As a mother, protecting your child and keeping them healthy is your number one priority. During pregnancy, sleep apnea puts your unborn child in danger.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition, causing your airways to collapse during sleep or become partially blocked by your tonsils or tongue. The stop-and-start breathing pattern during sleep wakes you — disrupting your REM cycle.
Additionally, a disrupted breathing pattern often leads to oxygen deprivation. This could cause serious damage to your brain and your baby’s development.
This sleep cycle disruption leads to fatigue, lack of focus, and a weakened immune system. A traditional doctor may suggest a CPAP machine. However, these machines come with their own set of problems.
CPAP machine users often describe the following negative symptoms after consistent use:
- Difficulty getting used to forced air
- Dry, cracked, or bleeding nose
- Feeling claustrophobic
- Discomfort from the wrong size
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Discomfort from wearing the device
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you’re seeking the best treatment in Pasadena, CA, contact Dr. Karen E. Guinn. She can help you overcome your sleep apnea and protect your baby without the use of a CPAP machine.
CPAP Alternatives
Patients who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) often seek alternatives to the CPAP machine. Dr. Guinn will suggest an oral appliance that fits much like an Invisalign aligner. This device works by holding your jaw and mouth in such a way that obstruction is prevented during sleep.
What are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: In adults, the most common cause of OSA is excess weight associated with the mouth and throat. During sleep, when your throat and tongue relax, your soft tissue may start to block your airways.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is caused by the central nervous system failing to signal the muscles in your body that control breathing. This is a far less common form of sleep apnea than OSA and does not typically cause snoring.
Complex Sleep Apnea: Complex sleep apnea is the combination of both CSA and OSA.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Identifying sleep apnea on your own can be difficult because the most prominent symptoms arise only while you’re asleep. A doctor may suggest that you set up a camera and microphone to monitor your sleep.
These are some of the major warning signs during sleep:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Choking and snorting
- Gasping for air and pauses in breathing
- Waking up short of breath
Once you notice these symptoms, don’t hesitate to take action — doing so puts you and your child at risk.
Protect Your Child From Sleep Apnea
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you’re ready to find a solution, call Dr. Guinn. She understands just how important it is to protect your child’s development. Call The Smile Agency at (626)-513-4987 and schedule a consultation.