Asthma in pregnancy

If you suffer from asthma it’s even more vital that you keep your symptoms under control during pregnancy. This is because inadequately treated asthma can raise your risk of giving birth to your baby prematurely. During an asthma attack, your breathlessness reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and this, in turn, reduces the amount of oxygen travelling through the umbilical cord to your baby. This can put him at risk since he requires a constant supply of oxygen for normal growth and development.

How asthma affects pregnancy

It’s difficult to predict how asthma might affect your pregnancy – around one third of women find that their symptoms actually improve while they’re pregnant; one third find their symptoms worsen (usually during the late second and early third trimester); and one third stay the same. If your asthma was relatively mild before you became pregnant, it’s more likely to ease off and you may suffer no symptoms at all while you’re pregnant. However, if you do suffer an asthma attack it may be more severe in pregnancy – if this happens, and you’re feeling tightness in your chest and finding it difficult to draw breath, call 911 or ask someone to take you to the local ER where you can be given oxygen. (If your asthma is worse in pregnancy and you’re planning a pre-baby vacation, it’s a good precaution not to travel to any remote locations without easy access to medical facilities.)

Asthma medications in pregnancy

If you’re unlucky enough to find that your asthma worsens, it’s important to remember that it can still be controlled and if it is you have just as much chance of having a full-term, healthy baby as a woman without asthma. Make sure your OB-GYN or midwife knows that you’re asthmatic and that they’re fully informed about what medications you’re taking. Most asthmatics take two medications: one for long-term control of symptoms and the other in the event of an asthma attack. The majority of controller medications are considered safe for use in pregnancy; as are rescue medications, since these remain in the body for just a short period of time. It’s possible your caregiver may switch your medication or alter the dosage if she feels there is any risk to your baby.

If you’re among the lucky third whose symptoms ease off, don’t be tempted to stop using your meds – an asthma attack poses a much greater risk to your unborn baby than your medications. Also, if your asthma is uncontrolled you’re more likely to have complications during your pregnancy. As well as being more likely to arrive early, your baby may be smaller than average and may need hospitalisation because of this. Poorly controlled asthma also raises your risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and this is linked with a potentially harmful condition called pre-eclampsia.

Protecting yourself and your baby

Avoiding your asthma triggers is even more vital in pregnancy. You may find that your sensitivity to certain asthma triggers (for example, cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, allergic reactions to irritants such as dust) decreases or increases and that certain triggers that didn’t cause you problems before do while you’re pregnant. Steering clear of triggers can help you avoid an attack and also may reduce the need for medication.

Because your growing baby compacts your stomach, you may experience gastroesophageal reflux while pregnant (the symptoms include heartburn). This can worsen asthma symptoms. Sinus infections and respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, may also aggravate asthma during pregnancy – this means it’s a good precaution to get a flu shot if you’re pregnant during flu season (October through March). Stress can also cause an asthma attack, so try to get as much rest as possible during your pregnancy and use controlled breathing to calm you if you feel tense and anxious.

And don’t panic as your due date approaches – only 10 percent of asthma sufferers have an attack during their labor, and most women find their symptoms return to normal within three months of their baby’s birth.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Published: September 2008

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Last Modified: 24/09/2008

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