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During pregnancy the severity of asthma often changes and patients may require close follow up and adjustment of medications. One-third of all asthmatics get better while pregnant, one-third show no change, and one-third find their asthma is aggravated. Asthma symptoms may be most severe between 29 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The most common asthma trigger during pregnancy is an upper respiratory tract infection.

The foetus manufactures a special form of haemoglobin that makes foetal red blood cells highly efficient in receiving oxygen from the mother. Therefore, even if the mother’s asthma worsens during pregnancy, the foetus is usually not affected and it receives enough oxygen because of the special haemoglobin present within. However, if asthma control is very poor, enough oxygen may not reach the baby. This is a far greater risk than taking asthma medicines. Acute exacerbations should be treated aggressively in order to avoid foetal hypoxia.

When asthma is controlled, women with asthma have no more complications during pregnancy and childbirth than non-asthmatic women. However, uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can produce serious material and foetal complications.

Uncontrolled asthma is associated with complications such as:

1. Premature birth

2. Low birth weight

3. Material blood pressure changes.

Treatment of asthma during pregnancy should includes:

1. Maintaining effective control of asthma symptoms.

2. Continuing normal activities.

3. Preventing acute exacerbations of asthma.

4. Avoiding side effects of medications that can harm the foetus.

5. Delivering a healthy baby. 

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