Treatment during pregnancy

Approximately 1 out of every 15 pregnant women has asthma. During pregnancy, it is especially important that asthma be kept under control. Uncontrolled asthma puts both mother and child at risk and can result in lower birth weights. When asthma flares out of control, oxygen supply will be decreased in the maternal blood and therefore to the fetus as well. Since the fetus requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrition to properly develop, this can result in slowed growth and development.

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Communicating with your "asthma" physician is extremely important. Most inhaled medications are very safe to use during pregnancy. Oral medications (pills) may be avoided unless deemed necessary, depending on the medicaton. Generally the treatment of asthma during pregnancy is the same as your usual treatment--you should avoid triggers, monitor symptoms and airflows, and continue medications as prescribed.

Remember, the risks of not controlling asthma are greater than the risks, if any, involved with medication use. Your doctor will work with you to keep both you and your baby safe and healthy.

If you are allergic and receive allergy injections, they are safe to continue during pregnancy. Your doctor will most likely continue at your current dose and not increase it during the pregnancy. You should not start allergy injections for the first time if you are pregnant.