Pregnancy is a period in a woman's life where they have to embrace every new change with much anxiety and apprehension. One such critical condition is asthma. Managing asthma during pregnancy might sound challenging as it poses a potential risk for both the soon-to-be-mom and the developing fetus. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the risks of asthma during pregnancy and effective ways to manage the condition.
Asthma and Pregnancy – The Connection
Asthma is a lifelong condition that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and get inflamed. When asthma symptoms get worse, the airways will tighten and become narrower, making it hard for both mother and baby to breathe. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the airways to become more reactive, which will further worsen the condition. In addition, the growing uterus can exert pressure on the diaphragm, reducing lung capacity and exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Risks Associated with Asthma During Pregnancy
Here are the potential risks associated with asthma during pregnancy when the condition is not managed on time.
- High blood pressure in the mother
- Preeclampsia
- Slow growth of the fetus
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
Treatment for Asthma During Pregnancy
Although it is a chronic condition, some treatments can help you feel and breathe better while keeping your lungs healthy.
Medications:
Based on your symptoms, your doctor might give you quick-relief medication to provide rapid relief from asthma attacks. Long-term medications control inflammation to prevent the occurrence of asthma symptoms.
Lifestyle changes:
Maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular exercise, and adapt to healthy lifestyle changes to improve asthma symptoms.
Environmental management:
Avoid environmental triggers like pollen and dust to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. Strategies for this treatment include washing bed sheets and pillow covers in hot water, using an air purifier, and regular vacuuming.
Preventive Measures for Asthma During Pregnancy
Beyond the asthma treatment, here are some pregnancy tips that will help you manage the condition:
Avoid environmental triggers:
Allergies are the primary cause of asthma. If you can avoid or control your allergies with safe medications during pregnancy, you are likely to breathe a lot easier. Some common allergens are pollen, dust, mold, perfumes, animal dander, and household cleaning products.
Steer clear of smoking:
Quit smoking and tobacco consumption to avoid any triggering asthma symptoms and pregnancy complications.
Exercise safely:
Regular physical activity throughout pregnancy is healthy for both mother and baby.
Wrapping Up!
Asthma during pregnancy is challenging to manage, but proper treatment and prevention strategies can reduce the risk of exacerbations. While you are enjoying your pregnancy journey, have you ever considered stem cell preservation?
At Cryoviva, the leading stem cell preservation facility in India, we offer an individual approach for every soon-to-be parent on stem cell preservation. We help you to collect and preserve the precious cells, giving your family a healthy, happy lifetime.
