| Asthma is one of the most common potentially | | | | Pre eclampsia. |
| life-threatening condition complicating pregnancy. The | | | | Placenta previa. |
| incidence of asthma is increasing steadily and it is | | | | Gestational hypertension. |
| estimated that asthma currently affects 4% to 8% | | | | Prolonged hospital stay. |
| of pregnant women. In rare cases asthma may occur | | | | Fetal complications include: |
| for the first time during pregnancy. In general well | | | | Increased risk of perinatal mortality |
| controlled asthma is not associated with a higher risk | | | | Intra uterine growth retardation. |
| of adverse pregnancy outcomes. | | | | Low birth weight. |
| In fact the most common cause of worsening | | | | Neo natal hypoxia. |
| asthma in pregnancy is due to noncompliance with | | | | Other diseases mimicking asthma during pregnancy: |
| medicines. | | | | Mechanical obstruction |
| It is seen that about one third of the pregnant | | | | Laryngeal obstruction |
| women with asthma experience worsening of their | | | | COPD |
| asthma symptoms during pregnancy. | | | | Pulmonary edema |
| One third of the asthmatic women feel better during | | | | Pulmonary embolism Amniotic fluid embolism |
| pregnancy. | | | | Upper airway cough (Rhinitis, sinusitis, reflux) |
| Asthma exacerbations are more frequent at the | | | | Goals of asthma control during pregnancy: |
| beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy and | | | | The American College of Obstetricians and |
| improves a few weeks before labor. | | | | Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a practice bulletin |
| 10 % of the pregnant women suffering from asthma | | | | for management of asthma during pregnancy. The |
| seek emergency care during the pregnancy. | | | | new recommendations appear in the February issue |
| Oxygen is vital for the well being of the mother and | | | | of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008. They are: |
| the fetus. Every pregnant woman needs a proper | | | | Prevent hypoxic episodes in mother there by |
| treatment to maintain normal lung functions and | | | | maintaining adequate fetal oxygenation. |
| oxygen level to maintain proper oxygen supply to | | | | Monitor lung functions by Spirometry preferred. |
| the fetus. | | | | Avoid and controlling asthma triggers. |
| Asthma patient should receive education about | | | | Patient education |
| maintenance and rescue medication, how to measure | | | | Individualized pharmacotherapy to maintain normal |
| PEFR by peak flow meter, proper use of inhalers, | | | | pulmonary functions. |
| asthma prevention, and adherence of asthma action | | | | Control day time and nocturnal symptoms. |
| plan. Patient should also learn when the asthma is | | | | Maintain normal activity levels including exercise. |
| worsening and when to contact the doctor. | | | | Prevent acute exacerbations of asthma. |
| Spirometry is the preferred method for pulmonary | | | | No emergency department visit or hospitalization. |
| function testing during outpatient visits. However, | | | | Avoid adverse effects of medications to mother and |
| peak expiratory flow measurement with a peak flow | | | | child. |
| meter is also adequate. | | | | Give birth to a healthy child. |
| Effect of Asthma on mothers: | | | | |