Asthma and labour...what happens??

[first1]

I've still got ages to go, am only 22+4 but asthmatic and since 20weeks, pregnancy has definitely made it worse. Doc has upped my inhalers and over xmas I was on antib's for a suspected chest infection. Does anyone have any experience of how this is dealt with in labour? Are there only certain types of pain relief on offer? Is it silly to suspect that gas and air is a no no? I'm scared of having an attack during it all. And will the consultant consider early induction to at least avoid a few weeks of normal pregnancy breathlessness on top of the asthma at the end? I've got my next checkup at 24weeks but with the GP, won't see the MW till 28weeks so just looking for a bit of advice.

Hi I've asthma but it is well controlled, unless a cold/chest infections makes it flare up. When I had my dd 4 yrs ago it wasn't a problem, I used gas & air in the early stages & it was ok. I am 20 wks & struggling breathing wise more this time round although last time I seem to remember that in the last month or so it was much easier chest wise, I suppose because the baby moves down & takes the pressure of your chest.

Oh, am glad you have put this on first1 - I am in much the same boat. Have just finished some antibiotics, but Asthma is still a problem. DH, who has had asthma forever, has suggested I wait a while to see if it all settles down. Will wait to with bated breath as well to see what else is said here...

I had a really bad case of asthma during my last pregnancy.

I thought it was quite strange when one day I realised I hadn't needed to use the inhaler all day! Ds came 2 day's later. lol.

Practicing your breathing techniques wouldn't hurt though!

I have moderate asthma (take brown and blue inhalers every day but well controlled). I did find myself very breathless mid-way through this pregnancy, at about your stage actually, and GP upped my dosage of the brown one. I am now 37 weeks and it's gone away completely. Just taking my usual but don't feel chesty at all. I guess baby has moved down a bit so it's easier to breathe.

It will get better.

I hope it does ease towards the end, it's nice to hear of stories where it does! My asthma is always much worse at night. GP says it's the growng uterus pushing on my diaphragm as I'm lying flat. Ahh not fun! Wibblela I was put on 5days low dose of prednisolone (sp?) along with the antib's. I was reluctant to take them but triple checked with GP, MW and pharmacist (!) about their safety, and they really did help. Hope you start feeling better soon. We're May buddies I think

I'm moderately ashmatic (again controlled with brown and blue inhalers) and IME no problems with asthma giving birth. And don't forget good old gas and air is in part pure oxygen!

What Ande said. In fact, this is the first time in nearly 8 years that I've thought about what happened to my breathing during labour. I am pretty certain that inhalers didn't feature - maybe adrenalin or something?

i have asthma and this was my biggest fear when giving birth. i just left my inhalors on display so the medics could see. they put it in capital letters on the top of my notes at my request and i also made sure my partner told every new medic that came in i was asthmatic. obsessive i know but i was scared on a good note it went well and the gas and air was fantastic stuff if anything it improved my breathing