Pregnant women who snore give birth to smaller babies

Experts said snoring may be a sign of breathing problems which could deprive an unborn baby of oxygen. A new study led by Dr Louise O'Brien, from the University of Michigan's Sleep Disorders Centre found that pregnant women who snore are more likely to give birth to smaller babies. The study found that chronic snorers, who snored both before and during pregnancy, were two thirds more likely to have a baby whose weight was in the bottom 10%. They were also more than twice as likely to need an elective Caesarean delivery, or C-section, compared with non-snorers. Snoring is a key sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, which results in the airway becoming partially blocked, said the researchers, whose findings appear in the journal Sleep. Dr O'Brien added: "If we can identify risks during pregnancy that can be treated, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, we can reduce the incidence of small babies, C-sections and possibly NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) admission that not only improve long-term health benefits for newborns but also help keep costs down."

Pregnant women who snore give birth to smaller babies, study reveals The Mirror 31st October 2013