Respiratory diseases in pregnancy

Pulmonary diseases are one of the major indirect causes of maternal deaths. Pregnancy is a unique physiological state during which changes occur in all systems of the body to meet metabolic needs of both the mother and growing foetus. Enlarging uterus and increasing hormonal levels cause changes in volumes and mechanics of lungs. Understanding the basic physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory changes during pregnancy along with the pathology of disease processes are vital in making therapeutic decisions. Pre-existing conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, and acute illnesses like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumothorax can have calamitous effect on mother and child health. Continual foetal monitoring throughout pregnancy is very important in early recognition of foetal jeopardy.