Asthma and Pregnancy

How to handle asthma in pregnancy is an important consideration for mothers-to-be. Most mothers like to avoid use of medications during their pregnancy due to possible side effects for their unborn.

However for asthmatic women, stopping medication can have serious side effects on the health of both the mother and her unborn. In particular, it is essential that oxygen supply to the fetus is maintained at all times; by discontinuing asthma medication the mother risks restricting the air supply to her baby and herself.

Uncontrolled asthma has also been associated with low birth weights and premature deliveries. So managing asthma during pregnancy is even more important than in non-pregnant women.

Many women worry about how their asthma will affect their delivery. Generally asthma does not affect a woman’s ability to have a natural birth, and asthma attacks during labour are rare. However as always, the asthmatic mother-to-be should make sure that her obstetrician and the nursing staff in the birthing ward are informed of her asthma prior to going into labour, in case of an emergency occurring.

In summary, if well managed with normal medications, pregnant asthmatic women should be able to enjoy a normal pregnancy regardless of their condition.


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