Snoring, OSA & Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: More Than Just Noise
Snoring in pregnancy is often brushed off as “just another pregnancy symptom.” Hormones, swelling, and exhaustion all get blamed. But over the past decade, research has started to show that snoring may be more than just annoying, it can be a signal worth paying attention to.
This really hit home for me after an incredible conversation with an ENT at an airway health conference in Melbourne last year. We talked about how airway health impacts not only sleep but blood pressure, pregnancy complications, and even postpartum recovery. It opened my eyes to looking at pregnancy airway health through more of a holistic lens and that’s what I want to share with you here.
Why Snoring Happens in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body undergoes enormous changes:
Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to mucous membranes, including the nose → this causes swelling and congestion (often called pregnancy rhinitis).
Weight and fluid changes can narrow the airway and make tissues more likely to vibrate.
Relaxation of airway muscles at night adds to the tendency for airway collapse.
So yes, snoring is common. But common doesn’t always mean that it’s harmless.
From Snoring to Sleep Apnea (OSA)
For some women, snoring is mild and occasional. For others, it progresses into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing actually pauses or becomes shallow multiple times a night.
This means:
Drops in oxygen levels
Surges in stress hormones
Broken, restless sleep
And when this happens night after night, it doesn’t just leave you exhausted, it can affect your blood vessels, heart, and blood pressure.
Why Snoring in Pregnancy Matters
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnancy aren’t just noisy nights, they have been linked to serious health risks for both mother and baby. Research shows that regular snoring or OSA increases the likelihood of:
Gestational hypertension (new high blood pressure after 20 weeks)
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure plus organ stress such as kidney or liver involvement)
Poorer sleep and fatigue for mum, which can affect recovery and mental health
Possible effects on baby, including growth restriction, fetal distress, and a higher chance of interventions at birth
But here’s the key point: snoring itself is not a diagnosis. It doesn’t mean you have pre-eclampsia, and not every woman who snores will develop hypertension. Instead, think of snoring as an early warning sign, a risk factor that signals your body may be under extra stress and your blood pressure deserves closer monitoring.
Some Gentle Tips You Can Try if You’re Snoring
While medical follow-up is important, there are a few simple, safe things you can try at home that may ease night-time snoring and make breathing feel more comfortable:
Side-sleeping → keeps the airway more open and also improves blood flow to the placenta.
Gentle elevation → raising the head/upper body reduces nasal congestion, airway collapse, and reflux.
Nasal care → saline sprays or rinses before bed can reduce swelling.
Humidity → a cool-mist humidifier prevents dryness and soothes irritated nasal passages.
Steam/heat → a warm shower loosens congestion and improves nasal flow.
Breathing awareness → a few minutes of calm nasal breathing before bed can help set airway posture.
✨ These are comfort measures, not medical treatment. If snoring is new, worsening, or combined with high blood pressure or other symptoms, always speak with your midwife, GP, or obstetrician. These tips may reduce discomfort, but they won’t treat conditions like sleep apnoea. It’s important to seek professional support if you’re concerned.
When to Seek Help
Not every snore in pregnancy is a problem. But if you notice any of the following, it’s worth checking in with your midwife, GP, or obstetrician:
New or worsening snoring → especially if you weren’t a snorer before pregnancy, or if your partner notices it’s become louder or more constant.
Breathing interruptions at night → waking up gasping, choking, or feeling short of breath.
Severe daytime tiredness → despite getting what should be enough sleep, you still feel unrefreshed, struggle to focus, or need naps to get through the day.
Morning headaches → often linked to poor overnight oxygen levels.
High blood pressure or swelling → particularly if these are new in the second half of pregnancy.
Other pre-eclampsia red flags → vision changes, sudden upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to mention it. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, you’ll have peace of mind and if it is a warning sign, catching it early makes a real difference.
What About After Birth?
For some, snoring can ease once pregnancy hormones settle and swelling reduces. But for others, especially women with pre-existing risk factors, OSA can persist.
That’s why it’s worth mentioning to your GP or midwife postpartum if snoring continues, so you don’t miss a chance to support long-term health.
A Gentle Village Perspective
That ENT conversation in Melbourne shifted the way I practise. As an Endorsed Midwife & IBCLC, trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, I now look at snoring not just as noise, but as a whole-health clue.
Airway health in pregnancy doesn’t just affect mum’s sleep, it connects to blood pressure, birth outcomes, and even infant feeding. (For example: babies rely on good nasal breathing and oral function too.) Looking at these systems holistically allows us to support families better, from pregnancy through postpartum.
Key Takeaway
Snoring in pregnancy is common, but it isn’t always harmless. It can be an early risk factor for gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, conditions that benefit from early recognition and support.
The most important thing? Don’t ignore it. Gentle comfort measures at home can help, but if snoring is new, worsening, or linked with high blood pressure, speak to your midwife or GP.
References
Brown Health (2024). Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy: Causes, Signs and Treatment.
Springer (2022). Sleep Disordered Breathing and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.
Reproductive Biology & Endocrinology (2025). OSA and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.
Sleep Journal (Oxford, 2024). Pregnancy-Onset OSA and Blood Pressure Patterns.
Springer Sleep Medicine (2024). Snoring in Pregnancy and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes.
✨ Want More?
Follow @thegentlevillageperth for evidence-based insights from an Endorsed Midwife & IBCLC, trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
And keep an eye out for our Parent Library is coming soon, filled with practical guides and resources to support you through pregnancy, feeding, and beyond.