Pregnancy and Asthma
December 12, 2008
When you are pregnant, keeping healthy and fit is the number one priority. But what happens if you are suffering from some kind of a malady like Asthma? Sometimes, pregnant ladies experience some up and down pattern in their asthma during this time, so it is necessary to follow a care regimen for those with asthma during pregnancy.
Would be mothers are well aware of the numerous changes a body goes through during pregnancy. So it is not surprising that even the even the lungs go through interesting and intelligent alterations to adapt to the developing baby. In fact, one of the most recognizable symptoms of a pregnant patient is that it is normal for her to be short of breath. This makes it difficult to discern a ‘normal’ breathlessness from asthma. A woman’s body adjusts gradually as the pregnancy develops. Since a pregnant woman is carrying more weight, the lungs need to accommodate to the additional work of breathing caused by the weight gain.
A pregnant woman breathes a little faster than normal, which is perfectly healthy. As the belly grows, it alters the shape of the bottom part of the chest. The chest is separated from the belly by a swathe of muscle called the diaphragm, which is a vital muscle that helps you to breathe. As the belly gains in girth, it pushes upwards against the diaphragm, preventing deep breaths and consequently increasing the respiratory rate. To make the chest a little bigger, the ribs splay outwards like bucket handles, letting the patient breathe a little deeper. It is important to monitor your asthma while you are pregnant; so that you can make sure it is always under control.
Asthma warning symptoms are the same when you are pregnant as when you are not. If you notice any of the following, visit your doctor immediately. Like, you are finding your usual tasks increasingly difficult because of your breathing, you find yourself reaching for your inhaler more than you are used to, you are awakened by coughing at night and you can hear yourself wheeze on the telephone.
The main thing to do here is – do not ignore symptoms, and talk with your doctor about any changes in your breathing. Your doctor may recommend a peak flow meter. This simple device measures airflow when you blow into it, and can be an important tool for monitoring asthma.
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