How To Avoid Asthma Exacerbations During Pregnancy

Asthma flare-ups can be scary but imagine having those flare-ups during pregnancy. Some women with asthma will have uncontrolled flare-ups during pregnancy. These asthma exacerbations could be harmful to the mothers and their unborn children. U.S. News and World Report recently published an article written by Dr. Michael Blaiss on how to manage asthma flare-ups during pregnancy. Dr. Blaiss is the executive medical director of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and a professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia.

An asthma flare-up is usually characterized by the narrowing of the airways which cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. This can be problematic because it reduces the oxygen supply to the woman and the unborn child which can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and a need for cesarean delivery. Some women will not have any changes in their asthma during pregnancy but others may notice differences. There are 3 tips that you can follow to help prevent asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. Also, remember to get recommendations from your healthcare providers.

1. Avoid Asthma Triggers

As usual, women who suffer from asthma should avoid any irritants that cause their asthma to flare-up. Everyone with asthma has different triggers that can cause an asthma attack. These triggers can change over time so it is important to stay diligent about managing your asthma, even during pregnancy. Some common triggers include:

Smoke exposure from smoking or secondhand smoke
Air pollution
Pollen
Indoor allergens such as (dust mites, mold, pets, bugs)
Chemical hazards
Cold air, dry air, humidity
Strong scents
Exercise
Illness

2. See Your Healthcare Provider About Asthma Medication Management

It is essential that you see your healthcare providers during your pregnancy for several reasons, including managing your asthma. Most asthma medications are safe during pregnancy but you should always advise with your healthcare providers. You should not make any changes to your medications without consulting with your healthcare provider first.

3. Don’t Experiment with New Treatments Without Guidance from Your Healthcare Provider

There are several asthma and allergy treatments on the market to help keep asthma attacks under control, but during pregnancy is not the time to be experimenting with new treatments. Generally, it is advised to not try new medications while you are pregnant. If you are going to try a new treatment then it should be under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

Pregnancy could make asthma flare-ups worse or more frequent
It is important to avoid asthma flare-ups because it can decrease the oxygen supply to mother and baby
Avoid asthma triggers and see your healthcare provider for asthma medication management during pregnancy