The effects of asthma on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

The objective of the study was to examine the perinatal outcomes of women who have asthma and to determine if peak flow values change during pregnancy. A retrospective chart audit was conducted analyzing records of 567 women with asthma who delivered between 1992 and 1997. The most common maternal complications were meconium-stained amniotic fluid, preterm labor or delivery this pregnancy, oligohydramnios, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The most common neonatal complications were meconium staining, preterm infant, and intrauterine growth restriction. Women who required systemic steroids were more likely to have oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth restricted infant, meconium staining, or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Peak flow values did not change by trimester of pregnancy. While the percentage of women who smoked was higher than the general population, smoking was not correlated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes. This study suggests an increased incidence of oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid in women with asthma. More research is needed to further the understanding of the relationship between asthma and perinatal outcomes. Prior studies have shown an association between poor control and adverse outcomes. Education is a major nursing implication.