Almost 8 percent of women during pregnancy are asthmatic. Asthma, if left untreated and uncontrolled during pregnancy can cause serious complications to the fetus as well as the mother.

The symptoms of women who are already suffering from asthma will worsen during pregnancy. The symptoms become more severe between weeks 24-36 of pregnancy.

The complications that arise during pregnancy due to asthma include preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, hyperemesis gravidarum, vaginal hemorrhage, toxemia, and induced and complicated labors. The fetus will suffer from increased risk of perinatal mortality, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal hypoxia.

It is from the mother’s blood that the fetus receives oxygen. Asthma can cause a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the mother’s blood. Low oxygen content in the fetus’ blood will impair its growth and development, and lead to complications during delivery.

Control of asthma with proper medication during pregnancy will prevent complications to the fetus and the mother. Most of the inhaled asthma medicines can be used during pregnancy without causing any harm. However, it would be better to avoid oral pills to treat asthma.