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Maternal (Expert Forum)
adrenal insufficiency and asthma control during pregnancy
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care
adrenal insufficiency and asthma control during pregnancy
by Mosie__0, Aug 17, 1998 12:00AM
I have adrenal insufficiency and ashthma. Also chronic sinusitis. I want to get pregnant. What are the concerns related to these chronic conditions and their treatment during pregnancy on the fetus and for breastfeeding. Any special concerns for delivery? I am physically active, 42. I take regular replacement doses of hydrocortisone and oral zyflo and zantac for gastric reflux. Also medihalers including flovent, tilade, and combivent, as well as a regular antihistimine. Thank you for any information you can relate.
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.
