An estimated 8 per cent of pregnant women have asthma. [1] The changes in pregnancy can be a cause of concern. Does it harm my baby? Do my symptoms get worse? Any asthma medications not suitable?  

We will answer them below.  

Severity of Asthma and Pregnancy [2]  

It is difficult to predict how your asthma will change during pregnancy. 1/3 experience asthma worsening, 1/3 have improved asthma, and 1/3 remains the same.  

From observational studies, attacks appear to be most common between weeks 17 and 24 of pregnancy. [3] It is generally less severe during the last month of pregnancy. Labour and delivery don’t usually worsen your symptoms.  

Asthma on you and your baby [2] 

Most women can breathe easily, have a normal pregnancy, and have a healthy baby with appropriate asthma therapy. Overall, the risk of poorly controlled asthma outweighs the risk of taking asthma medications.  

Before becoming pregnant, you should always consult your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping your asthma medications can harm you and your baby.  

For the rest of 2022, get a FREE asthma control check at any BIG Pharmacy outlet today! Act now before it's too late! 

Asthma medications and pregnancy. [2]  

Untreated asthma poses greater risk than asthma medications. Severe asthma attacks can reduce the oxygen supply to your baby.  

Bronchodilators (salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, etc.): These medications are safe for pregnancy. 

Inhaled Corticosteroids (fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, beclomethasone, etc.): These medications are safe for pregnancy.  

Leukotriene modifiers (montelukast, zafirlukast and zileuton): Safe. However, little research on zileuton, therefore you should discuss with your doctor if you should stop zileuton prior to getting pregnant.  

Oral Corticosteroids (prednisone and dexamethasone) – Studies show that pregnant women taking oral corticosteroids are more likely to develop gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.  

Despite this, the risk of not treating severe asthma is greater than the medication. Always speak to your doctor.  

For the rest of 2022, get a FREE asthma control check at any BIG Pharmacy outlet today! Act now before it's too late! 

References 

1. Shebl, E., & Chakraborty, R. (2022). Asthma In Pregnancy. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532283/
2. Weinberger, S., Schatz, M., & Dombrowski, M. (2022). Patient education: Asthma and pregnancy (Beyond the Basics). Retrieved 26 September 2022, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/asthma-and-pregnancy-beyond-the-basics/print 
3. Stenius-Aarniala, B., Hedman, J., & Teramo, K. (1996). Acute asthma during pregnancy. Thorax, 51(4), 411-414. doi: 10.1136/thx.51.4.411