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Expert Q&A:
Since I've been pregnant I've started snoring -- how can I stop?

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Elaine Zwelling
Answered by Elaine Zwelling R.N., Ph.D., L.C.C.E., F.A.C.C.E.
Elaine Zwelling, R.N., Ph.D., has been involved in maternal-newborn health care for 40 years. She has a bachelor's degree in nursing from Capital University and a master's degree in nursing and a Ph.D. in Family Relations and Human Development from Ohio State University. Dr. Zwelling brings to the Pampers Parenting Network her experience of helping expectant parents enjoy their pregnancy, plan and create a positive birth experience, and learn about parenting their newborn baby. She is certified by Lamaze International as a childbirth educator, is a Fellow in the American College of Childbirth Educators, and has taught childbirth classes for 25 years. Dr. Zwelling was the director and faculty for the Lamaze International Childbirth Educator Certification Program of Florida; in that role she prepared many nurses to become childbirth educators.

Dr. Zwelling was a Professor of Maternal-Newborn Nursing for 23 years at both Capital University and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. At these institutions she taught undergraduate and graduate students and conducted research. For eight years she was a Senior Consultant with Phillips &; Fenwick, a women's health consulting firm in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in helping hospitals implement family-centered maternity care. Currently Dr. Zwelling is a Perinatal Nurse Consultant with the Hill-Rom Company. In this position, she provides comprehensive support and consultation to hospital maternity units to create quality care environments equipped with the appropriate equipment for labor and birth and provides clinical education for nursing staff.

Dr. Zwelling is the co-author of a maternal-newborn nursing textbook, Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Theory and Practice, and has published many professional journal articles related to maternal-newborn health care, family-centered maternity care, and childbirth education. Dr. Zwelling is a recognized speaker at professional conferences and teaches continuing education seminars for childbirth educators and perinatal nurses throughout the country.

Dr. Zwelling resides in Sarasota, Florida, and has a grown son, lovely daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

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Question


Since around my 30th week of pregnancy, I've been snoring in my sleep. It is really hard for my boyfriend to sleep now. Is there something I can do to stop snoring? Or will it just go away after I deliver?

Answer


Your snoring is probably the result of nasal congestion or stuffiness, which many pregnant women experience. Some women may also feel as though they have an allergy or cold, and even have an occasional nosebleed. All these symptoms, including your snoring, are caused by the elevated estrogen levels of pregnancy, which produce edema (swelling) of the nasal mucosa. Try using saline nose drops or spray before going to bed to counteract nasal stuffiness. A cool-air vaporizer or humidifier should also help. You might also try a product called "Breathe Right," available over the counter at your drugstore. It is a flexible, spring-like adhesive strip that you place across the bridge of your nose that works to decrease snoring by pulling open congested nasal passages. Don't take oral decongestants or antihistamines, as they could have an effect on your baby. You are correct ... your snoring problem will probably disappear after you give birth!

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