Conditions - Asthma in pregnancy

Question 1

What is the definition (or general description) of asthma in pregnancy?

Answer 1

Pregnancy can make symptoms more obvious but with good management of pre-existing asthma (or new mild asthma that only becomes evident because of physical stress of pregnancy) it doesn’t affect pregnancy.

Question 2

What are the presenting symptoms of asthma in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Asthma symptoms that come on for the first time in someone who doesn’t have it or that get worse in someone who has pre-existing asthma

• Coughing or wheezing, especially at night
• Chest feels tight
• Breathlessness

Question 3

What is the management plan for asthma in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Antenatal

• Conservative – re-educate on inhaler technique, stopping smoking, avoiding triggers, controlling hay fever with antihistamines, continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet, have the flu jab in pregnancy
• Medical – continue pre-existing asthma treatment regimen as normal

Intrapartum

• Avoid use of ergometrine (bronchoconstrictor)
• Regional anaesthesia is preferable over general anaesthesia, in case of C-section