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.