Question Title: adrenal insufficiency and asthma control during pregnancy

Dear Moise:

Adrenal insufficiency that is controlled with replacement corticosteroids will remain unchanged during pregnancy. The stresses that occur during labor will require increased corticosteroid coverage.

Asthma is more problematic. Approximately one third of women will experience a worsening of asthma during pregnancy and the reduced oxygenation of mother can be a threat to the baby (miscarriage, low birth weight, pre-term labor). Like most chronic diseases, if the disease is stable going into pregnancy the outlook is best; unstable chronic illness tends to exacerbate during pregnancy.

Whenever someone with chronic illness is contemplating pregnancy, a frank discussion with the physicians managing the illness and pre-pregnancy counselling with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist (an obstetrician who manages patients with medical complications of pregnancy) is advised. MFM physicians practice at referral medical centers: there are 4 such physicians based at Henry Ford Hospital (313-876-2454).

Keywords: Pregnancy, chronic illness

This information is provided for general purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.