Asthma and childbirth

[stargirl1701]

I saw my GP on Tues last week as my peak flow had dropped to 300. She prescribed Prednisone (sp?) 40mg daily for 5 days. I felt better about 6 hours after the first dose.

I saw the MW today for 38 week appt and she feels that I am no longer suitable for the midwife unit due to the course of oral steroids.

Any advice? Anyone had similar?

[MrsPatrickDempsey]

Never come across this (midwife and lifelong asthma sufferer myself). I would ask for clarification and rationale why exactly you are no longer low risk. (Just can't think why.....).

[stargirl1701]

She said if I had an attack in labour it would be a 999 ambulance which I think is odd. If I had an attack, I would use my inhalers. There would be loads of time to get me to a hospital, in my opinion. My very first attack lasted 12 hours before I sought any medical help (I wouldn't do that again!). I just wouldn't class it as an emergency, life threatening condition.

She's phoning tomorrow! Fingers crossed.

[lizhow14]

Hi,
I can't see why it would automatically mean you would need to now be in consultant unit. Is your asthma usually well controlled? Is your peak flow reduced because of infection/exasserbation of aathma or lack of space from bump?
My asthma is usually well controlled and only flares with infection-had a chest infection in May and ended up having nebuliser and course of steroids. Still planning for my home birth in October.
If my asthma was poorly controlled and I needed lots of oral steroids throughout pregnancy then I would probably be under consultant care and would seek their guidance and expertise.

[stargirl1701]

I haven't needed an inhaler for 8 years now. Very well controlled. GP thinks it's been the very high pollen count and no oral hay fever meds (due to pg) that have triggered this year's flare up. 2 courses of oral steroids since Spring. I was asked to monitor my peak flow after the first flare up. Anything under 300 was to be reported to GP.

I hope MW calls soon!

[lizhow14]

don't think you should have an issue then. I use preventer inhaler twice per day and reliever occasionally when needed (usually height of summer or winter when I have chest infection) and my asthma never seen as a problem. Good luck!

[stargirl1701]

She called! The consultant feels there is no issue as things stand. I would just follow my normal inhaler routine and if that didn't work then a transfer to hospital as a non-emergency.

Thank goodness!

[crunchyfrog]

I had a home birth 5 days after being discharged form hospital after a bad attack - I was on steroids and huge doses of anti-biotics (infection following 'flu.)

The MW just kept an eye, it did mean I couldn't lie down as I wanted as it triggered wheezing, but all was well.

My (horrible) GP for my first pregnancy refused HB because I was asthmatic and I didn't know enough then to challenge him. As long as everyone knows and you have a good care plan, there's no reason to be refused MW care.