If you suffer from asthma in pregnancy, then you need to manage it by taking anti-asthmatic drugs during pregnancy under the supervision of your doctor. Here is detailed information on anti-asthmatics and precautions that you need to take if you are suffering from asthma.Bronchila asthma is characterised by hyperresponsiveness of the tracheo-bronchial smooth muscles to a variety of stimuli, resulting in the narrowing of air tubes, often accompanied by increased secretion of mucosal edema. Anti-asthmatics are bronchodilators useful in the above condition, but should be used with caution (only under doctor's advice) during pregnancy.
| Products: | Salbutamol and Terbutalin Sulfate |
| For Children: | Caution in children below 12 years. Caution with the syrup in less than 2 years |
| For Pregnant Women: | Caution - Adverse effects unlikely with the aerosols |
| For Breastfeeding Mothers: | Caution - use only if clearly indicated |
| Contra-indications*: | Chronic kidney and liver dysfunction |
| Caution: | --------- |
*Not to be used in the conditions stated, because it could cause complications.
Taking Anti-Asthmatics during Pregnancy
Of the 12% women suffering from asthma in pregnancy, 3% have to rely on medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or bronchodilators. Even though taking medicines during pregnancy is not considered highly fatal, but there are certain guidelines that need to be followed.
Some of the research findings on use of medications came up with the following conclusions:
Medications for asthma generally do not raise chances of birth defects. However, in some cases omphalocele, anorectal atresia and esophageal atresia were some of the birth defects noted in babies.
Some of the most commonly used medications in this case are Fluticasone and Albuterol. In both the cases it was difficult to ascertain if birth defects were results of uncontrolled asthma or use of the medicines to control asthma.
Since you are extremely vulnerable during pregnancy and there is not much information that offers absolute assurance on safety with use of medicines, the risk factors cannot be ruled out completely. However, most of the anti-asthmatic medicines are known to pose no risk to pregnancies. However, such anti-asthmatics should be taken under doctor’s supervision. When used under medical supervision, no harm is caused to the growing baby. However, to be on the safer side it is better to avoid the over-the-counter
medications and those marketed newly.
Ashtama during Pregnancy and Baby’s Development
Are you worried about how asthma shall effect growth and development of your baby in pregnancy? Well, there are suitable treatments available for asthma that are aimed to ensure you stay comfortable and enjoy a
healthy pregnancy. However, treatments offered for managing asthma in pregnancy and non-pregnancy situations are quite same.
Apart from the careful choice of medicines, you are also expected to stay away from irritants like smoke, pets and pollution as much as possible. Anti asthmatic medicines suggested in pregnancy are monitored closely, so that no harm is caused to the mother or the unborn child.
Complications in Pregnancy from Asthma
If maternal asthma is controlled well during pregnancy, the chances of increased risk to foetal development reduce to a considerable extent. Doctors suggest there lays relation between uncontrolled asthma and poor
birth weight of a child. Thus, as long as the condition is kept under control, it should not pose much risk to a pregnancy.
Effect of Uncontrolled Asthma on your Baby
When asthma is not kept under control, the oxygen content in mother's blood reduces. Since oxygen flow from the blood is the only source for the unborn child, it leads to decrease in oxygen content and this gives rise to chances of impaired growth of the baby. It is very important to ensure she gets a constant supply of oxygen for normal growth and development. Asthma when uncontrolled also gives rise to chances of
premature births.
Chances of your Baby Developing Asthma
Asthma is inherited and thus your child is likely to inherit it from you. Again, the good news is most of the children of the asthmatic mothers do not suffer from the same. Additionally, even if it is present in children, they are mild in nature and not very severe. Even if it gets severe, it can be kept under control with proper medications.
If you have asthma and are worried about your child inheriting it, you can always discuss with your doctor. However, this should not deter you from planning a family. Motherhood is one of the most rewarding experiences that you should not deprive yourself from.
Does asthma harm the developing baby? How should pregnant women manage asthma? What precautions can pregnant women take to prevent asthmatic attack? Discuss here. 
