PREGNANCY WITH ASTHMA

Pregnancy with asthma: Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, affects approximately 8% of pregnant women worldwide.

Having asthma doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy, but it’s crucial to manage your asthma effectively. During pregnancy, around a third of women with asthma may experience an improvement in symptoms, another third may find their symptoms worsen, and the remaining third may have stable symptoms.

Causes of Asthma During Pregnancy

Asthma during pregnancy can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Hormonal changes, such as increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, can also play a role in exacerbating asthma symptoms.

Prevalence

The prevalence of asthma among pregnant women varies across different populations and regions. However, studies suggest that approximately one in every 10 pregnant women experiences these chronic respiratory condition symptoms during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition are similar to those experienced by non-pregnant individuals and may include:

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Coughing
Chest tightness

It is essential for pregnant women with asthma to monitor these symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen or interfere with daily activities.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of this chronic respiratory conditions during pregnancy, including:

Poorly controlled asthma before pregnancy
History of severe asthma exacerbations
Smoking
Obesity
Allergies

Diagnosis

Diagnosing this condition involve:

A thorough medical history review
Physical examination
lung function tests such as spirometry.

It is crucial for pregnant women with suspected asthma to receive timely and accurate diagnosis to initiate appropriate treatment.

Treatments

Managing this condition during pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, pulmonologists, and primary care providers. Treatment options may include:

Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications are considered safe for use during pregnancy and are the preferred first-line treatment for asthma.
Short-acting bronchodilators: These medications provide quick relief of asthma symptoms and are safe for use during pregnancy.
Avoiding triggers: Pregnant women with asthma should minimize exposure to known triggers such as cigarette smoke, allergens, and air pollution.

Home Care Tips

In addition to medical treatment, pregnant women with asthma can take proactive steps to manage their condition at home:

Monitor symptoms regularly and keep a record of peak flow measurements.
Follow a written asthma action plan provided by healthcare providers.
Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which can worsen asthma symptoms.

Prevention

While asthma cannot be prevented entirely, pregnant women can reduce their risk of asthma exacerbations by:

Avoiding exposure to known triggers
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet
Attending prenatal appointments regularly to monitor asthma control

FAQs

What Happens if Asthma Isn’t Controlled During Pregnancy?

If asthma isn’t well-controlled, it can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in your blood. This means that your baby, who relies on oxygen from your blood, may also receive insufficient oxygen. Maintaining good control of asthma is essential for reducing the risk of pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy).

Can I Use My Inhaler While Pregnant?

Using an inhaler is generally safe during pregnancy. Short-acting medications found in daily use inhalers, such as albuterol, levalbuterol, pirbuterol, and ipratropium, pose no harm to both mother and baby. Additionally, treating asthma effectively reduces the risk of asthma attacks and improves lung function.

The best course of action is to consult your doctor, who will assess the severity of your asthma and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you during pregnancy. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can ensure the best possible management of your asthma and promote a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

How can I reduce the impact of asthma on my baby?

Reducing the impact of asthma on your unborn baby involves maintaining good asthma control throughout your pregnancy. Here’s how you can lessen its effects:

Have an Asthma Plan: Collaborate with your asthma doctor to develop a personalized asthma management plan. This plan will outline the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you to take during pregnancy.
Identify Asthma Triggers: Keep track of factors that worsen your asthma symptoms by maintaining a diary. By identifying and avoiding these triggers, you can minimize the likelihood of asthma exacerbations.
Receive Coordinated Care: Ensure that your asthma doctor and prenatal care provider coordinate your healthcare. This coordinated approach will help optimize your asthma management during pregnancy.

Can Pregnancy Aggravate Asthma?

Pregnancy’s effect on asthma varies from person to person. While some may experience worsening symptoms, others may find their asthma remains unchanged or even improves. Generally, if asthma is severe, there’s a possibility it may worsen slightly during pregnancy. However, if your asthma remained stable during a previous pregnancy, it’s likely to remain the same in subsequent pregnancies.

Asthma rarely serves as a reason to avoid pregnancy. However, individuals with severe asthma should discuss pregnancy plans with their doctor beforehand.

For Allergy-Related Asthma: If your asthma is triggered by allergies, take steps to avoid allergens such as animal dander, dust mites, pollen, and indoor mold during pregnancy.

Can I Receive Allergy Shots and Flu Vaccine While Pregnant?

Inform your allergist if you’re pregnant. While starting allergy shots during pregnancy is not recommended, if you’re already undergoing immunotherapy, your doctor may continue the treatment while monitoring for any adverse effects.

The flu vaccine is advisable for pregnant women, including those with asthma, as they are at higher risk of severe flu complications. Pregnant women should receive the flu shot rather than the nasal flu vaccine.

Can I Continue Taking Asthma Medication During Labor and Breastfeeding?

Generally, asthma medications deemed safe during pregnancy are also safe to use during labor and breastfeeding. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor to confirm the safety of your asthma medication in these situations.

When to See a Doctor

Pregnant women with asthma should seek medical attention if they experience:

Severe or worsening asthma symptoms
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Decreased fetal movement
Signs of preterm labor

Outlook/Prognosis

With proper management and monitoring, most women with this chronic respiratory condition can have a successful pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. However, close collaboration between healthcare providers and pregnant women is essential to optimize asthma control and ensure a positive outcome.

Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Asthma in Pregnancy.
Global Initiative for Asthma. (2021). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention.
Murphy, V. E., & Gibson, P. G. (2011). Asthma in Pregnancy. Clinical Pulmonary Medicine, 18(4), 181–194.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Asthma.
Schatz, M., & Chambers, C. D. (2008). Asthma and Pregnancy: A Review of Current Diagnosis and Treatment. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, 2(1), 97–107.

Asthma in pregnancy PREGNANCY WITH ASTHMA