"Asthma in Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal, Fetal Health and Medication Impact" by Dr. Amarjit Mishra

Pregnancy is a critical stage in a person’s life. To guarantee a healthy offspring, the pregnant mother and the infant in her womb must be given the highest care throughout this stage. It is also considered that a woman is more susceptible to infections in this period. Hence, it becomes quintessential to understand various diseases in the context of pregnancy. It is especially significant for an illness like asthma, which affects an individual’s respiratory system and hence the pace and ease of breathing. Dr. Amarjit Mishra, Julia M Clark, Philip N Baker, and Helen N Kwon are few of the prominent scientists who have been performing research to discover the function of asthma in pregnancy. Let’s learn more about asthma and its inter-link with pregnancy.

Asthma is one of the few diseases that can pose increased risks and complications during pregnancy due to the physiological changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy. These changes can affect the course and management of various health conditions, potentially leading to more problems during pregnancy. Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy can lead to increased respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function, and increased risks of complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Pregnant women with asthma need careful management of their asthma symptoms, appropriate medication use, and trigger avoidance to minimize the risks associated with asthma during pregnancy. Besides thyroid disorders, hypertension and other diseases. Asthma has been found to be one of the disorders that has a profound impact during pregnancy. It has been found by scientists such as Dr. Amarjit Mishra, ex Assistant Professor, Auburn University that asthma severely impacts maternal as well as fetal health during pregnancy.

Asthma can have various effects on pregnant women, as it can impact both the mother and the developing fetus. Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, respiratory symptoms, and reduced lung function in pregnant women. Uncontrolled asthma can also lead to complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased risk of respiratory infections, which can adversely affect the health and well-being of the mother during pregnancy.

Asthma can also potentially impact fetal development, as inadequate oxygen supply to the fetus due to poorly controlled asthma can result in fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and premature birth. As per Dr. Amarjit Mishra Auburn University, maternal asthma exacerbations during pregnancy may also increase the risk of birth defects in the fetus. Women with asthma may face challenges during labor and delivery, as poorly controlled asthma can increase the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, premature labor, and emergency cesarean section.

Asthma symptoms may persist or worsen postpartum, and it is important for women with asthma to continue. Monitoring and managing their asthma after giving birth. It has been found by scientists such as Dr. Amarjit Mishra, Auburn University. That changes in hormone levels, stress, and other factors can potentially affect asthma control postpartum, and appropriate management strategies should be in place to prevent exacerbations. Dr. Mishra has also pointed out that changes in biochemical pathways. During asthma can also lead to psychological impact on pregnant women, including increased anxiety, stress, and concerns about the potential impact of asthma on their pregnancy and the health of their baby.

As can be understood, asthma can have significant effects on both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Poorly controlled asthma can increase the risk of asthma exacerbations and respiratory symptoms in pregnant women, leading to reduced lung function and impaired maternal well-being. Science has also backed that uncontrolled asthma can also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Dr. Amarjit Mishra, ex Assistant Professor, Auburn University, through thorough investigation has suggested that associated phenomena such. As preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy), and respiratory infections can have negative impacts on maternal health.

In addition to maternal health, asthma can also affect fetal health during pregnancy. Inadequate oxygen supply to the fetus due to poorly controlled asthma. Can result in fetal growth restriction, where the baby does not grow. As expected and may have a low birth weight. Premature birth, or giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation, is also more. Common in pregnant women with poorly controlled asthma. Studies by Dr. Mishra have suggested a potential link between poorly controlled asthma. During pregnancy and an increased risk of congenital malformations, although. The evidence is not conclusive and he suggests. That more research is needed to understand the relationship between asthma and birth defects. 

Asthma Medications and Its Impact

 Asthma medications play a crucial role in managing asthma during pregnancy. As they help control asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of exacerbations. However, some asthma medications may have potential impacts on pregnancy outcomes, and it is important for pregnant women. With asthma to work closely with their healthcare. Providers to carefully manage their medication use during pregnancy. Inhaled Corticosteroids are the most commonly prescribed long-term controller medications for asthma. And they are considered safe for use during pregnancy. There are also Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABA) medications. Such as albuterol, that are commonly used as rescue medications to relieve acute asthma symptoms.

SABA are considered safe for use during pregnancy. As they work locally in the lungs and are not systemically absorbed in significant amounts. However, excessive use of SABA may indicate poorly controlled asthma. Other asthma medications, such. As leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta-agonists, and theophylline, may be used in specific situations for asthma management during pregnancy. However, it is advisable that these medications should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. As their safety during pregnancy may vary depending on the specific medication and individual circumstances.

As can be seen, asthma develops chronic symptoms throughout pregnancy. Severely compromising the health of both. The mother and the foetus. More study is needed to understand. The relationship between asthma and pregnancy, and medical specialists like. Dr. Amarjit Mishra have been instrumental in carrying out such studies.

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