It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy even if you have asthma; however, you must take extra precautions to keep your asthma under control during this time.
Asthma, Pregnancy, and Possible Complications
If your asthma is not kept under control during pregnancy, there are several complications that can occur. High blood pressure, toxemia, eclampsia, or severe bleeding are all possible complications, as is a difficult labor and delivery. There is also the chance that your baby will be born prematurely, with a lower birth weight. It is therefore very important to the health of you and your baby that you control your asthma while you’re pregnant.
Asthma Medications
Many medical studies demonstrate that difficulties with your asthma can cause significant problems with your pregnancy. Therefore, it’s recommended that you continue to take your asthma medications while you are pregnant, even though many women express concerns about how the medication may affect the baby.
In most cases, asthma inhalers contain such a low dose of medication that many doctors believe there is little harm to your baby. However, if you take an oral medication for your asthma, you might want to speak with your doctor. He or she may switch your medications, decrease your dose of an existing medication, or switch you to an asthma inhaler. If it is at all possible, these medications should not be used during the first three months of your pregnancy, as the chances of harming your baby are much higher during the first trimester.
Controlling Asthma While Pregnant
As mentioned previously, good control of your asthma is essential to having a successful pregnancy. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to limit the impact of asthma on your baby.
Determine an asthma plan: Your prenatal doctor and your asthma doctor can determine what kind of medication is appropriate and what dosage will be safe for you and your baby.
Determine your asthma triggers: You might find it helpful to keep a diary of the specific things that seem to trigger your asthma. Once you’re familiar with them, try to find a way to avoid these triggers.
Coordinate your care: Be sure your prenatal doctor and your asthma doctor work together to provide your care. This will help to prevent any medical mistakes that may occur during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Effects on Asthma
Unfortunately, pregnancy can aggravate your asthma and make it worse, although this is not the case for every woman. Many women claim that their asthma didn’t change at all during their pregnancies, while others said their asthma was actually better while they were pregnant. If you’ve been pregnant before and your asthma was worse, it will probably be the same during your future pregnancies. However, if your asthma did not get more severe during your pregnancy, it probably will not do so this time either.
To Get Pregnant or Not to Get Pregnant
Asthma should not be a reason for you to not become pregnant. However, if your asthma is severe, you need to speak with your doctor before becoming pregnant, if possible. You doctor can help you decide which is the best course of action to take for the benefit of you and your baby.
