Asthma is a widespread respiratory disease that presents special problems in pregnancy. Asthma, which is caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways, afflicts many pregnant women, with severity differing from person to person. It is vital for the health of both an expectant mother and her unborn child that asthma be controlled during pregnancy, as poorly managed cases of it may cause complications such as hypertension, low birth weight or premature birth. Asthmatic expectant mothers must observe and take care of their conditions because hormonal changes and physical modifications trigger it.
It is essential to understand the effects of asthma during pregnancy for the health and safety of both mother and unborn child. Women who have asthma need to know about the risk factors involved; therefore, they can take steps towards controlling it. Therefore, most asthmatic women can enjoy a safe delivery with healthy babies as long as they control their illness properly and closely monitor their health.
What Is Asthma In Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can often be associated with asthma, which occurs when the airways in your lungs get inflamed and narrowed down. Wheezing and shortness of breath are some of the symptoms that characterize this condition. If the asthma is not well-controlled, it may cause other serious problems like eclampsia, premature birth or low birth weight. In very severe cases, it can even affect the baby’s oxygen supply. But don’t worry; many women with asthma are able to enjoy a healthy pregnancy and normal delivery through proper care and treatment.(1)
How Common is Asthma During Pregnancy?
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects approximately 4 to 8 percent of women during pregnancy. For some women, pregnancy brings relief from asthmatic symptoms; while for others, it remains static. In about 30% of patients with severe disease, especially among those who are pregnant, they may experience worsened status mainly between the 29th and 36th weeks of gestation. If you have previously been pregnant, chances are your asthma will proceed in the same manner.
The occurrence of shortness of breath is anticipated during the late stages of pregnancy but mostly does no harm. However, when the fetus grows bigger and exerts greater pressure on your lungs, asthma manifestations may worsen 3386. It is imperative to act swiftly in controlling flare-ups as well as heeding medical advice(2).
Does Asthma Affect The Fetus During Pregnancy?
The influence of asthma during pregnancy is on your breathing and personal well being. These outcomes can aid an individual to properly control asthma while they are pregnant. Here are some of them (1a) :
- Hypertension
- Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure
- Restricted fetal growth
- Premature birth
- Several health issues with the newborn like cerebral palsy and certain intellectual disabilities
- Vaginal bleeding
- Low birth weight
Symptoms Of Asthma During Pregnancy?
The signs of asthma while pregnant look just as they would if a woman were not pregnant. Depending on when they happen during the day or season some attacks can be worse than others especially during evening hours.
These may be characterized by:
- Wheezing (noisy breathing)
- Breathlessness – shortness of breath
- A cough
- Feeling of tightness in the chest
The symptoms of asthma tend to get worse when exposed to cold air or during the night
Do The Symptoms of Asthma Worsen During Pregnancy?
Women with pre-existing asthma may sometimes experience a higher risk for asthma attacks as a result of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Asthma severity in pregnancy is often determined by its severity prior to becoming pregnant. As the fetus develops, it can push upward on the organs leading to windpipe constriction and consequently breathlessness.
The management of asthma during pregnancy can be unpredictable; expectant mothers’ symptoms improve in about 1/3rd, have no changes in another third, while for others they worsen especially during their second trimester. Stopping medication once you are pregnant can also lead to an increase in symptoms. On the whole, asthma does tend to settle down during the third trimester yet uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy remains a matter of great concern (2).
What Causes Asthma During Pregnancy?
Asthma can be influenced by diverse factors during pregnancy leading to difference in symptom presentation. These factors must be known to manage the condition effectively.
Allergens
Common allergens like pet dander, pollen, molds, dust mites and cockroaches can trigger asthmatic attacks. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is also a known trigger during pregnancy.
Infections
Pregnant women’s bodies are more prone to infections. Cold air illnesses such as colds, flu’s, bronchitis and sinusitis can bring about asthma attack symptoms.
Irritants
Irritants found in the air, for instance, dust, molds, pet fur or pollution can initiate asthma attacks. Cigarette smoke, cooking fumes , cold air along with pungent odors (such as perfumes or cleaning products) may also cause asthma attacks.
Physical Exertion
Exercise that is intense and for long periods of time may cause quick breathing through the mouth which leads to intake of cooler and drier air coming from outside the body resulting in constriction of airways causing asthma attack symptoms (3).
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy hormones like oestrogens and progesterone cause nasal congestion leading to stuffy nose especially in the last trimester while they also contribute towards shortness of breath (4).
Does Asthma Cause Complications During Pregnancy or Labor?
Pregnancy and labor can be complicated by asthma if it is not properly managed. Among the possible complications are:
- Premature birth: There is a higher chance of women delivering prematurely if their asthma is not well controlled.
- Low birth weight: The baby may be born with low birth weight because of uncontrolled asthma.
- Preeclampsia: There may be more cases of preeclampsia which is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure.
- Respiratory issues: Breathing difficulties may be observed in babies if mothers do not adequately manage their asthma (5).
How To Diagnose Asthma During Pregnancy?
In order to differentiate it from other diseases and make sure that both mother and baby are safe, diagnosing asthma in pregnancy needs a cautious approach. Below are some of the procedures (6) (7) :
Medical History: Your physician will go through your medical history which includes any past symptoms or diagnosis of asthma.
Symptom Review: Current symptoms like coughing, wheezing, feeling out of breath and chest tightness will be discussed with you in order to see if they correspond with those of asthma.
Physical Examination: He/she would do a physical exam through listening to your lungs as one way to find out whether you have asthma or not.
Spirometry Test: It is a breathing test that assesses the condition of the lungs by determining how good they are working, evaluating airflows and detecting possible blocks up.
Peak Flow Measurement: This handheld device is used for measuring how fast you can blow out air which helps over time as a way of keeping an eye on lung functionality.
Allergy Testing: Detection of possible allergens that could trigger asthma might warrant allergy testing as part of the approach.
How To Treat Asthma During Pregnancy?
The pregnancy can progress smoothly, without any stress on the mother and child, provided the treatment plan chalked by the doctor is followed closely. So it’s in the best interest of you and your child to get asthma monitored by the experts.
1. Lung functioning
Your obstetrician may conduct a number of tests to determine whether the lungs are functioning optimally.
2. Follow-Ups
The obstetrician will closely monitor the rise and fall of symptoms and prescribe medicines accordingly. The health of the baby is also checked at regular intervals to rule out any stress. The movement of the baby plays a crucial role here.
Note: If you observe decreased baby movements, immediately call in the doctor
3. Medicines
Depending on the severity of asthma and underlying body condition, your doctor may prescribe certain medicines to control asthma. Always remember it is safer to have medicines for asthma during pregnancy than to get asthma attacks (8).
How To Control Asthma During Pregnancy?
You need to check what spurs an asthmatic attack and avoid those situations. This is the most effective and reliable means of preventing and minimizing asthmatic attack during pregnancy. You should,
1. Stay Away From Unfavorable Outdoor Conditions
Avoid outings in a windy climate. Pollen is one of the most common allergens. Therefore going out in some seasons during which the wind carries allergy-causing pollen should be avoided. While going out, always cover your nose to avoid pollutants, smoke, and dust
2. Stay Away From Pets
If you have a pet, restrict his entry to your room; pet dander is also known to trigger an asthmatic attack
3. Stay Away From Symptoms Triggering Food
Avoid the foods that trigger asthmatic symptoms.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Drinking alcohol and tobacco smoking (both active and passive) can trigger asthmatic attacks in expecting mothers.
5. Ensure Bedclothes Are Fresh
Change the pillowcases and blankets frequently to avoid inhaling the dust.
6. Breathe Cleaner Indoor Air
Fit air filters to wall-mounted ACs or use air purifiers to reduce exposure to PM2.5 & PM10 particles. 3M Electrostatic Air conditioner Filters help you keep the Indoor air clean with the help of your existing AC.
7. Avoid Getting Exposed To Infections
Avoid coming into contact with people who have a cold, the flu, or other infection.
8. Control GERD
Take the measures to prevent acid reflux like having small meals in small intervals, elevating head during sleeping, etc.
Asthma during pregnancy needs careful handling so as to prevent any complications and ensure that both the mother and baby are healthy. Therefore, expectant mothers need to collaborate with healthcare providers, adhere to prescribed medications, and avoid triggers that cause an asthma attack in order to minimize its risks. However, since it is difficult to tell how asthma behaves while one is pregnant, effective ways of managing this disease can assist in controlling this condition thereby facilitating the achievement of smooth pregnancies and favorable results for both mother and child.
FAQ’s
1. How Can I Manage Asthma During Pregnancy?
Working with your doctor, you can create a plan that includes medications and changes in lifestyle to help in managing your asthma better.
2. What Is The 1/3 Rule For Asthma In Pregnancy?
The 1/3 rule talks about asthma management by ensuring the symptoms are under control for at least 1/3 of the time so as to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
3. Can We Use A Nebulizer During Pregnancy?
Yes, if prescribed by your doctor, nebulizers can be used safely during pregnancy because they deliver medication directly into the lungs.
4. Can Asthma Affect An Unborn Baby?
Uncontrolled asthma poses risks to the unborn baby including premature birth and low birth weight. Therefore managing it is important in reducing such risks.
5. Does Asthma Cause Complications During Pregnancy?
Yes, if not controlled, asthma can lead to complications like preterm labor, low birth weight or respiratory problems for the baby.
6. How Does Uncontrolled Asthma Affect the Fetus?
Uncontrolled asthma has been associated with preterm birth, low birth weight and potential effects on lung development
7. What Should I Do to Avoid Asthma Attacks During Pregnancy?
Avoid known triggers, follow your medication regimen according to your doctor’s advice in conjunction with regular consultations with him/her so that symptoms are kept at bay at all times.
8. Are Asthma Medicines Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Yes, asthma medicines are safe to use during pregnancy when prescribed by your doctor. It’s necessary to manage asthma correctly to avoid complications for both you and your baby.
References
- American Lung Association, Asthma and Pregnancy – https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/asthma-and-pregnancy#
- Subbarao, P., Mandhane, P.J., Sears, M. R. (2009). “Asthma: epidemiology, etiology and risk factors ; Willemsen, G., van Beijsterveldt, T.C.; van Baal, C.G.; et al. (2008). “Heritability of self-reported asthma and allergy: a study in adult Dutch twins, siblings and parents – https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-during-pregnancy/#
- Multidisciplinary Obstetric Medicine Service (MOMS) – https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/multidisciplinary-obstetric-medicine-service-moms/asthma-pregnancy#
- The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma-101/who-gets-asthma/pregnancy-and-asthma/#
- Cleveland Clinic, Asthma & Pregnancy – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9568-pregnancy-asthma
- National Heart Lungs And Blood Institution, Asthma – https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma/diagnosis
- Wang H, Li N, Huang H. Asthma in Pregnancy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Whole-Course Management, and Medication Safety – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7060439/#
- Steven E Weinberger, MD, MACP, FRCPMichael Schatz, MD, MSMitchell P Dombrowski, MD – https://www.uptodate.com/contents/asthma-and-pregnancy-beyond-the-basics#
