Pregnancy-related asthma is one of the most common medical conditions during which women suffer. However, it can be fairly severe. Due to swelling and excess mucus caused by asthma, the airways can become narrow, making breathing challenging for the person. This can cause wheezing, coughing, and a feeling of being short of breath. According to statistics, approximately 30% of women with asthma report that their condition aggravated during pregnancy. [1]
When asthma is severe, it can interfere with everyday life and even be life-threatening. Asthma can be very mild and barely noticeable as well as be very severe. In addition to the fact that asthma does not have a cure, certain factors, such as pregnancy, can exacerbate it. The condition can cause problems for you and your fetus during pregnancy, which makes controlling it imperative.
Signs And Symptoms Of Asthma During Pregnancy
Individuals with asthma could experience different symptoms, and some individuals might experience some symptoms and others might experience other symptoms. Wheezing is the most frequently reported symptom. Asthma may also present with the following symptoms:
- Chest tightness or pain Coughing
- Breathing problems
- Coughing or breathing problems causing sleep disturbances
- Allergies (pollen, dust, pet dander), exercise, illness, and weather changes can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms or attacks.
In addition to taking a medical history, an allergist performs some lung function tests to diagnose asthma.
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Asthma During Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience asthma symptoms worsening, symptom reduction, or no change in 13% of cases, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
Our understanding of the causes of these changes is limited. Symptoms of asthma usually return to normal after delivery after a period of slight change during pregnancy.
Having asthma can make shortness of breath significantly worse during pregnancy for anyone, however.
Asthma Treatment During Pregnancy
Consult your allergist or asthma care provider for any asthma-related concerns you may have during pregnancy. If necessary, your treatment should be altered if your lungs are monitored during pregnancy.
Asthma symptoms and attacks can be minimized by avoiding asthma triggers. To prevent illness and respiratory ailments, avoid or minimize smoking, and keep active, it is best to avoid people who are ill.
During pregnancy, asthma should be controlled as much as possible, as well as treating the mother if necessary. Some medications are preferable to others while pregnant, and some drugs can be used during pregnancy. Mom and baby are more at risk from uncontrolled asthma than through medicine. Among the medications commonly prescribed are:
- Bronchodilators that are typically short-acting
- Singulair (montelukast), an antileukotriene drug, is one such drug.
- Corticosteroids inhaled by some
Depending on your medical condition, history, and severity of the symptoms, your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. Asthma patients might also need longer-acting drugs like Advair or oral steroids if they cannot control the condition with other medications.
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Complications
Uncontrolled asthma can adversely affect your health and the health of your baby during pregnancy. When you have asthma, your blood oxygen level may decrease. If this happens, the reduction in oxygen in the baby’s blood can also impair the child’s growth or cause complications. The following complications may occur if asthma is not controlled:
- Preeclampsia
- Having a premature baby
- IVF growth that is inadequate
- An underweight baby [2]
In general, most women with asthma who give birth don’t experience asthma symptoms during labor or delivery, but approximately 10% do. During this time, take your usual medications so you can be monitored and stay comfortable.
You don’t have to live with asthma during pregnancy if you don’t want it to. Discuss things you should keep in mind and how pregnancy could affect asthma symptoms with your gynecologist and allergist if you have asthma and are thinking about having a baby.
Get your asthma under control before getting pregnant, and monitor your symptoms and asthma management regularly when you become pregnant. If you are pregnant with asthma, taking steps ahead of time and keeping track of any changes in symptoms will make the experience as comfortable as possible.