On the other hand, if you do not control your asthma during pregnancy, it can increase your risk of:
- Preeclampsia (a pregnancy induced high blood pressure)
- Giving birth to a baby with low birth weight
- Having a preterm birth
- Having a baby with poor growth
Tests advised during pregnancy
Watch out for triggers of asthma such as allergens (pollens, dust particles, mould), irritants (smoke, pollution, strong smells), infections (cold, flu, viral pneumonia) and exercise.1 Heartburn and flu can also worsen asthma1
Your doctor may advise repeated ultrasound tests and heart rate monitoring of your unborn baby to ensure your baby’s well being.
Your doctor can diagnose if you have asthma or pregnancy induced shortness of breath by a test called spirometry. Spirometry is a lung test that can diagnose asthma based on the amount of air you breathe in and out; and how fast you breathe.1
Ways to manage asthma during pregnancy
- Adjusting your asthma medicines based on how well your lungs functions
- Limiting your exposure to asthma triggers
- Using inhaled corticosteroids or albuterol that provide immediate relief from asthma attacks. However, this needs to be tailored to provide the lowest dose to control your asthma.3
You must continue your asthma medications during pregnancy. Allergy injections, if were taken before during pregnancy can be continued. However, if you have never taken allergy injections, you should not take any during pregnancy as it can cause serious allergic reactions.
Asthma attack during labour
If you are worried that your asthma might trigger during labour then worry not. Only 1 in 10 pregnant women get an asthma attack during labour and birth. Hydration, analgesia and your regular medication during labour can help control asthma during birth. Asthma medications can be continued after delivery and during breastfeeding as well.
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