SLEEP IN MULTIPLE PREGNANCY - BREATHING PATTERNS, OXYGENATION, AND PERIODIC LEG MOVEMENTS

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to study whether multiple pregnancy at the th ird trimester predisposes to breathing disturbances and arterial oxyhe moglobin desaturation during sleep. STUDY DESIGN: Nocturnal breathing, oxygenation, and movement activity were studied in 10 mothers: 8 with twins, 1 with triplets, and 1 with quadruplets. RESULTS: No obstructi ve and few central sleep apnea episodes were observed. Four subjects h ad episodes of increased respiratory resistance, but only one, the mot her with quadruplets, was significantly affected. Arterial oxyhemoglob in saturation was always maintained above 90%. Periodic leg movements were present in all mothers, with a frequency range of 3.7 to 49.7 mov ements per hour. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the large uterus in multiple pregnancy, nocturnal breathing and oxygenation are well maintained. I ncreased motor activity and frequent awakenings suggest poor sleep qua lity, which may be further compromised by intensive periodic leg movem ents.