Guideline in Focus
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as being associated with significant morbidity in pregnancy, yet minimal guidance is available on how best to screen, diagnose, treat, and reevaluate for sleep-disordered breathing in pregnant patients. This guideline endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides nine evidence-based recommendations for treating pregnant patients with OSA.

PUBLISHED July 21, 2026

ACCESS THE FULL GUIDELINE

Key Recommendations

In pregnant individuals on CPAP for OSA prior to pregnancy, we suggest switching to autotitrating PAP over continuing CPAP.

In pregnant individuals undergoing evaluation for OSA, we suggest either at-home diagnostic devices or lab-based diagnostics.

In individuals diagnosed with OSA during pregnancy, we suggest reassessment for OSA after delivery.


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PAP therapy

First-line therapy for
pregnant individuals with OSA
Apnea-hypopnea
index ≥ 15

PAP therapy regardless of
symptoms or comorbidities
Apnea-hypopnea
index 5 to < 15

PAP therapy if
symptoms or comorbidities

Implement this guideline into practice

Our guidelines are aimed at helping you respond to today’s clinical challenges and improve patient health outcomes. Our panel of experts has developed multimedia content to facilitate adoption of this guideline into your day-to-day practice.


PODCAST

Guidelines for Addressing OSA in Pregnancy
Guideline panelists Ghada Bourjeily, MD, and Carolyn D’Ambrosio, MD, MS, FCCP, discuss new, multidisciplinary guideline recommendations designed to help clinicians better screen, diagnose, and manage OSA in pregnant patients.

18 MINUTES

PRESS RELEASE

Guideline on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Pregnancy Released by CHEST
In a release issued to the media, lead author Carolyn D’Ambrosio, MD, FCCP, speaks to the importance of this guideline in practice.

2 MINUTE READ

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