Association of Body Fluid Distribution with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnant Women with Body Mass Index ≥ 40 Kg/m2

Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and underdiagnosed condition in obese pregnant women with serious and life-threatening complications to the mother and baby. The investiators propose that a non-invasive method may be used to detect patients at risk of OSA, giving these women access to the necessary treatment to treat this condition. The method is a estimation of body water, which has been shown to be linked to OSA in the non-pregnant population. Body water is estimated by applying surface electrodes to a participant who is lying down by measuring bioimpedance through body tissues by applying a tiny current between the electrodes. The electrical stimulation is not felt by the participant and has no negative effects on mother or baby.

It is already established that the increasingly prevalent condition of obesity is linked to OSA in pregnancy. Obesity is increasingly prevalent This study will evaluate a novel method of screening for OSA in the obese pregnant population, thereby treating this condition reducing the ill effects to mother and fetus. This will be a prospective observational cohort study. Eligible participants will be approached for consent during their third-trimester antenatal all-day clinic visit. Body water will be measured by connecting electrodes to participants hands, feet and neck whilst lying supine for approximately 15 minutes. Data on patient demographics, BMI, medical conditions, water body composition and indicators of OSA (breathing pattern and oxygen levels during sleep) will be collected, as well as data from patients' sleep tests as ordered by their physician.