Asthma during Pregnancy
Breathing for two: Managing Asthma during Pregnancy
You've taken the pregnancy test and it's positive. You're overjoyed to be expecting a baby, but if you have asthma, chances are you have a lot of questions and concerns about ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Here's the good news: according to The New Asthma Action Handbook, published by The Lung Association, studies show that when asthma is well controlled, a woman has no greater chance of complications during pregnancy and birth1than a woman without asthma. In general, one-third of women find their asthma improves during pregnancy, another third find their symptoms get worse, and the remainder see no change in their asthma symptoms.
During pregnancy you are breathing for two, and the effects of a mother's uncontrolled asthma can impact the baby. Uncontrolled asthma can impact a baby's healthy growth and development due to a reduced oxygen supply. To understand what good control is, make an appointment to see your doctor. The first step to ensuring a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby is to speak with your health care professional who can help you understand so that well informed decisions can be made.
Most asthma medications are safe during pregnancy, but a visit with your doctor will determine what's right for you. Together, you can develop an Asthma Action Plan, and determine an appropriate treatment regimen to keep asthma symptoms in check.
For more information check out The Lung Association's Web site (Ontario, Canada version) at
www.on.lung.ca. You can order your free copy of The New Asthma Action Handbook containing an Asthma Action Plan.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution during pregnancy. For information on asthma during pregnancy, speak to your doctor or contact a Certified Asthma Educator by calling The Lung Association's toll-free Asthma Action Helpline at 1-800-668-7682.
Editor's note: U.S. based readers can visit the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website.
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