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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Copd/asthma During Pregnancy. What Are The Possible Complications That May Come With Pregnancy ?

hi i am a 38 yr old woman with asthma possible copd i just found out i am 8wks pregnant . I had an infection in nov was put on avelox and 20mg pedisone. i am still on the 20 mg predisone. I am still having breathing issues such as sob,so much so that i took a leave of absence from work, I am a CNA. What are the possible complications that may come with my pregnancy?
Tue, 16 Apr 2013
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hi Shauna,
Thanks for visiting HCM.
First let me make you clear that you can't have COPD at this age because it is very rare below 45 yeas of age. You may have asthma.
Asthma during pregnancy follows rule of one third i.e one third improves, one third worsens, one third remains as it is. The management of the disease remains similar to non pregnant state and many anti-asthmatic medication are safer during pregnancy.
Asthma leads to hypoxemia i.e a state of decreased body oxygen so ultimately will lead to less availability of oxygen to developing fetus, so its intra-uterine growth retardation.
In your case you must meet a pulmonologist to get ensured whether it is asthma or not. If it is asthma better to start a combination of inhaled steroid plus long acting bronchodilator with gradual tapering of prednisolone.

Best wishes
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  User's Response
Not being treated optimally for your Asthma may lead to Retarded growth of your child in-utero. Thats b'coz the baby recieves less oxygen. You need to take inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled steroids rather than oral steroids. And u have to take them for a longer term.
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Copd/asthma During Pregnancy. What Are The Possible Complications That May Come With Pregnancy ?

Hi Shauna, Thanks for visiting HCM. First let me make you clear that you can t have COPD at this age because it is very rare below 45 yeas of age. You may have asthma. Asthma during pregnancy follows rule of one third i.e one third improves, one third worsens, one third remains as it is. The management of the disease remains similar to non pregnant state and many anti-asthmatic medication are safer during pregnancy. Asthma leads to hypoxemia i.e a state of decreased body oxygen so ultimately will lead to less availability of oxygen to developing fetus, so its intra-uterine growth retardation. In your case you must meet a pulmonologist to get ensured whether it is asthma or not. If it is asthma better to start a combination of inhaled steroid plus long acting bronchodilator with gradual tapering of prednisolone. Best wishes