How to Manage Asthma During Pregnancy

Taking great care of yourself during pregnancy is extremely crucial because you’re now breathing for two! And this is especially necessary for pregnant women who have asthma. Oxygen is needed for both you and your baby to drive their growth. But if your untreated asthma comes in the way, your baby’s oxygen supply could be affected. 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that impacts you and your baby’s health. Getting concerned about your asthma and your baby’s health during pregnancy is normal, but it's a good idea to work with your doctor to manage symptoms and reassure you during this time. If you have great healthcare and online asthma medications for flexibility of medicine delivery, you’re halfway into a safe pregnancy! 

Why is Asthma in Pregnancy a Concern?

Not all women undergo pregnancy complications with asthma. However, if the condition goes untreated or you don’t get it under control, there are some risks associated with it, including:

· Foetal growth restriction
· C-section birth compulsion
· Premature birth
· Pregnancy complications because of high blood pressure, organ damage (often targeting the kidneys)
· Increased breathing problems in the baby

This doesn’t mean every pregnant asthma patient is at risk. Women who have their asthma under control and take proper care of their health during this vulnerable period are good to go. But it's always good to keep a close eye on your health, even if you think you don't have to worry.

What Causes Asthma Symptoms to Flare Up?

Allergens - People with allergic asthma can experience attacks when they come in contact with allergens such as animal fur, pollens, dust mites, and moulds.

Irritants - Certain items in the environment like smoking cigarettes, wood-burning fireplaces, perfumes, paints, other strong smells, or air pollution can trigger your lungs, causing asthma symptoms.

Infections - Several people with asthma also notice infections like pneumonia, flu or cold trigger their asthma symptoms.

Exercises - Working out during pregnancy is healthy, but people with asthma have to take care of what kind of exercises they perform. If you’re pregnant and notice that certain exercises are setting off your asthma, consult a doctor immediately and stop any exercise until you have your symptoms under control.

Disinfectants - If you've previously noticed flare-ups from disinfectants, stay away from when they’re being used or right after they’ve been used. 

How to Control Asthma in Pregnancy?

It’s believed that asthma can change, improve, worsen or stay the same during the entire course of your pregnancy. Hence, to ensure that you survive this period safely, your healthcare professional will work on controlling your asthma symptoms, prevent attacks, and maintain lung function.

Controlling and improving your asthma is important to ensure that your baby receives enough oxygen. Flare-ups or worsening conditions decrease the oxygen supply in the blood. Once this falls, less oxygen reaches your baby – moving to higher chances of poor growth, low birth weight, or premature birth.

Here are a few ways in which you can handle pregnancy with asthma easily:

Regular Prenatal Appointments
Your healthcare provider knows what’s best for you and your baby! So never miss a prenatal appointment. Visit them regularly during your pregnancy, and don’t be ashamed of sharing every concerns related to your pregnancy no matter how small - they are there to help.

Keep Monitoring your Asthma
Monitoring lungs during asthma is an unmissable part of check-ups. Your healthcare professional will check your lungs and whether your medications need to be changed or adjusted. Don’t forget to mention whether your symptoms have worsened, improved, or stayed the same during the course.

Try to Avoid Asthma Triggers
As mentioned above, certain factors like allergens, infections, or irritants can trigger your asthma. If you limit your contact with things that causes a flare up, you can control your asthma symptoms.

Take Medications 
Many medications like Ventolin asthma inhalers are safe for pregnant patients. Discuss with a doctor and explore other options for pregnancy-safe medications before taking anything though. Equally, don’t stop your asthma medicines that you were taking before pregnancy. Suddenly discontinuing your medicine intake during pregnancy is harmful. So, consult a healthcare provider before you take any steps further!

Will Asthma Affect your Labour?

Rarely does delivery sets off an asthma attack, and continuing your regular medications during labour is recommended. However, if your asthma has become severe, some steroids in the delivery room could be required.

Are Asthma Medications Safe During Breastfeeding?

A low amount of asthma medications gets into your breast milk. However, they are severely low in quantity and are safe for the baby. But keep in mind that high doses of certain medicines may affect the baby by making them irritable. Adjusting some hours can make a difference. So, talk to a doctor and allow your baby to enjoy the health benefits of breastmilk.

This is a collaborative post - Author Bio
Krishma Patel Co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK that provides health and wellness products and treatments along with free online consultations. She is passionate about showcasing the integral function community pharmacies can play in supporting the healthcare system and the NHS by providing patients with high quality, safe and discreet access to healthcare at their convenience. Along with being the co-founder of MedsNow, Krishma is also the Director and the Superintendent Pharmacist of Enimed Ltd., an independent pharmacy group comprising 32 branches.