Asthma in pregnancy.

Asthma is the most common respiratory crisis complicating pregnancy. Asthma is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction, airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness. The cornerstone of management involves the use of inhaled beta2-receptor agonists and inhaled corticosteroids.

Poor control and exacerbations of asthma during pregnancy may result in maternal hypoxia with resultant decreases in fetal oxygen saturation and fetal hypoxia, which has been associated with an increased incidence of low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and cesarean delivery. Therefore, the goals of therapy are to maintain normal pulmonary function, control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, avoid adverse effects of medication, and deliver a healthy baby.