| Asthma and pregnancy | 359.000000000000 | Asthma and pregnancy | Asthma and pregnancy | A | English | Pregnancy | Adult (19+) | Body | Reproductive system | Conditions and diseases | Prenatal
Adult (19+) | Cough;Wheezing | | 2009-09-11T04:00:00Z | | Nicolette Caccia, MEd, MD, FRCSCRory Windrim, MB, MSc, FRCSC | | | | 11.0000000000000 | 49.0000000000000 | 468.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about the effects of asthma in pregnancy. Various tips for effectively keeping asthma under control are included.</p> | <p>Asthma is one of the most common serious medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy, affecting about 4% to 8% of all pregnant women. When a pregnant mother has trouble breathing, her unborn baby has problems receiving all the oxygen they need. Severe asthma can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and death of the baby in the second half of pregnancy or shortly after birth. The risks of these complications can be reduced if asthma is well controlled. </p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>If asthma is well controlled during pregnancy, there is an excellent chance of having a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby.</li>
<li>It is safer to take asthma medications than to risk having asthma attacks.</li>
<li>If you are prone to asthma attacks, talk to your doctor about how to manage them during pregnancy.</li></ul> | <p>Some women find that their asthma improves during pregnancy; some find that it stays about the same; and some find that it gets worse, especially after the fourth month. In the third trimester, the enlarged uterus may crowd the lungs and lead to more frequent asthma flare-ups. </p>
<p>The good news is that, if asthma is well controlled during pregnancy, there is an excellent chance of having a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby. It has been determined that it is safer to take asthma medications than to risk having asthma attacks. A stepwise approach to the treatment of asthma is recommended in pregnancy, where the medication is stepped up in intensity if needed, and stepped down if possible. This requires careful monitoring by your obstetrician, preferably in collaboration with the physician who usually manages your asthma. </p>
<h2>Tips for keeping asthma under control</h2>
<p>If you are prone to asthma attacks, it is important to treat them immediately, with a plan that has been determined between you and your doctor. Here are a few tips to keep your asthma under control: </p>
<ul>
<li>If you smoke, try very hard to quit! </li>
<li>Identify and remove the environmental triggers that lead to your asthma attacks. These could include pollen, dust, mould, tobacco smoke, cleaning products, and perfumes. Animal dander is another possible trigger, so you may need to board Fluffy with a friend while you are pregnant. </li>
<li>If you were taking allergy shots before you became pregnant, check with your doctor to make sure that you can continue taking them during pregnancy. </li>
<li>If you have exercise-induced asthma, check with your doctor to see if you should take a preventive medication before exercising. </li>
<li>Avoid colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent an asthma attack at the onset of a cold. You may also want to consider getting a flu shot. </li>
<li>Determine a medication plan with your doctor; some asthma medications are used for preventive purposes and others may be needed in case of an asthma attack. When you feel an asthma attack coming on, use the medication immediately, to prevent depriving the unborn baby of oxygen. If the medication does not work, go to the emergency department of your closest hospital immediately. </li>
<li>Make sure that the medications you take are approved by your doctor for use during your pregnancy. </li></ul>
<p>For more information, see our <a href="/asthma">Asthma</a> Health A-Z<br></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/asthma_and_pregnancy.jpg | | | | | | | Asthma and pregnancy | | | | |
