[12-OR]: Neck circumference, BMI and weight gain in women who snore in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Snoring is common in pregnancy and is a symptom of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Several studies have found that SDB during pregnancy is associated with pregnancy induced hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between self-reported snoring and neck circumference, weight gain and BMI.

METHODS: 2306 pregnant women answered a questionnaire which included "Do you snore?" among the questions. The women were asked their pre pregnancy weight, current height and weight were used to calculate BMI and change in BMI from pre pregnancy to trial entry, neck circumference was measured, and the Epworth questionnaire for daytime sleepiness was administered. The data from women who answered "Yes" to the snoring question were compared to that of women who answered No.

RESULTS: Pre pregnancy BMI, current BMI and the increase in BMI from pre- pregnancy to current were all highly significantly increased in the women who reported snoring during pregnancy (p<0.0001, <0.0001 and 0.003, respectively). The Epworth sleepiness score, calculated from the Epworth questionnaire, was significantly higher i.e. more daytime sleepiness, in women who reported snoring (p<0.0001) and the neck circumference measurements of women who reported snoring were also highly significantly higher (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Women who report snoring during pregnancy have higher pre pregnancy and current BMI, increase their BMI more during pregnancy, have larger neck circumference and are sleepier during the day. Therefore women who intend to become, or are pregnant, should be encouraged to reduce their BMI and maintain healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

DISCLOSURES: A.J. Robertson: None. P. Johnson: None. C.E. Sullivan: None. A. Hennessy: None.