Researchers of a new study have found that poor asthma control can have adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes and hence good asthma management is essential during pregnancy.
Asthma is the most common chronic condition during pregnancy, affecting approximately 10 percent of pregnant women. Asthma management is said to be directly proportional to the severity of the disorder. For example, asthma control deteriorates for 60 percent of women with severe asthma while the same holds true for only 10 percent of women with mild asthma. Experts recommend that the treatment for the disorder for pregnant women should be the same as for non-pregnant women.
A new study conducted by researchers from University Hospitals of Leicester found that asthma management is extremely crucial during pregnancy as poor asthma control can have adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. Previous studies have linked asthma to hypertension during pregnancy, which in turn results in higher chances of caesarean section and low birth weight.
Researchers of the study said that pregnant women with good asthma control are at no or minimal additional risks related to asthma.
"Asthma is a widespread condition and poor management during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes," Professor Chris Brightling, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Honorary Consultant Physician, University Hospitals of Leicester and co-author of the paper said in a press release. "Good asthma management to maintain tight control is vital and standard therapy may be safely used in pregnancy to achieve this along with close surveillance from midwives, obstetricians and for women with severe asthma a respiratory physician."
Researchers also confirmed that asthma doesn't affect labor or delivery with less than a fifth of women experiencing an exacerbation during labor.
The study was published in the September issue of The Obstetrician & Gynecologist (TOG).
"Education is key for anyone, especially pregnant women, to manage their asthma. This includes understanding the condition and its treatment options, trigger avoidance, asthma control, adequate use of devices and the importance of adherence to medication," Jason Waugh, TOG Editor-in-chief added. "Any women who have concerns about their asthma management and management during pregnancy should contact their GP or midwife for further advice."
