Every expectant mother wants the best for the little miracle growing inside her belly. The right nutrients, the perfect environment and an ample supply of oxygen would likely top this list. Asthma, however, can sometimes get in the way of a perfectly synchronised pregnancy.
A chronic inflammatory condition that can increase the sensitivity of the tracheobronchial tree in the airways, asthma affects a sizeable number of pregnant women, many of whom have never even had the condition before. The trouble is, asthmatic symptoms can affect you and your baby in equal measure. By limiting the oxygen supply into your body, your foetus may not get an adequate amount of oxygen. But although the condition can ring alarm bells in your head, if controlled well, it may have no bearing on the health of your little baby.
Click here to Consult The Best Pregnancy Doctors in Chandigarh
You may have a normal pregnancy as you would have had if you hadn’t developed asthma while pregnant since the majority of regular asthma treatments are conducive for pregnant women. It’s all about how well you remedy the condition at the outset.
Gestational asthma can creep up on you when you least expect it. In fact, you may not even read too much into the wheezing attacks and bouts of breathlessness that you sometimes experience. Alternatively, if you have been diagnosed with asthma in the past, you may think your symptoms are ordinary, routine even. The truth is, asthma can trap the oxygen supply that flows to your baby, potentially leading to some serious complications during pregnancy.
Here are some of the risks that asthma can hurl at you:
You Would Also Like To Read: Children Suffering From Asthma In India
Remedying wheezing during pregnancy follows much the same approach as a regular asthma treatment. When you suspect that you may have developed asthma, schedule an appointment with your gynaecologist, who will draw up a gestational asthma treatment plan. With the right medication, you can help regulate inflammation, coughing and wheezing during pregnancy.
You should also chart your baby’s activity in response to asthmatic attacks. For example, if you find that your baby’s kicks become gentler or reduce with the onset of wheezing or coughing, reach out to your doctor right away to safeguard yourself and your baby against pregnancy complications.
1. Ensure Seamless Communication Between Your Doctors
It is possible that your obstetrician will put you through to a pulmonologist if your symptoms become severe. While your doctors will most likely be in sync with each other, it is important that you disclose the full extent of your progress to both, when you meet them. Clue them in about each other’s consultations to make sure that everybody is on the same page.
2. Ensure Regular Checkups
The degree of severity of gestational asthma differs from woman to woman. That’s why it is important that you schedule monthly checkups to let your doctor gauge how well your baby is growing. During these checkups, your lungs will be examined to determine how much oxygen is being absorbed. This will shed light on whether your baby is receiving enough oxygen. After you cross the 28-week mark, you should also assess your baby’s activity on a daily basis.
3. Avoid Exposure to Triggers
There are certain elements that can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. Avoid passive smoking and exposure to dust and pollution to alleviate the effects of asthma. In turn, you may be able to better the condition on your own, reducing the need for medication. With the right treatment plan, your baby may not be affected by the onset of asthma. It is important that you detect it early and consult a doctor who can guide you through your pregnancy in light of your condition. With the right medical intervention, you and your baby can thrive. And both can finally breathe easy.
Must Read: Symptoms And Complications Of Gestational Diabetes
Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.
Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.
Asthma during pregnancy is usually managed in the same way as outside of pregnancy. When you suspect you have an asthma attack, consult your gynaecologist to get a treatment plan for gestational asthma. With this, you can regulate wheezing, coughing and inflammation. Also, chart the baby’s kicks if they have reduced or become gentler during asthma attacks, and reach out to your doctor to safeguard the baby against complications.
Nebulisation is safe in pregnancy. However, the safety depends on the underlying condition being treated and the medication used in the nebuliser. Some medications, like salbutamol and budesonide, are safe for use in pregnancy. However, their dosage and use must be prescribed by your doctor. So pregnant women with asthma should consult their doctor before using nebuliser medications.
Yes, inhalers are safe during pregnancy. Short-acting medicines like albuterol and pirbuterol are safe for the baby and the mother. Treating asthma during pregnancy is crucial, as if left uncontrolled, it can harm you and the baby. Treating asthma reduces the future risk of attacks and also helps the lungs function better.
There are some triggers that increase asthma symptoms. Avoid exposure to dust, pollution and passive smoking to reduce asthma effects. By avoiding these triggers, you can manage your asthma without medications. In case of an attack, consult your doctor immediately, as with the right treatment, the baby can thrive, and you can breathe easy.
