Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting up to 10% of all women of child-bearing
age. In most patients asthma can be safely treated during pregnancy. However, asthma
crises or exacerbations during pregnancy can be life threatening to both the mother
and the child. Uncontrolled asthma has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes
and adverse effects to the fetus (eg, prematurity, low birth weight, increased risk
of congenital malformations). Impaired oxygenation during asthma crisis in pregnancy
is a major concern. Aggressive treatment of asthma during pregnancy, including the
use of systemic corticosteroids if necessary, has been advocated to achieve asthma
control and to avoid attacks. Pregnant asthmatics require regular and intensified
monitoring. National and international guidelines recommend that antiasthmatic treatment
should be maintained and intensified if necessary for the well-being of both the mother
and the unborn child. Although there is consensus that the potential risks of uncontrolled
asthma during pregnancy outweigh the potential risks of antiasthmatic medications
the use of the lowest doses possible to achieve and maintain asthma control is recommended.
Keywords
asthma - pregnancy - maternal - perinatal
