Pregnancy is undoubtedly an exciting journey for women, but it can come with its fair share of challenges, especially for those living with asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways and causes breathing difficulties, chest tightness, wheezing, and cough.
Pregnancy can be a tricky period for asthma management as hormonal changes can lead to worsened symptoms.
If you are pregnant and have asthma, this article is for you. Let’s explore practical tips on managing asthma during pregnancy and coping with hormonal changes to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Asthma in Pregnancy
According to the CDC, approximately 4 to 12% of women of childbearing age develop asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing.
In pregnancy, asthma doesn’t just affect the mother; it also has potential implications for the baby. Pregnancy asthma, if not managed properly, decreases the amount of oxygen available in your blood for a developing fetus, thereby increasing the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), premature birth, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality.
It’s worth noting here that pregnancy doesn’t cause asthma, but pregnancy-related changes can worsen asthma symptoms like breathing difficulty in those who have it.
For example, in pregnancy, there is an increase in uterus size, which can reposition your diaphragm, restricting its movement and affecting your breathing. Additionally, an increased heart rate due to the extra work of supplying blood to both you and the fetus can make you feel tired and short of breath.
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also impact asthma. Here is how:
Progesterone
This hormone relaxes smooth muscle in the body, including the airways, potentially improving asthma symptoms. However, it also increases your respiration rate, making you feel short of breath.
Estrogen
Estrogen can stimulate the production of certain substances like histamine and leukotrienes, which can cause inflammation and worsen asthma.
Managing Asthma During Pregnancy
It’s crucial to manage asthma effectively during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Managing asthma means that you:
- Experience little to no symptoms throughout the day.
- Enjoy uninterrupted sleep at night without any asthma-related disturbances.
- Able to carry out daily activities without difficulty.
- Rarely require the use of your emergency inhaler
- Maintain normal or nearly normal lung functionality.
Here are some ways to manage asthma during pregnancy.
Developing a Treatment Plan
Managing and treating asthma in pregnancy begins with creating a personalized plan with your healthcare provider. This plan should include regularly monitoring symptoms and adherence to prescribed asthma medications.
Regular Monitoring and Testing
Regular monitoring involves keeping tabs on the health of the mother and fetus. Regular testing, such as spirometry, may be conducted to monitor the lung function of the mother.
It’s also essential to keep regular appointments with healthcare providers like OB/GYN to check fetal development and with asthma doctors to review asthma control and adjust treatment as necessary.’
Avoiding Triggers
Avoidance of known triggers, such as tobacco smoke, strong chemical smells, and stress, can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is a key part of any asthma management plan.
Medication Management
Medications with a long track record of safety during pregnancy should be used. Albuterol, a commonly prescribed asthma medication, is considered safe during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that most asthma medications are safe for both mother and baby, and the risks of uncontrolled asthma are much greater than any potential risk from medication.
Get Flu Shots
Getting the flu shot is also recommended during pregnancy. The flu can be particularly severe in people with asthma and can trigger asthma attacks. The flu shot can protect you from illness and reduce your exposure to asthma triggers.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet and exercise regimen can do wonders for asthma management during pregnancy. Ensure that you are eating nutritious food and avoiding trigger foods.
Regular exercise can help improve lung function and reduce asthma symptoms. Consult your doctor on safe exercises to practice during pregnancy.
Asthma Symptoms in Desoto, TX
Managing asthma during pregnancy can be challenging, but with the right tools, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.
If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of asthma, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Pivot Healthcare Company for comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment. Our highly trained and skilled nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler, can not only manage asthma during pregnancy but also provide you with all the necessary knowledge and information required to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.
To learn more about us or to schedule a consultation with our nurse practitioner, contact us today at (214) 242-9316 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
