Asthma brought on by pregnancy?

[snlbarney]

Hi there! I am new to PregTASTIC, but love what I have read so far! What a great outreach for expectant women! I had an experience the other week, and am wondering if anyone else had had this problem:

A week ago I was out of breath, and it kept getting worse throughout the day; At about 3:00am I finally called my 24 hour nurse, and was told to go the the ER.

Long story short, I had an ASTHMA ATTACK! I do not have Asthma, nor does anyone in my family. I have never had breathing problems, my weight has been good this pregnancy, and I am healthy. They said it was brought on by pregnancy!

Has anyone heard of this, or does anyone have suggestions for dealing with Asthma while preganant? Is this something I will need to watch for throughout my pregnancy, or just a fluke?

I would love to hear other experiences, as my doctor has taken the "Wait and see" approach.

Thanks for your input! Lindsay, 25 weeks.

[preggers]

Hi Lindsay,
sorry to hear about the asthma. I'm curious if maybe you an allergic reaction to something and that is what affected your breathing?

I have asthma but with two pregancies I have had no difficulties at all and my health is actually better than when not pg.

That said, I was prepared to have to take an inhaler while pg for my first and there are inhalers out there that are "safe", class b drug, to take while pg. I think pulmacort is one of them. I doubt you would take it though because you may have had an isolated incident and that I think is a preventative which you take daily.

Good luck to you and hope the "asthma attack" was a fluke.

patti

[skipnjif]

Hi Lindsay...

I'm so sorry to hear about your trouble. I don't know much about pregnancy related asthma, but I have VERY mild asthma (mostly from childhood) and found that the only time I have had an attack was when I was last pregnant. I have read that asthma is often alleviated during pregnancy, but the fluctuations in your body chemistry can sometimes cause your body to react to stimuli when it wouldn't normally do so. This can also happen with allergies. I don't know whether that is also true of a condition that doesn't normally exist, though. Maybe you oought to talk to your OB. Good luck and feel well!

[jenniehenn]

I don't have asthma, but pregnancy, really causes me to struggle to breathe! I can hardly walk up the stairs somedays. I used to walk a few miles a week before baby, but can't anymore.

[skipnjif]

I have been SO MUCH more out of breath with this pregnancy! Even when I was pregnant the last time, I did not have this trouble...I even taught gymanstics to preshoolers- LOTS of running around... but this time is awful! I feel like an old lady with a cigarrette habit! B)-:P