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The association between adverse perinatal outcomes, obstructive sleep apnoea and the role of depressive symptoms
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The association between adverse perinatal outcomes, obstructive sleep apnoea and the role of depressive symptoms

Karen Redhead, Jennifer Walsh, John P Newnham, Dana Hince, Peter Eastwood and Megan Galbally
BMC pregnancy and childbirth, Vol.26, 912
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09399-1
PMID: 42271270
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Open Access CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Pregnancy Depression Obstructive sleep apnoea Preterm birth Sleep
Background Both obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and depressive symptoms have been independently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. However, defining the individual contribution of each condition to adverse perinatal outcomes is difficult because many pregnant women with OSA also have depressive symptoms. This observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between OSA in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes, accounting for the confounding effects of depressive symptoms. Methods One hundred twenty two pregnant women (≥ 26 weeks’ gestation) from a tertiary maternity hospital completed overnight monitoring of oxygen saturation and airflow and reported depressive symptoms. Medical records were reviewed, and maternal and newborn outcomes recorded. Binary logistic regression assessed the association of maternal and newborn outcomes with OSA, accounting for depressive symptoms. Results Newborns of mothers with OSA had 18 times the odds of having an Apgar score of < 7 at 5 min after birth after accounting for depressive symptoms and body mass index (aOR 18.41, 95% CI 1.17–289.29). Mothers with more frequent dips in oxygenation > 3% had higher birthweight infants after accounting for BMI and depressive symptoms (β = 0.75, 95% CI 0.20–1.29; p = 0.008). Women with depressive symptoms were almost 7 times more likely to have a preterm infant (aOR 6.85, 95% CI 1.57–29.95). Maternal OSA was not associated with gestational hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes or caesarean delivery. Conclusions This study shows OSA relates to newborns with low Apgar scores after birth, while depressive symptoms relate to preterm birth. Considering this both psychological interventions and OSA treatment may be valuable in improving perinatal mental health and infant wellbeing.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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