Imagine navigating the complexities of pregnancy while also managing a chronic condition like asthma – it’s not just challenging, it’s an uphill battle for many women. This struggle is the focus of a groundbreaking study taking place in southern New South Wales, aiming to provide better insights and support for expectant mothers facing asthma-related issues.
Queanbeyan Hospital has proudly become the first rural site to participate in the National Health and Medical Research Council-funded Treatable Traits in Pregnancy (TTAP) Study, as this important research initiative broadens its reach into the southern regions of the state.
Leading this effort at the Queanbeyan branch is midwife Alexandra Overton, who emphasizes that the research team is adopting a "holistic and dynamic" approach to understanding the experiences of pregnant women with asthma. This study initially launched with a pilot program in 2024, which has since expanded to include various locations across New South Wales and Victoria.
According to Ms. Overton, Queanbeyan stands out as the most rural setting among all participating sites, allowing researchers to gather diverse perspectives that enrich the overall data and findings. She explains, "It just gives a bit of a different perspective into the research data and the statistics, making it more well-rounded."
Throughout the course of the study, participants will make three visits, where they will delve into how their "treatable traits"—which are specific factors that may exacerbate asthma symptoms—impact their condition.
"The majority of our study involves asking detailed questions about their symptoms, assessing their inhaler techniques, and providing personalized feedback," Ms. Overton notes. By monitoring these aspects during each appointment, the team aims to observe any improvements or declines in asthma management. "We can continually update their general practitioner if adjustments to their asthma management plan are necessary."
During these appointments, sophisticated tools are utilized to measure inflammation and carbon monoxide levels, alongside evaluations of lung capacity, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive check-ups without altering their standard maternity care.
Preliminary data from the Queanbeyan site has suggested a possible link between asthma and hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Additionally, connections have been noted between asthma and other common pregnancy-related issues, including reflux and anxiety.
Ms. Overton highlights, "There’s a lot of overlap between the symptoms of these typical pregnancy conditions and those of asthma. Our goal is to carefully distinguish between them and identify any correlations, allowing us to track changes throughout pregnancy."
The study offers participants what Ms. Overton affectionately refers to as "extra TLC" over the span of three appointments. Each year, approximately 60 women receiving care at Queanbeyan Hospital for their pregnancies also contend with asthma, some requiring consistent management to mitigate potential health risks.
"There’s an increased association with complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, and premature birth—outcomes we definitely want to avoid," she explains. Furthermore, she points out, "Babies born to mothers with unmanaged asthma may face a higher risk of developing atopic diseases, including eczema and allergies. If we can effectively manage asthma during pregnancy, we can significantly reduce these risks."
It is crucial for research to include smaller communities, as Ms. Overton notes, "Many large studies tend to concentrate on urban areas. While there is value in that, it often overlooks the nuances crucial to understanding health issues in rural and regional populations."
For those interested in contributing to this vital study, the research team encourages you to reach out by calling 0407 424 711 or emailing alexandramarie.reynolds@health.nsw.gov.au. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this significant research, as this phase of the study is set to conclude in March 2027.
