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Respiratory function in pregnant women.
L Hirnle1, L Lysenko, H Gerber
1Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, University of Medicine, 213 Borowska St, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland, lidiahirnle@o2.pl.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 10, 2013
Summary
Physiological pregnancy causes restrictive respiratory disorders, evidenced by reduced lung volumes. Smoking may lead to obstructive issues, while birth classes improve inspiratory capacity in pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pulmonology
- Physiology
Background:
- Respiratory disorders are common during pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of women with dyspnea.
- Obesity, smoking, and pre-existing respiratory conditions can exacerbate symptoms and impact fetal well-being.
- Pregnancy involves significant physiological changes that impact respiratory mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate respiratory function in pregnant women using spirometry.
- To identify specific respiratory patterns associated with physiological pregnancy.
- To investigate the influence of lifestyle factors and pregnancy characteristics on respiratory parameters.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry testing was performed on 54 pregnant women.
- Participants were in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
- Data analysis focused on lung volumes, capacities, and flow rates, including vital capacity, expiratory reserve volume, Tiffenau ratio, and inspiratory capacity.
Main Results:
- All pregnant women exhibited reduced vital capacity and expiratory reserve volume, indicating a restrictive respiratory disorder.
- Smoking pregnant women showed a reduced Tiffenau ratio, suggesting obstructive respiratory patterns.
- Participation in birth classes positively correlated with increased inspiratory capacity.
Conclusions:
- Physiological pregnancy is associated with restrictive respiratory changes.
- Smoking during pregnancy may contribute to obstructive respiratory disorders.
- Antenatal education, such as birth classes, can positively impact respiratory function during pregnancy.
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