blood circulation.
But it also clears the airways by preventing the tongue from collapsing towards the back of the palate.
Use pillows to prop yourself up comfortably on your left side.
Using a Humidifier
Ambient air that's too dry dries out the nasal mucosa and promotes congestion, partially obstructing the nostrils. This forces you to breathe through your open mouth, generating the sound vibrations that cause snoring.
A humidifier maintains an ideal humidity level of between 40 and 60% in the bedroom. You can also use seawater sprays or saline solutions to moisturize the nostrils directly before bedtime.
Practice Breathing Exercises
From deep nasal breathing exercises like those practiced in yoga, help to strengthen and tone the upper respiratory tract. This reduces snoring vibrations by preventing partial obstruction. The simple act of consciously breathing through the nose during the day can also help restore good breathing habits for the night.
The Back2Sleep Solution: Intranasal Orthosis
💡 This intranasal orthosis soft, drug-free silicone orthosis mechanically holds the nasal passages open during sleep. Its tip reaches the soft palate to prevent obstruction of the upper airway.
Safe for Pregnancy
Drug-free solution that doesn't affect baby or mother
Immediate Relief
Works from the first night without adaptation period
Comfortable Design
Soft medical-grade silicone for all-night comfort
Partner Friendly
Silent operation lets both partners sleep peacefully
FAQs on Snoring During Pregnancy
Snoring itself is generally not dangerous for the baby. On the other hand, sleep apnea absolutely must be managed, as it can lead to complications:
- Poor oxygenation of the blood, depriving the fetus of oxygen
- An increased risk of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia for the mother
- Higher risk of premature delivery or low birth weight
It is therefore important to consult a doctor, such as an ENT specialist, in the event of severe snoring, daytime sleepiness or pauses in breathing at night. A sleep recording (polysomnography) to detect and, if necessary, treat apnea.
In the vast majority of cases, yes! Snoring disappears spontaneously within 3 months of delivery, once:
- The weight has returned to normal
- Hormone levels have rebalanced
- Pressure on the respiratory tract is reduced
However, for around 18% of women, snoring persists after childbirth.
Back2Sleep is completely drug-free, made from medical-grade silicone that's been tested for biocompatibility. It works mechanically by keeping nasal passages open, without affecting hormones or circulation, making it a safe choice throughout pregnancy.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe snoring accompanied by daytime fatigue, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness. These may indicate sleep apnea requiring medical evaluation.
Benefits of Addressing Pregnancy Snoring
Better Oxygen Flow - Ensures adequate oxygen supply to both mother and baby throughout the night
Improved Sleep Quality - Better rest supports healthy pregnancy and reduces fatigue
Partner's Rest - Eliminates noise disturbance for better household harmony
Reduced Complications - Lower risk of pregnancy-related hypertension and pre-eclampsia
Sleep Peacefully Throughout Your Pregnancy
Don't let snoring disrupt this special time. Back2Sleep provides safe, immediate relief for better rest.
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