ABSTRACT
Pregnant women may develop complications of the respiratory system in pregnancy. Some of these may be to do with a pre-existing illness such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Some may arise due to pregnancy complications such as pulmonary oedema. Assessment of respiratory rate and oxygen saturations are key in the early detection of deteriorating health in pregnant women. This chapter examines the physiological and anatomical changes to the respiratory system in pregnancy and reviews midwifery assessment of respiratory function.
