Complex interplays: Asthma management and maternal‑fetal outcomes in pregnancy (Review)

Abstract

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, poses unique challenges in pregnancy, impacting both maternal and fetal health. Of note, 8-13% of pregnant women suffer from asthma, a condition that can worsen, stabilize, or improve during pregnancy. These fluctuations necessitate a nuanced management strategy to ensure the health of both the mother and fetus. Adverse outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and increased cesarean delivery rates are associated with poorly controlled asthma. From a fetal perspective, the risks include preterm birth and a low birth weight. Physiological changes in pregnancy, such as an increased tidal volume and altered drug metabolism due to increased blood volume, complicate the management of asthma. The safety of asthma medications during pregnancy remains a significant concern, with ongoing research into their teratogenic effects. Recent advancements in treatment include the development of biologics and the increased use of personalized medicine, integrating pharmacogenomics and immunological profiling to tailor treatments to individual needs. Digital health tools have also emerged, enabling improved patient monitoring and management. The present review highlights the complex interplay between asthma management and pregnancy outcomes, advocating for comprehensive care approaches that consider the dynamic physiological changes during pregnancy. It underscores the need for ongoing research into the safety of medication and innovative therapeutic strategies to improve health outcomes for pregnant women with asthma and their babies.

Keywords: asthma in pregnancy; maternal-fetal health; medication safety; physiological changes; treatment advances.

Figure 1

Summary of the complex interplays between asthma and pregnancy. Portions of the figure utilized images from Servier Medical Art, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License.