Managing Asthma During Pregnancyby Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 30 May 2006 05:49 AM Asthma is a common health condition. If you have asthma, it's important to manage it well during pregnancy, both for your health and your baby's. Often, pregnant women worry about the safety of the baby and may stop taking medications for fear they will hurt the baby. With asthma, doing this can cause more harm to the growing fetus. When asthma is controlled properly, there is no additional risk to mother or baby. However, uncontrolled asthma endangers the life of both of you. Uncontrolled asthma can result in low birth weight and preterm birth. The baby doesn't get enough oxygen, which interferes with fetal growth. Continue to take the medications prescribed by your doctor. If you experience a severe attack, seek emergency medical attention right away. Visit your allergist before becoming pregnant, or as soon as you discover you are expecting. Discuss the best medications to take during pregnancy. Your doctor will adjust your prescriptions as necessary to ensure you are taking the safest ones for your baby. Most of the inhaled asthma medications are considered to be safe. In general, if you are taking allergy shots to avoid triggering an attack, these are safe as well. Most doctors won't start you on shots if you've never had them before. Some pill form medications are considered safe, while others should be avoided. Your doctor will determine which medications can be safely used to manage your asthma. The effect of pregnancy on your symptoms is unpredictable. Symptoms can improve, get worse or stay the same. It's difficult to tell how each woman will respond. Asthma typically gets worse in the late second and third trimesters. During this time, the growing baby is pushing up into your lungs. Even women without asthma become short of breath at this stage. A good way to help manage your asthma is to avoid the triggers that cause attacks. This varies with each woman. Some common triggers include: * Allergens, such as dust mite and pet dander * Pollen * Colds or respiratory infections * Changes in the weather, cold, hot, rainy * Fumes from perfume or cleaning products * Chemical odors * Exercise By avoiding triggers and taking your medications, you can keep your asthma under control. Women with well managed asthma are not at any more risk for complications than the typical pregnant women. Take good care of yourself to ensure a healthy newborn. Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments Rev. Robert Crutchfield (165) 30 May 2006 03:12 PMIts probably a good idea not to make any major changes in your life after becomig pregnant without discussing it your doctor(s.) Most doctors who deal with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes have had pregnant patients before, and can help you properly weigh the risks/avantages involved. Community Tags asthma, health, pregnancy Discuss this article
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