Asthma and Airway Centre

The Asthma Education Handbook

Asthma and Pregnancy

The Mother and the Unborn Child
Asthma is generally managed in the same manner as it had been prior to pregnancy. The unborn child will remain healthy as long as the mother remains well. Asthma is a variable disease that occasionally worsens and improves spontaneously. The pattern of asthma during pregnancy is unlikely to change significantly. The goal of management is to keep asthma under control thus keeping the mother as well as possible. This can be achieved by practicing preventive measures for asthma triggers and taking preventive medications. It is very important to monitor asthma symptoms and keep follow-up appointments during pregnancy so both mother and child can be monitored.

Medications Used During Pregnancy
If a woman with asthma is pregnant or attempting to become pregnant, she must consult her doctor about medications. Anti-inflammatory medications must not be discontinued if needed to control asthma. Most medications used in asthma have had extensive use. However, because some asthma medications are new and have not been sufficiently studied, one cannot state that all asthma medications are safe when used in pregnancy. As a precaution, newly marketed asthma medications should be avoided during pregnancy until there has been several years of experience.

Some of the medications used for asthma are secreted in small amounts in the breast milk. When used as prescribed and in doses that are safe for the mother, they should be safe and should not harm the baby. A mother breast feeding her baby should discuss any fears or concerns she may have with her doctor. Immunotherapy ("allergy shots") should not be started during pregnancy, but if already in progress may be continued in the same dose. It is very important to consult with your physician about any medications to be taken during pregnancy.

Asthma and the New Child
There is no doubt that asthma may be inherited from previous generations. However, not everyone who has an asthmatic parent will develop asthma. Some children with asthma have parents who never had asthma. Asthma is easily managed in the majority of the population and should not be a reason for not having children. At the same time should the child develop asthma, the mother should not blame herself. Remember, asthma can occur in anyone.

However, there are some steps parents can take to reduce the risk of their newborn later developing asthma.

1. Avoid exposing the baby to second-hand cigarette smoke. If anyone in the household smokes, he or she must quit.
2. Avoid exposing the baby to highly allergenic materials, especially dust mites, pet dander and other triggers.
3. Avoid introducing novel foods to early into your baby's diet (consult your paediatrician or family doctor for advice).
4. Breast feed if possible.

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