Asthma In Pregnancy: Possible Risks For Mother And Fetus
Asthma in pregnancy represents a risk factor for the fetus and the mother. It is estimated that between 3 and 6% of the world population suffers from this disease; this makes it a very frequent clinical picture.
Asthma refers to an obstruction of the bronchi. This obstruction causes difficulty in respiratory mechanics, especially exhalation, and is inflammatory in nature.
It is also the respiratory disease that tends to present major complications during gestation, as reported by the study published in the Revista Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica . According to statistics, between 4 and 7% of pregnant women have complications associated with asthma at a stage of pregnancy. However, the disease is unlikely to occur during childbirth.
The worst period coincides with the end of the second quarter, to be exact between 17 to and 24 to week of pregnancy. It is in this phase that the greatest number of visits for asthma in pregnancy is documented. Conversely, the lowest number is recorded in the last month of gestation.
Consequence of asthma in pregnancy
If the asthmatic pregnant woman does not undergo the necessary checks, various complications can arise due to an insufficient amount of oxygen. The woman shares the oxygen circulating in her blood with the fetus, so a reduction of the same affects both.
Asthma in pregnancy, as a research published in the Revista de asma points out , can cause the following ailments in women:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum : consists of the prolonged appearance of vomiting episodes. This is not the typical morning sickness of the first trimester. In this case, the episodes are frequent and cause weight loss.
- Preeclampsia : also known as gravidaric toxemia. It is a syndrome characterized by an increase in the mother’s blood pressure, edema due to water retention and loss of protein through the urine (proteinuria).
- Gestational hypertension : the increase in blood pressure values.
- Premature birth : Although asthma does not occur frequently during childbirth, labor may come early due to this condition.
In the unborn child, however, asthma during pregnancy can cause:
- Intrauterine growth retardation : the consistent lack of oxygen slows the development of the fetus which may be smaller than average based on gestational age.
- Underweight at birth : associated with limited intrauterine growth, the baby is born underweight.
- Perinatal hypoxia : At the time of delivery, the baby may receive an insufficient supply of oxygen. He will therefore need intensive neonatal care accompanied by external oxygen administration.
- Increased perinatal mortality : if asthma in pregnancy is not controlled, the risk of death for the baby increases.
Medicines for asthma during pregnancy
During gestation, it is important to choose the medicines to be taken together with your doctor. Not all drugs are harmless to the mother and baby, which is why medical care is essential.
Most asthma medicines have been shown to be harmless to a pregnant woman. In fact, it is believed that uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous than the possible side effects of drugs. This aspect is reported in an article published in the Colombian Revision de Neumología .
In some cases, allergy injections are used to reduce asthma attacks. If the expectant mother has started to undergo these injections before becoming pregnant, she will need to continue the treatment. It is contraindicated to start therapy after conception.
Finally, the asthmatic mother can safely breastfeed; in fact it is not recommended to abandon therapy during this phase.
How to prevent complications
The woman with asthma can take some preventive measures during pregnancy. These measures must always be accompanied by professional assistance and treatment indicated by the doctor.
- Do not smoke : Tobacco complicates and worsens asthma, as well as increases the risk of congenital syndromes for the fetus.
- Keep triggers under control : Asthma occurs as a result of certain substances that are best avoided. Among these, we can mention dust or dust, cigarette smoke and the hair of some animals.
- Undergo checkups : the pregnant asthmatic woman must undergo more frequent checks.
- Pay attention to the warning signs : the doctor will provide the pregnant woman with a list of symptoms, the appearance of which indicates the need to be examined as soon as possible. Among the many, lack of air, intense cough that becomes chronic and fever.
- Control Gastroesophageal Reflux : Pregnant women often suffer from GERD. This condition can intensify asthma. It is therefore necessary to prevent reflux by keeping the head elevated in a lying position, eat light meals, do not go to bed immediately after eating and avoid the consumption of irritating foods.
Asthma in pregnancy
Asthma in pregnancy is a risk factor for the mother and the fetus. It is important to consult your doctor and follow the indicated treatment. Likewise, due attention should be paid to any symptoms that may indicate complications.
