Asthma & Pregnancy
You’ve just found out you’re pregnant, Congratulations! Wonderful news BUT you have asthma, how is this going to affect you? It is hard to predict how asthma will affect your pregnancy because every woman is different. As a general rule:
1/3
of asthmatics
- Get Better
- Stay the Same
- Get Worse
The most important thing you need to know in pregnancy is that ALL commonly used medications in asthma is SAFE in pregnancy and you must not stop your treatment. The risks of complications because of your asthma to you and your baby is extremely small when your asthma is well controlled.
You Have Just Found Out You Are Pregnant!
What's Next?
Make sure you make an appointment to see your doctor and review your asthma treatment. Ensuring you have good asthma control during pregnancy is important to ensure safe delivery of a healthy baby.
Controlling your asthma
Do not smoke
Eat well
- Good asthma control can be achieved by ensuring that you take your asthma inhalers and medications as prescribed.
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor every 4-6 weeks during your pregnancy.
- Inform your obstetrician that you have asthma.
- If you have persisting symptoms you may need to see an asthma specialist who will then care for you during your pregnancy.
- Ensure that you have an asthma action plan so you have a clear management plan for your asthma during pregnancy.
Smoking is not good for your asthma, your baby, and your health. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and premature labour – if your baby is born early, there is a chance that their lungs may not be developed fully, leading to a risk of wheezing and other lung problems later in life.
There are no restrictions or “pantangs” to what you can eat. The best advice is to have a healthy balanced diet.
- Good asthma control can be achieved by ensuring that you take your asthma inhalers and medications as prescribed.
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor every 4-6 weeks during your pregnancy.
- Inform your obstetrician that you have asthma.
- If you have persisting symptoms you may need to see an asthma specialist who will then care for you during your pregnancy.
- Ensure that you have an asthma action plan so you have a clear management plan for your asthma during pregnancy.
Smoking is not good for your asthma, your baby, and your health. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and premature labour – if your baby is born early, there is a chance that their lungs may not be developed fully, leading to a risk of wheezing and other lung problems later in life.
There are no restrictions or “pantangs” to what you can eat. The best advice is to have a healthy balanced diet.
Taking Asthma Medication During Pregnancy
Asthma medications are safe in pregnancy. There is a greater risk to both you and your baby if you don’t take your asthma treatment and your asthma gets worse. These include all inhalers – reliever and preventer, and steroid tablets.
The leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast or Singulair) would not usually be started in pregnancy BUT if you had been taking one of these medicines before you were pregnant and your asthma was well controlled, your doctor may advise that you continue as good asthma control is important during pregnancy.
If you have any concerns at all about the medications that you are taking or the level of your asthma control during pregnancy, please make an appointment with your doctor and seek appropriate medical advice.
Asthma Worsen
During Pregnancy
If you find that your asthma symptoms are getting worse, make an appointment to see your GP or specialist. You may need a change in medication to control your symptoms. Sometimes you may need to see a respiratory specialist for follow up during your pregnancy.
Having an asthma attack whether you’re pregnant or not is ALWAYS a medical emergency. You need to seek medical advice immediately and either see your doctor or go immediately to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department.