Asthma & Pregnancy
Most women with asthma do tend to have normal pregnancies however during pregnancy, asthma control oftens changes, presumably related to hormonal influences, though it is unpredictable. Many women’s asthmas control improves in pregnancy, whilst other get significantly worse. In general, one third gets better, one third gets worse and the other third stay the same during pregnancy.
However, Asthma management is crucial during pregnancy as most symptoms can vary. It can increase the risk of complications for both the mother (like preeclampsia) and the baby (such as premature birth or low birth weight). Women should consult their doctor, asthma nurse, and midwife as soon as they know they are pregnant to create a management plan and continue their prescribed medications.
Treatments For Asthma & Pregnancy
The good news is asthma treatments during pregnancy are safe yet essential. It is vital to continue using your prescribed preventer and reliever inhalers, along with medications like Montelukast or oral steroids for exacerbations, this protects the mother and the baby from the risks of poorly controlled asthma, which include low birth weight.
Additionally, managing asthma during pregnancy involves avoiding known triggers, preventing hay fever, stopping smoking & staying active to maintain a good health.
Below are the key asthma medications
- Preventer Inhalers: Inhaled corticosteroids are essential for controlling airway inflammation and should be taken exactly as prescribed.
- Reliever Inhalers: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) can be safely used when needed to relieve asthma symptoms.
- MART and AIR Inhalers: Combined maintenance and reliever inhalers, or single inhaler reliever therapies, are considered safe options.
- Montelukast (Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists): Continuing montelukast is safe during pregnancy.
- Theophylline: Safe at recommended doses, but serum levels should be monitored as pregnancy can alter how the body processes the drug
- Oral Steroids: Short courses of oral corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) are safe for managing asthma flare-ups, with benefits that outweigh potential risks.
Please note: Asthma inhalers, relievers or preventers are safe to use as normal during breast feeding.
Montelukast can be used if needed. There is limited research but amount in breastmilk appears significantly lower than that licensed to be given to a 6-month-old baby.
Prednisolone 40mg for 5 days is unlikely to affect the baby and breastfeeding can continue as normal.
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Managing Your Asthma During Pregnancy
To help manage your asthma during pregnancy, involves consulting a doctor for an early asthma review, continuing prescribed medication such as inhaled corticosteroids (like budesonide) and bronchodilators, avoiding triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using a written asthma action plan. Regular monitoring, including potential spirometry and ultrasounds, helps ensure good control for both the mother and the baby.
Below are some tips for Asthma during your pregnancy
- Early review: Schedule an asthma review with your GP or nurse as early as possible in your pregnancy to discuss management and potential changes to your condition.
- Ashtma Action Plan: Have an up-to-date written asthma action plan and share it with your midwife and healthcare team.
- Medication Adherence: Continue using prescribed preventer medications (Like inhaled corticosteroids) and reliever medications, as they are generally considered safe and essential for preventing complications.
- Avoid triggers: Be mindful of your personal asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet and continue to exercise
- No Smoking: Quit smoking to reduce risks for both you and your baby and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Flu Shot: Get an annual flu shot to prevent the potentially severe effects of the flu during pregnancy.
Monitoring & care
- Regular Check-ups: Have regular, often monthly, reviews to check how well your asthma is controlled and adjust medication as needed.
- Fetal Monitoring: Your healthcare team will conduct regular ultrasounds to monitor the baby’s growth and organ development.
- FeNO Testing: Some women may benefit from FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) testing to help manage eosinophilic inflammation in their lungs.
Early Detection of Asthma During Pregnancy
Seeking an ultrasound scan early when you are displaying signs or symptoms of asthma during pregnancy is important to help you understand and process the changes within your body throughout pregnancy.
With clear ultrasound imaging, the gestational sac can be visualised, and the presence of an embryo determined.
Early pregnancy scans from Peek A Baby help give you peace of mind. If the outcome is not what you expect, our team can help support you and guide you in the right direction for further support during this emotional time.
Asthma & Giving Birth
It is very rare to endure an asthma attack during your birth. If you have asthma symptoms during labour, it’s safe to use your reliever inhaler as normal.
Make sure you tell your midwife and the hospital staff about any allergies you have.
Book an Early Scan Appointment
If you are experiencing a range of symptoms and would like to confirm your pregnancy early, book your early pregnancy reassurance scan with your local Peek A Baby clinic today. Our team are here from the moment you step foot into our clinics to help and support you along your journey, whatever the outcome.
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