Advice/Experiences of asthma whilst pregnant please

[Crokes]

Hello fellow-family room users

I am currently speaking to medical professionals about this (and will continue to), but would welcome hearing others experiences as I am in a real dilemma.

I am pregnant (in the 3rd trimester) but have been suffering with bad asthma since an attack about 10 days ago (I'm normally happy to manage my asthma as I've had it since I was a child and have regular reviews). I'm on antibiotics to counter a chest infection and taking preventative (seretide) and ventolin inhalers. I can get through the day (by not doing too much and using my inhaler regularly) but struggle through the night and 1st thing in the morning (very wheezy, difficult to talk). The baby appears to be fine - loads of strong movement.

It has been recommended that I take oral steroids but I am reluctant to do this; although I know I need to get the asthma back on track asap I've also been told/read that it's not ideal for the baby/ there's potential for premature labour (which I really don't want, as I was hoping for a more positive birth experience 2nd time round).

Has anyone else taken oral steriods (e.g. prednisone) or had asthma attacks whilst in the later stages of pregnancy?

PM me if you'd prefer.

Thanks in advance.

[ClareC]

Im asthmatic and was fortunate in that my asthma stayed under control during pregnancy. I did however speak to the Dr about my asthma drugs and the view was very much that I should take them as normal if needed since its far more dangerous to a baby if it's mother is struggling to breath.

Hope you feel better soon,

X

[ClaireClaire]

Hi Crokes,

Sorry to hear about your experience. I also have asthma, although sounds like mine is milder than yours. I was also concerned about taking medication (salbutamol) while pregnant, but as the doctor told me, what options have you got? You have to breathe, right? To me it just seemed like there were risks both ways: risks to taking the medication and risks to not taking the medication. So I took the medication as needed and wasn't aware of any adverse effects. But of course that is just my personal experience.

Good luck

Claire x

[Belle]

Hi, I have asthma, controlled by two preventative drugs and also salbutamol as needed. IN my first pregnancy it was fine, neither better nor worse, but in my second pregnancy I had two very nasty chest infections in quick succession (albeit earlier in the pregnancy than you are now - think was about 16 weeks or so).

I took antibiotics, increased inhaled steroids and then took oral steroids (prednisalone) for the second infection. The GP checked it all out and was v reassuring, and we both agreed it was more important that the baby had a mum with functioning lungs at that stage. However I don't know how effects differ in late pregnancy? I was relaxed as I've take prednisalone quite a lot in my time so wasn't too bothered, but I did read some of the things you mention online and was worried for a bit. But as I say, in the end I concurred with the GP that the main thing was to get my breathing sorted out. I'd go back to your doctor and talk through your concerns if I were you. Good luck, I know how hard it is as pregnancy is wearing enough as it is!

[Crokes]

A belated thank you for your replies and PMs - as always the family room is a great source of experience/advice/support.

After a couple more days of trying to get breathing/asthma back on track I took the steriods; they worked (with no further attacks either) and pleased to report that there was no impact on the pregnancy/baby (who arrived yesterday and was not early, nor low-weight etc).

[Belle]

Ah , congratulations Crokes! So glad you got your asthma under control and that all is well with the baby.