Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system which involves the airways. Airways become narrow during an attack making it hard to breathe. It is fairly common health problem in pregnant women. It reduces the oxygen supply both to the mother and the fetus.Well controlled asthma usually does not pose any increased risk to the mother and baby but untreated, uncontrolled asthma may pose a health hazard. Most medicines are safe during pregnancy and keeping asthma in control can have a positive outcome.

Symptoms of Asthma :

• Tightness in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Cough

How asthma can effect pregnancy: 

• High BP or preeclampsia can develop in mother
• Intrauterine growth retardation
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight baby
• Perinatal mortality
• Rarely death can occur in uncontrolled cases

Treatment for Asthma:

It needs combined efforts of the obstetrician and medical specialist, communication and adequate control being the common goal.

• Frequent health checks to monitor severity and pulmonary function tests by spirometry are done.
• Daily fetal movement count after 28 weeks.
• Fetal movement during attack
• USG to see for the growth of the fetus
• Avoid any trigger e.g. smoke, dust, pollen, mold, mite, cockroaches, exercise, strong smell, stress etc
• Protect yourself from flu. Get a flu vaccine
• Allergies should be kept under control
• Antihistaminics can be used
• Bronchodilators can be used for acute symptoms
• Corticosteroid inhalers can be used

General measures to avoid asthmatic attacks :

• Sleep with head elevated
• Eat small frequent meals
• Don’t eat within 2 hours of bedtime
• Avoid acidity