Pregnancy and Asthma

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How does pregnancy affect asthma?

Pregnancy is not likely to bring on asthma if you didn’t previously have it, but the effect of pregnancy on women who do have asthma is unpredictable. Around one third of pregnant women will see an improvement, one third will see no change and one third will experience a worsening of their symptoms. A review of some studies on asthma and pregnancy found that if asthma symptoms do get worse, it’s most likely to happen in the second and third trimester of pregnancy with the peak in the 6th month. Another study found that symptoms were at their worse between 24- 36 weeks after this symptoms decreased and around 90% of woman had no asthma symptoms during labour and birth. For more information on labour and birth classes see www.antenatalonline.ie

The best way to ensure a health pregnancy is to keep your asthma well controlled by sticking to you asthma treatment plan. If your asthma is well controlled, there is little or no risk of bad outcomes for you or your baby. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, see your GP for advice on how to manage your asthma.

 

Asthma treatments and pregnancy.

The asthma treatments you are prescribed should be continued during your pregnancy. Unless your asthma gets worse, your treatment can safely remain exactly as before. If you stop treatment and your asthma becomes uncontrolled, your health will be at risk and you can also increase the risk of your baby having a low birth weight.

During your pregnancy you will receive support from you midwife but your usual doctor, nurse specialise or clinic may continue to manage your asthma care. If your asthma gets worse you will be referred appropriately.

You can continue your asthma treatment while you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding class is available on https://www.antenatalonline.ie/classes/antenatal-classes/  During your post-natal period when you are busy with your baby, it is very important not to neglect your own health and to keep you asthma under control.

 

Warning signs to watch out for.

Signs that your asthma may be getting worse include:

A cough that is worse at night or early evening or on exercise

Wheezing

Breathlessness

Tightness of your chest

You are also more likely to suffer from acid reflux while you are pregnant. This occurs when stomach acid leaks back up into your oesophagus and tends to make the asthma worse. If you have these symptoms speak to your doctor or midwife who will advise you on the best treatments.

 

Managing your asthma during pregnancy.

If you have asthma you should have a plan where you can manage your treatment if your symptoms change. For example, if you have a cough or cold your asthma gets worse in this case you can increase your preventer inhaler (steroid), or start them if you don’t take them on a regular basis. This is safe during pregnancy.

While you can continue to exercise and work normally, there are some steps you can take to try to prevent your asthma from getting worse during your pregnancy:

Avoid smoking

Avoid allergic triggers such as pet fur

Control hay fever with antihistamines, talk to your doctor about which antihistamines are safe during pregnancy

Avoid hay fever triggers such a mowing the grass.