[Development of acute and chronic respiratory diseases during pregnancy]

Abstract

Physiological respiratory and hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy result in increased oxygen consumption related to fetal growth. The increase in the maternal basal metabolism leads to hyperventilation and increased cardiac output. This explains why pathological respiratory or cardiovascular conditions existing prior to pregnancy can rapidly worsen during the course of the pregnancy. However, even if no cardiorespiratory disease exists prior to pregnancy, an inhalation lung disease, pre-eclampsia or sepsis can lead to pulmonary edema due to the increased plasma volume in the pregnant woman. These different pathological situations as well as infectious lung diseases are discussed here. We examine the evolution of respiratory function during the course of labor, delivery and the post-partum period. In addition, pregnancy also has an effect on chronic respiratory disease, particularly asthma.