Asthma is a chronic health disease. If a woman is pregnant it can have a negative impact on her and her baby’s health. However, if a woman is having an effective treatment for asthma then there are few or no risks of getting asthma-related complications. Otherwise, severe asthma during pregnancy can raise the risk of several problems, including:
- preeclampsia (pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension)
- poor growth of the fetus
- premature birth of a baby
- the requirement for a C-section
Pregnancy can cause the worsening of asthma. On the other side, it may cause it to improve or remain unaffected. If asthma becomes better during pregnancy then the improvement is usually slow with the progression of pregnancy. In case asthma gets worse, then the symptoms will increase during the first and third trimesters.
Are Asthma Medicines Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
Any medicine can have a risk if taken without the recommendation of a doctor during pregnancy. Same is the case of asthma medicines. Administration of systemic glucocorticoids during pregnancy can cause various risks such as the risk of preeclampsia, infant oral clefts, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight.
However, it is safer to take asthma medicines during pregnancy than suffering asthma symptoms. If a pregnant asthma patient suffers difficulty in breathing, then the baby may also not get sufficient oxygen.
If you require medicines to manage, treat or control your asthma during pregnancy, then your doctor will prescribe you the safest medicines. You should take the medicines as prescribed.
What Should Be Done to Prevent Complications?
Take good care of yourself as well as of your baby. You should:
- Visit your doctor regularly: Visit your doctor regularly during your pregnancy and ask any questions if you have.
- Take medicines as prescribed: Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the medicines you are using.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen asthma and it is equally harmful to the health of your baby.
- Avoid triggers: Avoid exposure to all kinds of triggers such as pollens, second-hand smoke, and
- Prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease: This disease causes acid reflux and heartburn, which can worsen the asthma symptoms. If you suffer from it then try some ways to control it such as:
- raise the head of the bed
- eat smaller meals
- before lying down wait for at least three hours after eating food
- Identify the symptoms: Recognize the signs if asthma is getting worse, such as coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.
Is Asthma Inherited to the Baby?
There are several factors that can raise the risk of developing asthma including inherited. Also, a woman who smoked during pregnancy increases the chances of developing asthma for her baby.
