Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

Difficulty in breathingS-131PNEUMONIAInflammation in pneumonia affects the lung parenchyma and involvesrespiratory bronchioles and alveoli. There is loss of lung capacity thatis less tolerated by pregnant women.• A radiograph of the chest may be required to confirm the diagnosisof pneumonia.• Give erythromycin base 500 mg by mouth four times per day for 7days.• Give steam inhalation.Consider the possibility of tuberculosis in areas where it is prevalent.BRONCHIAL ASTHMABronchial asthma complicates 3–4% of pregnancies. Pregnancy isassociated with worsening of the symptoms in one-third of affectedwomen.• If bronchospasm occurs, give bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol 4mg by mouth every 4 hours or 250 mcg aerosol every 15 minutesfor 3 doses).• If there is no response to bronchodilators, give corticosteroidssuch as hydrocortisone IV 2 mg/kg body weight every 4 hours asneeded.• If there are signs of infection (bronchitis), give ampicillin 2 g IVevery 6 hours.• Avoid the use of prostaglandins. For prevention and treatment ofpostpartum haemorrhage, give oxytocin 10 units IM or giveergometrine 0.2 mg IM.• After acute exacerbation has been managed, continue treatmentwith inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids toprevent recurrent acute episodes.