Your management of asthma during pregnancy can not only help you, but it can also benefit your unborn baby. A new study shows that pregnant women with asthma should aim to manage it as effectively as possible in order to help aid the health of their child as well as themselves. Asthma is an inflammatory condition which affects the airways and the lungs, and can cause major health risks to both mother and child if not controlled efficiently. Research suggests that women who don’t manage this condition correctly may be opening themselves up to a host of complications both during the pregnancy and during the birth.
It is believed that up to eight percent of pregnant women have asthma, and this condition often gets worse during pregnancy for one-third of these women. If left uncontrolled, it can lower the amount of oxygen that circulates in the bloodstream, which results in a lower supply in the foetal blood. The unborn child relies on nutrients and oxygen from the mother – if the mother’s supply is lowered, this can cause complications in the development of your child.
If you’re pregnant or are hoping to become so, you should develop a therapy plan with your doctor, as well as avoiding any known triggers that may lead to an asthma attack. In addition to this, you should be aware of your medication and when to take it so as to help you control your symptoms. A lack of education is often the cause of bad management, so if you feel under prepared, speak to your GP or health visitor who can offer you advise on ways to reduce your risk and help you control the condition as best you can, both during pregnancy and afterwards. A healthy diet, balanced and healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can all help boost your health.
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