Normal AHI (2.4) but elevated RDI (7.3); cpap or not?
I’m a 33 year old normal weight woman. Also 31 weeks pregnant. I suspected I might have apnea from my Apple Watch which showed oxygen dips into the high 80s or low 90s at night a few times a week. Finally looked into it recently and did an at home online sleep study (Lofta). They said my AHI is 2.4 (oxygen nadir of 91%) and my RDI is 7.3, and based on my RDI they recommend a cpap. I totally believe them on the RDI front because I recorded myself sleeping one night and I had about 7-8 very deep sighs an hour.
I want my baby to get as much oxygen as he can during my remaining pregnancy but I’m worried about using a cpap when it’s not totally necessary (saw someone say it can induce central sleep apnea, cause a hypoxic state or barometric trauma to the lungs in people who don’t really need one). Also, if apnea is mostly present during the first few hours of the night would wearing a cpap the rest of the night be necessary? I even bought an actual oximeter and wore it the other night, which showed 8 desaturation events from 1-2 AM but not for the rest of the night.
Hi
. Congratulations on your pregnancy! At this point, it would be wise to talk with your OB and make an appointment as soon as possible with a sleep specialist. Your baby will likely be fine, but it is always best to play it safe. Only your OB can tell you whether or how it is affecting your baby. Regardless, untreated sleep apnea can cause all kinds of health problems for you down the road and I am sure you want to be healthy for many years to come for your baby. Did you have symptoms before your pregnancy? The physiological changes of pregnancy can cause sleep apnea to develop or make mild sleep apnea worse. It might go away after pregnancy, so it is possible treatment might be short term. Many people only get sleep apnea symptoms while sleeping on their backs. If it is safe for you and the baby, you could try sleeping on your side while you wait to see the doctor. It might help. I hope this helps and that you get some relief soon. Keep us posted if you don't mind. I will be thinking of you both. - Lori (Team Member)
