Healthy Pregnancy Tips For Pregnant Asthmatics

Asthma impacts 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 major hereditary component. It is triggered by tightening of muscle tissues near the airways associated with inflammation of the airway lining and increased mucus production.

A lot of asthmatics can go asymptomatic for prolonged periods of time. They commonly get asthma attacks only once they are exposed to triggers like known allergens (e.g. dust, peanuts, change in environment temperature, etc.) or exercise-induced. When this occurs, asthmatics experience difficulty of breathing, coughing, wheezing, very fast respiration, chest pain or pressure, tightening of neck and chest muscle groups, pale sweaty face, and bluish discoloration of lips and nails.

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

Now, simply because you have asthma does not mean you can't have a normal pregnancy, much more a healthy child. Health professionals agree that great asthma control is the key to a successful pregnancy. And excellent asthma management can be attained if pregnant asthmatics see their medical doctors (both internist and obstetrician) regularly through the entire pregnancy. Here is what you should do:

1. Work with your asthma doctor (allergist or internist). Doing so is vital so that your doctor can evaluate how extreme your asthma is, and he can offer therapy appropriate for you while you are expecting. If you are presently using an asthma controller medication, it is best to inform your doctor about it so necessary adjustments may be done.
2. Identify your asthma triggers. Always keep a note of what triggers your asthma attack and avoid those triggers as much as as possible. Doing so is the best prevention for asthma attacks.
3. Make sure your asthma physician and your obstetrician coordinate your care. By doing this, double treatment for asthma is avoided.

Many medical studies have shown that if your asthma is not controlled during pregnancy, both you and your child might be harmed. You may suffer from life-threatening complications like 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 imply you will be deprived of the chance to experience a normal and healthy pregnancy. More than that, asthma is practically never a reason not to get pregnant. It should often be remembered that it is medically feasible for any expecting asthmatic to have a healthy pregnancy, as long as she has excellent management of her asthma throughout the pregnancy.


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