Asthma in Pregnancy Symptoms & Treatment Guidelines

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Asthma is a very common chronic lung condition. For women who are pregnant, having asthma could affect both their health and the health of their baby. Learning more about asthma, its effect on a pregnancy and how to control it is the best way to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to keep the following in mind while you are going through this season of your life. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

Problems with Asthma and Pregnancy

If you are already treating your asthma and it is under control, there is typically no concern for complications. However, for women who are not in this situation, complications are more likely. For example, it is common for women with severe, uncontrolled asthma to develop severe morning sickness and vaginal bleeding.

Complications could also come up regarding the woman’s blood pressure and preeclampsia. The baby could also be born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Their fetal growth could be restricted and the woman could have a complicated labor. In some very extreme conditions, the baby’s life could even be at risk.

Taking Asthma Medication

Keep in mind that you should discuss all the medication you take while you are pregnant with your doctor. Anything you do take will affect your baby. However, most of the time, asthma medications are safe to take while you are pregnant. Some forms of systemic glucocorticoids do have added health concerns for the baby, but there are many safe options out there.

For the most part, doctors take a look at what the risks are if you were to stop taking your medications. For women with asthma, there is much greater risk of harm if you stop taking your asthma medication than if you take it. For that reason, most doctors will have their patients continue to take their asthma medication when they become pregnant.

Tests

For women that do struggle to control their asthma, additional testing may be necessary. These tests will usually begin at the 32nd week of your pregnancy. They will be used to monitor your baby’s activity and their growth.

If your asthma symptoms happen to get worse, your doctor may suggest a fetal monitor or a biophysical profile. These are prenatal tests that will help determine how the baby is progressing and how healthy it is.

Taking care of yourself while you are pregnant is extremely important, especially if you suffer from asthma. Make sure you attend all your prenatal care appointments and that you are following your doctor’s instructions closely.

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Alyssia Granger
Alyssia Granger | ConceiveEasy
Alyssia is mom to 2 giggley twin girls, Sophia and Emma, and son Hunter. She's a Southern girl, passionate about photography, travel and her husband Josh.

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