Asthma Risks

• Keeping asthma controlled during pregnancy is important. If you fall into the group of women who experience worsened asthma symptoms while pregnant, it's crucial that you seek medical attention to ensure your asthma is controlled during pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma increases an expecting mother's risk of serious conditions including high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight and even miscarriage. What it all boils down to is that if you cannot breathe, neither can your child in utero---and that's a serious problem. So, even if your asthma doesn't get worse, you should continue your asthma treatments while pregnant.
  
  

Asthma Medications

• Taking any medications while you are pregnant isn't ideal, however when it comes to asthma, it's a necessity where the ends justify the means. Considering the risks of uncontrolled asthma, controlling your asthma with medications and treatments while pregnant is a must.
  Many asthma medications are safe for use during pregnancy. It's important that you consult with both your Ob/Gyn or midwife and a specialist for asthma during pregnancy, so that you are receiving care specifically that meets your needs. A pulmonologist who is aware of your pregnancy can prescribe the medications with the lowest risk factors during your pregnancy. Be sure to make your Ob/Gyn or midwife aware of what medications you are taking as well. Also, if you are pregnant during flu season, be sure to get a flu shot.
  
  

Labor

• For women who experience worsened asthma symptoms while pregnant, labor can be a concern. Will the asthma complicated labor? The good news is that as long as asthma is controlled when you go into labor, it is unlikely to cause any problems. However, be sure that you continue your asthma treatments as scheduled while laboring to ensure that your asthma remains in control.
  Furthermore, most women whose asthma is controlled during labor can use breathing techniques as part of their pain management solution.