Dealing with Snoring During Pregnancy
Have you noticed changes in your body since you have been pregnant? Unsurprisingly, pregnancy causes many changes in the body, and one of the most common being snoring. Snoring during pregnancy is not a serious medical issue, but it can cause discomfort and lack of sleep for you and your partner. To help you out, here is some information on dealing with snoring during pregnancy.
Snoring is common in pregnant women due to the changes in their bodies. Weight gain, congestion, elevated hormone levels, enlarged breasts, and fluid retention can all contribute to snoring at night. These changes can lead to airway obstructions, and snoring is the result.
Snoring can have a negative effect on your sleep, as it can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night. Many partners of pregnant women also suffer from lost sleep due to the snoring. The good news is that there are ways to reduce snoring during pregnancy.
Change Your Sleep Position
One of the most effective ways to reduce snoring is by changing your sleep position. During pregnancy, it is best to sleep on your left side, as this helps the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta. You can also use a body pillow to prop yourself up and make sleeping on your left side more comfortable. Keeping your head elevated will help to reduce snoring as well.
In addition to sleeping on your side, it is important to not sleep on your back. This can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse, leading to a narrowing of the airway and more snoring.
Clear Nasal Passages
When you cannot breathe properly through your nose, you will mostly likely snore. To reduce snoring, it is important to keep the nasal passages clear to allow air to flow freely. A saline spray can be used to moisten the nasal passages and clear out any mucus. Nasal strips are also a great option, as they help to widen the nasal passages and allow air to flow freely.
If you still have a stuffy nose after trying saline sprays and nasal strips, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medications to reduce congestion and help you breathe easier at night.
The last option to clear nasal passages is to use a humidifier at night. Not only will a humidifier add moisture to the air and help to clear out your nasal passages, but it can also help to reduce snoring.
Lose Weight
Another way to reduce snoring during pregnancy is by losing weight. Weight gain during pregnancy is both normal and healthy, but it can have an effect on your breathing. Even a small amount of weight can lead to snoring, which is why losing a few pounds can help to reduce it.
If you are finding it difficult to shed the extra weight, speak to your doctor. They can help you come up with a diet and exercise plan that will allow you to lose weight safely in a healthy way.
Other Tips for Reducing Snoring:
- Avoid Alcohol Before Bedtime
- Identify and Avoid Allergens
- Use Anti-Snoring Devices
- Stay Hydrated
Conclusion
Dealing with snoring during pregnancy can be difficult, but there are ways to reduce it. By changing your sleep position, keeping nasal passages clear, losing weight, and avoiding certain habits, you can greatly reduce the amount of snoring you experience at night.