Asthma is not always easy to deal with – wheezing, coughing, the feeling of panic and lack of oxygen when the airways constrict. It is considered one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications, as experts point to a link between asthma and risks such as low birth weight and/or other developmental problems. For some women, pregnancy actually reduces asthma symptoms and asthma attacks. For others, however, asthma symptoms or attacks worsen during pregnancy, usually as a result of heartburn and/or gastroesophageal reflux. Current studies show that the more severe the mother's asthma, the greater the risk to the fetus.

Keep asthma under control during pregnancy asthma

If you have asthma, don't panic! This is just a reminder of how important it is to keep your asthma under control throughout your pregnancy. You share a blood supply with your developing fetus, and when the mother is deprived of oxygen, so is the fetus. This is what happens in asthma attacks, when the mother has difficulty breathing or wheezing is worse than normal. In addition to lower birth weight and growth problems, asthma has been linked to preeclampsia and premature birth. The more uncontrolled the mother's asthma, the more susceptible the mother and fetus are to these risks.

Talk to your gynecologist about asthma medications

We understand the caution about taking medication while pregnant. However, the risks of the condition far outweigh the complications associated with the medication itself. If you're trying to get pregnant or have just found out you're pregnant, make sure your doctor is aware. Sometimes, people live with asthma so much that they don't really think about it—and they certainly don't associate it with any pregnancy risks, so it can be easy to leave it out of the conversation with your OB/GYN. However, it's important to bring it up so that, with your doctor's help, you can find the best, healthiest ways to keep your asthma under control. Don't stop your asthma medications on your own because you're pregnant. Instead, bring it up at your next (or first) visit and discuss how they're working (or not) to make sure they're right for you. Talk to your doctor about allergy shots before getting one. 

Monitor asthma at every prenatal visit

Each visit should include a brief check-up and a report on the past month - whether or not you have had any flare-ups or remissions, so we can assess whether your medication is working properly or if a change is needed. Your lungs should also be closely monitored to ensure they sound healthy and free of infection. Mothers with severe asthma may need lung function testing, as two-thirds of asthma patients experience changes in their condition during pregnancy.

Always carry asthma medication with you.

Keep your inhaler and/or other medications with you at all times so you have access in case an asthma attack occurs while you are out or visiting someone else's home. The sooner you stop an attack, the better oxygenated you will be.

Minimize asthma triggers to reduce flare-ups or attacks

Minimizing asthma flare-ups is the best thing you can do to reduce symptoms. If you haven't done so before, start keeping a log of your flare-ups and attacks to see if you can identify your triggers. Dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold are common triggers, so it may be wise to enlist the help of someone else to clean your home for you. Also, make sure your air conditioner filters are cleaned frequently.  Some of the lesser-known factors that cause asthma include:

• Stress
• Food additives such as sulfites (sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite), MSG, or red and yellow food colorings
• Aspirin (about 2 in 10 people are sensitive to aspirin and will react to it)
• Gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn (stay away from foods that trigger these conditions in you)
• Alcohol 
• Air fresheners or scented candles (or anything else that contains synthetic fragrance)

Are you sensitive to any of these triggers? Pay attention to your environment and your body, and it may be easier than you think to control your asthma. By keeping your asthma under control, you will give your body and your baby the gift of healthy, free breathing.