Pregnancy is associated with pleural abnormalities that may occur as a
direct consequence of pregnancy or as a pregnancy-induced exacerbatio
n of an underlying disease. Multiple reports suggest that benign pleur
al effusions occur in a variable number of patients after labor and de
livery. Other pleural abnormalities directly related to pregnancy incl
ude chylothorax, hemothorax, urinothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneum
othorax, Conditions associated with pleural effusions or pneumothorace
s that can be exacerbated by pregnancy include lymphangiomyomatosis, s
ystemic lupus erythematosus, neurofibromatosis, and hereditary hemorrh
agic telangiectasia. In caring for pregnant patients with evidence of
pleural abnormalities, clinicians must discriminate between benign con
sequences of pregnancy and serious pleuropulmonary disorders. An accur
ate and prompt diagnosis is required to ensure both maternal and fetal
well-being.