The reciprocal influences of asthma and pregnancy in Maltese women

Abstract

Asthma has been reported to complicate 1 % of pregnancies and increase the likelihood of prematurity and low birth weight (Cordon et aI, 1970). Pregnancy itself may alter the course of asthma. In general, one third of women feel that their asthma improves during pregnancy, one third feel that it deteriorates, while another third feel that pregnancy has no effect on their asthma (Weinstein et aI, 1979). The management of asthma in the pregnant patient does not differ greatly from that in patients who are not pregnant. Although it is wise to avoid all drugs, especially in the first trimester, it is important to remember that the potential hazards of uncontrolled asthma are much more likely to endanger the life of both mother and foetus (DiMarco. 1989). Regular visits, during which asthma severity and therapeutic responsiveness are assessed, both objectively (with pulmonary function tests) and subjectively, are recommended in order to achieve the desired therapeutic goals in asthmatic females who require regular medication during pregnancy (Shatz et aI, 1991).