Asthma during pregnancy that is not controlled properly can have a negative impact on the health of the mother and fetus. So that asthma does not get worse, you need to take the following handling efforts.
For women who suffer from asthma, pregnancy can affect the condition of asthma suffered. There are some people with asthma who experience improvement in their symptoms during pregnancy, but in most cases, pregnancy can make asthma worse and frequent relapses.
If that happens, the mother and fetus are at risk of experiencing a lack of oxygen, which of course can endanger the health conditions of the mother and the baby.
Healthy Tips for Controlling Asthma saat pregnant
As a mother-to-be, you need to know how to deal with asthma during pregnancy. Asthma attacks during pregnancy that can be controlled properly can prevent the risk of health problems for the mother and fetus.
The following are some asthma treatments that you can do during pregnancy:
1. Taking asthma medication
The main key to controlling asthma during pregnancy is to keep taking asthma medications regularly. You don't need to worry, because most asthma medications are inhaled or inhaled inhaler which contain terbutaline, albuterol, prednisone, and theophylline is safe for consumption during pregnancy.
But be careful, asthma drugs that are taken by mouth (oral drugs) are feared to be risky for the fetus.
To ensure that asthma medications are safe for consumption during pregnancy, you should consult a gynecologist early in pregnancy. Inform your doctor in detail about your history of asthma and the medications you have taken.
2. Avoid triggers appearance of symptoms asthma
For asthmatics who are pregnant, avoiding factors that trigger asthma attacks is a very important step. This step can be done in the following ways:
- Avoid allergens that trigger asthma, such as dust, smoke, and animal dander.
- Avoid being close to people who are suffering from respiratory infections.
- Don't smoke, and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Diligently exercise, such as swimming, pregnancy exercise, yoga, or other sports recommended by the doctor.
- If you have acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease/ GERD), immediately treat it by going to the doctor. GERD can make asthma symptoms worse during pregnancy.
- If you have a cold, ask your doctor about antihistamines that are safe to take.
3. Routinely undergo medical check-up
This examination is carried out once a month, and aims to monitor the general health condition of the body, including the condition of the lungs. This examination is also useful to ensure the condition of the fetus is healthy. The doctor will use spirometry or peak flow meter to measure lung function in pregnant women.
4. Monitor fetal movements every day
Monitor fetal movements every day, especially after you are 28 weeks pregnant. To make sure the fetus is active and healthy, you can do a pregnancy ultrasound as part of a routine pregnancy check-up. If asthma recurs frequently and symptoms get worse, consult a gynecologist immediately.
5. Do the flu vaccine
Flu vaccination is recommended for all pregnant women, especially pregnant women with asthma. This vaccine gives you extra protection against severe flu attacks.
6. Don't ignore asthma symptoms
Heavy breathing during pregnancy is not necessarily a sign of asthma. This is normal during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. While the symptoms of asthma that you should be aware of and require immediate medical attention are:
- Hard to breathe
- Cough that gets worse at night and in the morning
- Cough when doing physical activity
- Wheezing
- Chest feels tight
- Skin looks pale
- Weak
- Lips and fingers look bluish
Asthma risk when pregnant
If asthma is not well controlled during pregnancy, you are at risk for the following conditions:
- Morning sickness
- Preeclampsia.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Labor complications.
- Fetal growth retardation.
- Giving birth to a baby prematurely or with a low birth weight
In severe asthma, complications can occur which can be fatal, both for pregnant women and the fetus in the womb.
So, do not underestimate this condition. If you have asthma and are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to get the best advice and treatment in controlling asthma during pregnancy.
