Habitual Snoring and Asthma Comorbidity Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or habitual snoring and asthma are known comorbid conditions in men and non-pregnant women. This comorbidity has not been evaluated among pregnant women. We assessed the habitual snoring–asthma relationship among pregnant women. Methods. A cohort of women (N = 1335) were interviewed during pregnancy, and we ascertained participants' asthma status and collected information about habitual snoring, before and during pregnancy. Logistic regression procedures were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Compared with non-asthmatics, the adjusted OR among asthmatics for snoring before pregnancy was 2.13 (95% CI 1.10–4.12). The odds of snoring during early pregnancy was 1.79-fold (OR = 1.79; 95% C; 1.07–3.01). Associations were more pronounced among overweight (≥25 kg/m²) asthmatics (OR = 5.39; 95% CI 2.27–12.75). Conclusions. We report a cross-sectional association of habitual snoring and asthma among pregnant women. If confirmed, pregnant asthmatics may benefit from more vigilant screening and management of OSA or habitual snoring during pregnancy.

• asthma
• habitual snoring
• obesity
• obstructive sleep apnea
• pregnancy
• sleep-disordered breathing

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by awards from the National Institutes of Health (R01HD-055566 and R01HD-32562). The authors are indebted to the staff of the Center for Perinatal Studies for their expert technical assistance.