The Effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023. 2023;63(3):290–300) Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep due to upper airway collapse, resulting in decreased oxygen levels. OSA affects around 10.5% of parturients during early pregnancy and up to 30% at term. In pregnancy, OSA is associated with an increased risk for gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Infants born to mothers with OSA may have a lower birth weight and are at increased risk for premature delivery and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Baseline obesity increases the risk of OSA during pregnancy, with lifestyle modifications being the standard treatment, though their influence on maternal outcomes is limited. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective OSA treatment; however, little research exists on the impact of CPAP on either maternal or fetal outcomes. This systematic review sought to investigate if the use of CPAP improved outcomes for pregnant women with or at risk of OSA.