Snoring during pregnancy linked to health risk

(WXYZ) - Women who start snoring during pregnancy may be at a greater risk of preeclampsia, a new study finds.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found women who never used to snore, but starting snoring three or four nights a week after becoming pregnant, had double the risk of developing gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

"We already know that high blood pressure in pregnancy, particularly preeclampsia, is associated with smaller babies, higher risks of pre-term birth or babies ending up in the ICU," said Louise O'Brien, Ph.D., the lead author of the study.

The study, involving 1,700 pregnant women, is believed to be the largest of its kind.

Nearly 25 percent of pregnant women in the study reported snoring.

Researchers are recommending obstetricians talk to their patients about snoring and discuss treatment options in order to prevent complications down the road.

"By asking pregnant women about snoring, especially in those with high blood pressure already, obstetric healthcare providers could identify women at high risk for sleep-disordered breathing and intervene during the pregnancy," O'Brien said. "This could result in better outcomes for mother and baby."