Asthma in pregnancy

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Extract from the article: Asthma in pregnancy is a risky disease for both the foetus and the mother. It is estimated that 3-6% of the world's population suffer from this disease, making it a very common condition. For this reason, it should be managed by obstetricians early..

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Asthma in pregnancy is a risky disease for both the foetus and the mother. It is estimated that 3-6% of the world's population suffer from this disease, making it a very common condition. For this reason, it should be managed by obstetricians early in the pregnancy.

Asthma is the most common respiratory disease complicating pregnancy in women. Statistics show that between 4% and 7% of pregnant women experience asthma-related complications at some point during their pregnancy. However, it is very unlikely that an asthma attack will occur at the time of delivery.

The critical time is usually between the second and third trimester of pregnancy (17 to 34 weeks of pregnancy). This is the period when the number of asthma-related visits to emergency departments by pregnant women is highest. On the other hand, it is during the last month of pregnancy that the number of consultations related to this disease is the lowest.

Consequences of asthma during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman with asthma is not properly monitored, complications can arise for both her health and that of the foetus. The key risk is lack of oxygen. The oxygen that circulates in the mother's blood is also the oxygen that feeds her baby. Thus, the decrease in oxygen supply affects both parties. According to this study published in the "Journal of Asthma", asthma during pregnancy is capable of causing the following disorders in the mother: hyperemesis gravidarum, i.e. intense and prolonged vomiting symptoms. This is not the typical morning sickness of the first trimester. Here, the episodes are frequent and usually result in weight loss. In addition, there is a risk of pre-eclampsia, a syndrome characterised by an increase in the mother's blood pressure, oedema due to water retention and loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria).

And in the fetus, asthma during pregnancy can cause intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This is because the repeated lack of oxygen causes the foetus to grow more slowly. Asthma can lead to premature birth. Also, during childbirth, the foetus may have an insufficient supply of oxygen. In this case, it will need intensive neonatal care with an external oxygen supply. If asthma in pregnancy is not well managed, there is a risk of death of the newborn.

Treatment

Poorly managed asthma in pregnancy is very dangerous. During pregnancy, it is important to consult the gynaecologist so that he/she can prescribe the appropriate medication, depending on the woman's needs. It should be noted that the treatment of asthma during pregnancy is not too different from the treatment outside pregnancy.

Breastfeeding after childbirth is not affected in any way. Women with asthma are advised not to stop taking their medication while breastfeeding.

How to avoid complications

There are steps that a woman with asthma should take during pregnancy to reduce the risk to herself and her foetus.  Avoiding triggers (dusty environment, cigarette or other smoke, fur from certain animals. Keeping regular check-ups with your doctor. Take your medication regularly.  Pay attention to warning signs (shortness of breath, severe cough that becomes chronic and fever).

 Controlling gastro-oesophageal reflux

Asthma during pregnancy involves significant risks for the mother and the fetus. Therefore, if this occurs, consult a doctor and follow the recommended treatment. In addition, it is also important to be alert to any symptoms that indicate the onset of a complication.

Article validated by Dr Dédé Benedicta Améwoui, Obstetrician Gynecologist