Dr. Chapa’s Clinical Pearls.

OB? Get Your ZZZZs: Insomnia’s Effects on Pregnancy

Sep 18, 2025
Dive into the impact of insomnia on pregnancy with insights from the latest JAMA study. Explore how sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious risks such as ischemic placental disease. Discover the implications of night shift work and altered circadian rhythms on maternal and fetal health. The discussion also covers practical strategies for managing insomnia during pregnancy, including relaxation techniques and the potential benefits of melatonin. Tune in for essential information for expecting moms!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ADVICE

Screen Sleep Regularly In Pregnancy

  • Ask pregnant patients about sleep quality at intake and during each trimester.
  • Screen for obstructive sleep apnea especially in patients with high BMI and refer for definitive testing.
INSIGHT

Insomnia Also Tied To Pregnancy Risk

  • New JAMA data links insomnia, not just OSA, to adverse perinatal outcomes.
  • The study used ICD coding and did not include placental histology, limiting causal inference.
INSIGHT

Sleep Disturbances Form A Risk Continuum

  • Insomnia, night shift work, and OSA form a linked continuum affecting pregnancy via disrupted sleep and circadian rhythm.
  • Risks concentrate on preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and small for gestational age.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app