Pregnancy is a period marked by dramatic physical changes for the female body which affect each woman differently. If we would just list all the changes involved – like the hormonal imbalances, varicose veins, changes in breast size and sensitivity, skin changes – it would take a very, very long time.

Naturally, with all these changes, chronic and long-term health conditions can also become a bit unpredictable and a potential source of trouble and stress. Here we will explore different ways in which pregnancy can lead to changes in your asthma symptoms, but we’ll also take a look at how asthma can affect your pregnancy. In doing so, we will try to address the most common concerns regarding this interaction.

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Asthma during pregnancy

Some of the more recent studies have shown that for women diagnosed with asthma pregnancy will, in most cases, bring some noticeable changes – either for the better or for the worse, with 50% chance of either outcome. The changes in symptoms can occur at any time and while some of them can be rather short-lived, others may continue long after giving birth.

However, these changes will be more noticeable in severe asthmatics, as opposed to those affected by a milder condition which might even go throughout the whole nine months without even noticing any kind of change in asthma symptoms.

What’s more, subsequent pregnancies will be rather similar to the first one in this regard. So, if you experienced the worsening of asthma symptoms during your first pregnancy, it is highly likely that the second one will bring on the same changes of the same intensity. But, on a more positive note, for a majority of women, asthma will return to pre-pregnancy stage within three months after giving birth.

Staying healthy during pregnancy

Staying healthy during pregnancy should always be the top priority for any woman since her health is directly related to the health of her unborn child. For asthmatics, the situation is even more complicated. This is why it is best to get your advice regarding this issue from a medical professional.

Here, we will list the most important precautions that should limit the likelihood of exacerbation of asthma symptoms:

  • Stop smoking – all asthmatics should give up smoking as soon as possible, but this is even more important for pregnant women since not only a possible asthma attack is at stake, but also the health and timely birth of your baby.
  • Eat a balanced and healthy diet – varied and healthy diet is highly beneficial for the health of both the mother and a child
  • Avoid known triggers – in order to limit the possibility of an asthma attack as much as possible, be sure to avoid all known triggers
  • Follow your asthma action plan – once you find out you are pregnant, you will surely go visit your doctor – be sure to use this opportunity to review your personalized asthma action plan in order to modify it accordingly
  • Inform your midwife that you have asthma so she can take extra precautions

Asthma symptoms during labour

While it might be somewhat odd, only a small percentage of women affected by asthma will notice symptoms during labour – recent studies place the exact number around 10% of them. Medical experts argue that this unexpectedly low rate of asthma issues during giving birth is directly related to the chemicals released by the body at that point – the goal of that process is exactly to minimize the chances for any additional problems that might occur at that time.

But, just to be on the safe side, be sure to ensure that your inhaler is at hand even during delivery, just in case you are in those 10%.

Asthma medications and pregnancy

For most of the common asthma treatments, there are no reasons for a change in therapy during pregnancy, although some adjustments might be required, provided that you notice a change in symptoms or that you’re taking a larger dose. Uncontrolled asthma, usually caused by not taking prescribed medications, can pose a much greater risk than asthma medicines, not only for the mother but also for her baby. In addition to medication, it is worth to practice correct breathing techniques and even yoga to find a relief for the symptoms. 

Research and clinical trials have confirmed that prescription asthma medicines are completely safe even during pregnancy. However, this does not mean that you should introduce any changes in your treatment without consulting your doctor who is familiar with the specifics of the condition.

New-born and asthma

If a mother isn’t careful about her asthma management, it will pose a significant risk not just for her, but also for her child. It can lead to a lack of oxygen in the mother’s bloodstream which, in turn, can have severe consequences on the growth and development of the foetus.

On the other hand, since genetic and hereditary factors play a role in the development of asthma, an asthmatic mother has greater chances to give birth to a baby that will be affected by the same condition later on in life. Of course, it is borderline impossible to diagnose asthma at birth, but the doctor will take into consideration the baby’s family history and the health of the mother throughout pregnancy in order to determine whether there’s any risk.

But, don’t let this discourage you! Always keep in mind that many children manage to simply “outgrow” their condition, leading fulfilling and healthy lives. You just need to be extra careful to notice the symptoms as soon as they appear – if they appear at all – so you can start with the timely treatment.

Asthma and breastfeeding – are there any risks?

There is no direct link between asthma and breastfeeding so it should generally be completely safe. If your concern arose from the fact that you are taking inhaled asthma medications, don’t worry – while a small amount of medication may be passed through the breastmilk to your baby, that amount is usually completely safe for the baby. But, just in case, it is always better to consult your doctor in order to get the most precise information available.