SAPS can not be diagnosed by an ultrasound or by an amnio...


Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, you need to speak to a doctor who is an expert in sleep disorders medicine. 

For a list of sleep disorders centers in your area that are accredited, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

For a list of doctors in your area who are board certified in sleep disorders medicine, visit the American Board of Sleep Medicine. 

Depending on your insurance, you may need to contact your current or primary doctor first, who can refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep evaluation, or you can contact a sleep expert yourself. Sleep disorders experts have specialized equipment that can not only diagnose apnea, but will help determine the best course of treatment. 


Treatment

Sleep apnea in women is safely and effectively treated with a Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. A Nasal CPAP machine works by blowing a continuous stream of air into the upper airway to prevent the airway from collapsing and blocking oxygen flow during sleep. The user simply wears a mask over the nose during sleep while the machine provides a gentle stream of positive air pressure in the nasal-oral area. The positive air pressure acts as a pneumatic (air-based) splint that props the airway open so that breathing during sleep is clear, unobstructed, and unlabored. 

No organized research studies have been done that demonstate the safety of Nasal CPAP for use during pregnancy. However, madical journal articles do report successful case studies of women with SAPS treated by CPAP, and only postive outcomes (no negative results) have been reported in the available literature. 

Use of the Nasal CPAP during sleep eliminates snoring, stabilizes heart rate, and maintains oxygen saturation in the body at stable and safe levels. 

NOTE: A Nasal CPAP machine should not be confused with an oxygen tank. Sleep apnea is caused by a collapse of your airway during sleep. Typically, there is not a problem with your lungs, only with your airway when it becomes narrow or closed due to relaxed muscle tone in the body during sleep. Accordingly, CPAP machines use room air to support your airway. The air you breathe is clean and filtered by the CPAP machine. 

Surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea also exist, where the structure of the throat is modified in order to prevent blockage. Surgery is usually only recommended for those who are unable to use a C-PAP or other non-surgical measures. For women who are currently pregnant, CPAP is the quickest treatment available and is 100% effective if the woman is able to tolerate wearing the mask during sleep. (Almost all patients do!). 

Patients may also see improvement in apnea by losing weight, and by avoiding alcohol and sleep medications. In addition, people are more likely to have apnea episodes when they sleep on their backs, so side sleeping can help. Elevating the chest area during sleep by using sit-up pillows and extra pillows will also reduce weight on the airway and help ease breathing. Note: These recommendations are not subsitutes for treatments prescribed by your medical doctor!


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