Asthma and pregnancy
Risks
Key points for pregnant women with asthma to remember are as follows:
- Asthma can sometimes worsen during the third trimester or during labour and delivery
- Women with moderate to severe asthma are at increased risk of an asthma attack during pregnancy and delivery
- Maintaining good asthma control during pregnancy will reduce the risk of any asthma-related problems
- Poorly controlled asthma can pose a health threat to both the mother and unborn child
- Severe asthma attack results in low oxygen levels in expectant mothers, this can often lead to poor foetal weight gain. To avoid this, a pregnant woman is more likely to receive oxygen therapy during an acute asthma attack. The doctor may also advise lung function tests and blood gas studies after an acute attack.
Good asthma control is essential when pregnant; you can talk to your GP, Practice Nurse or Midwife to work out an asthma plan that is best suited to your needs.
Asthma medications
Many women feel uneasy about taking medications during pregnancy. If you have asthma, the important thing to remember is that maintaining good asthma control during your pregnancy will reduce any asthma-related risks for you and your baby.
Please inform your doctor if you are already pregnant or planning a family so adequate changes, if necessary, can be made to your current asthma medication.Do not stop taking your asthma medications without consulting your GP or practice nurse for further advice.
View a list of medications to avoid when pregnant.
Achieving good asthma control
Tips for managing asthma in pregnancy :
- Consult with your doctor about the best way to manage your signs and symptoms and which medications are appropriate in pregnancy.
- Take asthma medications only as directed by your doctor.
- Notify your doctor if your asthma gets worse despite treatment.
- Avoid asthma triggers, including cigarette smoke and allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.
- Get a flu vaccination. This is particularly relevant for women who are going to be more than 3 months pregnant during flu season (flu season lasts from October-March).
- Avoid direct /passive smoking during pregnancy as this increases the risk of a severe asthma episode and the risk of your child developing asthma.
Having asthma should not interfere with your ability to practice your pre-natal breathing techniques or breastfeed your baby. Please speak to your GP, Practice nurse or midwife if you have any concerns.
Breastfeeding with asthma
Breast feeding is widely encouraged in new mothers due to its numerous health benefits such as boosting immunity in newborns. The transfer of most drugs into breast milk has not been precisely evaluated; however, there appears to be no evidence that asthma medications adversely affect nursing babies. It is advisable to speak to your midwife or GP about any concerns you may have regarding breastfeeding your chid as they will be able to give the best advice based on your medical history and current medication.
More information about managing asthma during pregnanacy can be found at the following links:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Women's health