What Pregnant Asthmatics Should Do To Have A Good Pregnancy Outcome

Asthma affects about 3 to 4 percent of the general population, while approximately 1 to 4 percent of pregnancies are complicated by asthma. By definition, asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder with a significant hereditary component. It is triggered by tightening of muscle tissues around the airways associated with swelling of the airway lining and increased mucus production.

Most asthmatics could go asymptomatic for prolonged periods of time. These folks commonly get asthma attacks only once they are exposed to stimuli similar to known allergens (e.g. dust, peanuts, change in environment temperature, etc.) or exercise-induced. Once this occurs, asthmatics experience difficulty of respiration, coughing, wheezing, very rapid respiration, chest pain or pressure, tightening of neck and chest muscles, pale sweaty face, and bluish discoloration of lips and nails.

The question of whether pregnancy could make asthma worse has not been satisfactorily countered. Up to this date, there is no clear answer to this question. For many females their asthma improves, for some it stays the same, although others, their asthma get worse.  But in general, females beginning pregnancy with serious asthma are a lot more likely to experience worsening of asthma signs and symptoms compared to those with mild disease.

Now, simply because you have asthma does not imply that you can’t have a trouble-free pregnancy, much more a healthy baby. Medical doctors agree that great asthma control is the key to a successful pregnancy. And great asthma control may be attained if expecting asthmatics see their medical practitioners (both internist and obstetrician) routinely through the entire pregnancy. Here is what you should do:

1. Work with your asthma doctor (allergist or internist). This is vital so that your doctor can evaluate how extreme your asthma is, and he can offer treatment suitable for you while you are pregnant. If you are currently using an asthma controller medication, it is best to inform your doctor regarding it so necessary changes may be done.
2. Identify your asthma triggers. Constantly keep a note of what prompts your asthma attack and stay away from those causes as much as you can. This is the best prevention for asthma attacks.
3.   Make sure your asthma doctor and your obstetrician coordinate your care. In this way, double medication for asthma is avoided.

A lot of scientific studies have shown that if your asthma is not managed throughout pregnancy, both you and your baby may be harmed. You may suffer from life-threatening problems such as high blood pressure, eclampsia, preterm labor, pneumothorax, acute cor pulmonale, cardiac arrythmias, and muscle fatigue with respiratory arrest.  Your child, on the other hand, may be born prematurely, with a low birth weight, and increased risk for perinatal mortality.

In summary, being an asthmatic does not mean you will be deprived of the opportunity to have a normal and healthy pregnancy. More than that, asthma is practically never a reason not to get pregnant. It must constantly be remembered that it is medically possible for any pregnant asthmatic to have a healthy pregnancy, as long as she has good management of her asthma throughout the pregnancy.

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