What is essential to monitor in a pregnant woman with a history of severe asthma?

Monitoring oxygen saturation levels in a pregnant woman with a history of severe asthma is crucial for several reasons. Asthma can lead to decreased airflow and oxygen delivery, which poses risks not only to the mother’s health but also to the fetus. During pregnancy, the physiological changes can affect respiratory function, making it important to ensure that the woman is maintaining adequate oxygen levels.

Low oxygen saturation can indicate worsening asthma control or an exacerbation of the condition, which can have direct consequences for fetal well-being, including possible hypoxia. By regularly checking oxygen saturation levels, healthcare providers can assess the effectiveness of asthma management and intervene as necessary to prevent complications such as preterm labor or low birth weight due to fetal hypoxia.

Fetal movements, weight gain, and blood pressure are important aspects of prenatal care but are not as critical in the context of managing severe asthma. While these factors warrant attention, they do not directly address the respiratory needs of the mother and fetus in the way that oxygen saturation monitoring does.