What Asthma Medications Are Safe
During Pregnancy?

In days past, pregnancy was not recommended for those women suffering from asthma.  Luckily, current advances in asthma medications are permitting many asthmatics to experience the joys of motherhood.  However, like many other "side effects" of pregnancy, the course of the asthma might be altered.  Specifically, the pregnancy might improve or worsen the asthma symptoms or they might remain the same.  Research has shown general asthma therapy principles can be utilized during pregnancy following these guidelines.

Asthma Medication Generally Considered Safe During Pregnancy:

• Inhaled selective beta-adrenergic drugs

• ICS

• Ipratropium

Asthma Medication Generally Considered Safe During Pregnancy But Requires Close Monitoring:

• Theophylline

• Corticosteriods - These asthma medications, when given orally or intravenously, present a low risk of complications.  These risks include certain fetal complications such as congenital malformations, adrenal gland malfunction, and low birth weight.  For the mother, risks include pregnancy diabetes and hypertension.  As a result, these medications for asthma are given only when clinically necessary

Asthma Medication To Be Used Only When Absolutely Necessary And While Under A Doctor's Supervision:

• Antihistamines - used for treating allergy induced asthma

• Decongestants - used for congestion.