How common is asthma?
More than 17 million Americans have asthma.
Why is it important to control asthma during pregnancy?
Uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can affect both the mother and the fetus. It can cause preeclampsia (very high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine) and possibly maternal death. Asthma may also cause lower birth weight, growth retardation and sometimes death.
How do you know if your asthma is controlled?
Asthma symptoms are under control if you are sleeping through the night without any breathing problems (or problems less than twice per month), not having breathing problems that exceed once or twice a week, and you are performing well on breathing tests. Pregnant women with asthma should consider being seen by a specialist who will be able to assess whether their asthma is well controlled.
Does asthma worsen during pregnancy?
Approximately one-third of women notice improvement in their asthma during pregnancy, 1/3 have an increase in asthma severity, and 1/3 of women feel no change in their asthma during pregnancy. Asthma often worsens between the second and third trimesters and improves a few weeks before labor.
Can women with asthma have safe pregnancies?
If a pregnant woman is under medical supervision for her asthma care and practices asthma control measures and her asthma is well controlled, complications are unlikely.
What tests are done to check asthma's effect on the mother and baby?
Pregnant women may have two tests done to check for lung function: spirometry and peak flow measurements. The results of these tests will help your doctor make treatment decisions during pregnancy. Ultrasound, electronic fetal heart rate monitoring, non-stress testing and daily fetal movement measurements can assess the growth and development of the fetus.
What can you do to prevent asthma episodes during pregnancy?
Avoid exposure to asthma triggers such as smoke, mold, cockroaches, pet dander, dust mites and pollen. Follow a personalized asthma control program developed by you and your physician and take your medications as directed. Report all asthma symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Primary Sources:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
American Lung Association
Canadian Lung Association
National Center For Health Statistics
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