People with sleep apnea often are not aware they have the condition. However, it is possible for sleep apnea to harm an unborn baby if a woman is pregnant. In fact, up to 30% of pregnant women have sleep apnea, and it is the most common cause of chronic snoring. Sleep apnea can cause babies to be born with low birth weight and other health problems.
The National Sleep Foundation report discusses the prevalence of sleep apnea and its effects during pregnancy. The report states that up to 25 percent of pregnant women have sleep apnea, and that the condition can have serious consequences for both mother and baby.