When a woman develops pneumonia during her pregnancy, she may have a range of complications. It is important that she is aware of the symptoms and treatment options available to her. (1)
Clinical features
During pregnancy, pneumonia can cause a range of complications, including low birth weight and preterm labour. Pneumonia during pregnancy has also been associated with increased morbidity and mortality for both mothers and foetuses. However, early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving perinatal outcomes. (2)
Pregnancy weakens the immune system and increases the risk of developing pneumonia. In addition, the growing baby puts extra stress on the lungs. Combined with other conditions such as gestational diabetes, smoking and anaemia, pregnant women are at greater risk for pneumonia.
While pneumonia is typically caused by a bacterial infection, viral infections are also common. Viruses can cause pneumonia by entering the lung cells. For this reason, the use of antiviral medications may be recommended.
A recent study was conducted to evaluate the clinical features of severe pneumonia in pregnant women. It was performed at the Department of Obstetrics of University Hospital “12 de Octubre” in Madrid. (3)
Researchers analysed the medical records of 59 patients, including 25 clinically diagnosed pregnant women. The researchers used a six-point ordinal scale to evaluate dynamic changes in respiratory status.
Diagnosis of Pneumonia during Pregnancy
When pneumonia is diagnosed early, it can prevent many complications. It is important to seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of pneumonia. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and chest pain. Getting treated for pneumonia in pregnancy will help your health and the health of your baby.
Pneumonia in pregnant women is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while antiviral medications can be used to treat viral pneumonia.
In the case of bacterial pneumonia, patients may require hospitalisation. They may also have to undergo treatments such as breathing treatments or supplemental oxygen. Antibiotics and penicillin are often prescribed.
Maternal pneumonia can be diagnosed by taking a sputum sample. Chest x-rays are also useful in making the diagnosis. If pneumonia is severe, a patient might need to have invasive mechanical ventilation.
The most effective way to diagnose and treat pneumonia in pregnant women is to get an early diagnosis. A doctor will ask about your medical history, and listen to your lungs. (4)
Treatment
Pneumonia is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy. It may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection and should be treated promptly. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, coughing, fatigue and fever. A severe form of pneumonia can be fatal.
There are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing pneumonia during pregnancy. The main reason is that the body’s immune system is weakened during pregnancy. This is why you need to see a doctor right away if you start showing any of these symptoms.
Pregnant women with pneumonia are at a higher risk of complications such as low birth weight and premature delivery. Fortunately, most cases can be successfully treated.
If you’re pregnant, you should get a flu vaccine. Also, you should drink plenty of liquids and rest. Your doctor can prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers.
Depending on the type of pneumonia you have, you might need antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually safe for pregnant women. But you should ask your doctor about the best medications.
Complications
Pneumonia during pregnancy can cause complications for both the mother and the baby. It can also lead to premature birth. If pneumonia is not diagnosed and treated early, the mother and baby are at risk of developing more serious complications.
Most pregnant women experience some symptoms of pneumonia, although the symptoms may not appear until later in pregnancy. Some of the most common symptoms include fever, pain, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. However, viral infections are often difficult to treat during pregnancy. Antiviral medications can be used to prevent or eliminate viral pneumonia.
Pneumonia can affect the lungs and cause fluid to accumulate around them. When this happens, the lungs cannot get rid of carbon dioxide from the blood and the oxygen level in the blood is decreased.
The resulting hypoxemia is poorly tolerable to the foetus. This can lead to preterm labour and low birth weight. In addition, septic shock can occur, causing dangerous drops in blood pressure.
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References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pneumonia-and-pregnancy
- Pneumonia in pregnancy Cornelia R Graves 1Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Jun;53(2):329-36. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181de8a6f.
- Maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by late fetal growth restriction undergoing induction of labor with dinoprostone compared with cervical balloon: A retrospective, international study Daniele Di Mascio 1, Cecilia Villalain 2, Giuseppe Rizzo 3 4, Jose Morales‐Rosello 5, Filomena G Sileo 6, Giuseppe M Maruotti 7, Federico Prefumo 8, Alberto Galindo 2, Francesco D’Antonio 9; induCtion of labOr in Late fetaL Growth rEstriction (COLLEGE) Study Group Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021 Jul;100(7):1313-1321. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14135. Epub 2021 Apr 1.
- Pneumonia in pregnancyP S Ramsey 1, K D Ramin Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am . 2001 Sep;28(3):553-69. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8545(05)70217-5.
