My friend Jocelyn, newly (and unexpectedly!) pregnant called in a bit of a panic. Her cardiologist was switching her high blood pressure medication now that she was pregnant.  Jocelyn was still waiting for her asthma doctor to call her back but she figured her asthma treatment plan was another of the many changes she needed to make to accommodate the pregnancy. “Does anything stay the same?” she asked.

Jocelyn was relieved to learn that at least in the case of asthma, the answer is, often, YES! The general thought is that the medications working to treat asthma in a non-pregnant person are the same ones that should be continued during pregnancy. This is because the main concern is with asthma itself and making sure the developing baby is getting a good supply of oxygen. Improving asthma control is thought to be best for both mom and baby.

Jocelyn had been taking an inhaled corticosteroid for the past five years-ever since she otherwise needed to use her fast-acting rescue inhaler almost daily. Fortunately, for Jocelyn, if a daily preventative is needed, an inhaled corticosteroid like Pulmicort® that she was already taking is a preferred treatment. Why? Well, for one thing, it often works well to stop symptoms. Secondly, because it is inhaled, less of the medication should be able to reach a pregnancy compared to most oral medications. For the same reasons, albuterol for relief of immediate asthma symptoms is also considered a preferred treatment during pregnancy. But, had Jackie been on other types of inhalers when she identified her pregnancy, and they were working well for her, they probably would not need to be changed either.

Maternal asthma that is not well controlled is associated with higher rates of pregnancy complications, such as decreased growth of the baby and preterm delivery (birth before week 37). Therefore, it is important that asthma management during pregnancy continues to include the medications that best control an individual’s asthma symptoms. “Ok,” Jocelyn said. “I will keep going with my inhalers and bug the doctor’s office again to get back to me to confirm.”

Thankfully, the next call I got from Jocelyn wasn’t so panic-stricken. “It sounds like my doctor wants me to continue my asthma inhalers.” With a calmer tone to her voice since our first conversation, she added, “although I would never be a guinea pig, it would be nice if I could help other pregnant persons with asthma so they wouldn’t have to go through the scare I just went through.” I told her we can never have too much information when it comes to asthma and treatments during pregnancy and let her know that at MotherToBaby we are still enrolling pregnant persons with asthma, pregnant persons taking asthma medicines, and even pregnant persons without asthma. There is no cost and you are not asked to take any medication… so guinea pigs need not apply! Just call 877-311-8972 or volunteer for a study through our website. 

“Oh, what about my allergy medicine?” Jocelyn remembered to ask. “When I don’t take Zyrtec®, my asthma flares, and my allergies have been crazy this spring.” I let her know that antihistamines in general have relatively reassuring pregnancy profiles, but it is always good to check on the specific medication.  Pregnancy studies with cetirizine, the medication found in Zyrtec®, have found no increase in birth defects. You can check the product label to make sure cetirizine is the only medication in your product since brand name products can make different formulations. As with any medication in pregnancy, check in with your healthcare provider and follow their dosing recommendations.

More detailed medication information can be found in the following fact sheets:

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/albuterol-pregnancy/

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/asthma-and-pregnancy/

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/cetirizine/

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/inhaled-corticosteroids-icss-pregnancy/

Bottomline, breathe in, breathe out, and enjoy your pregnancy as best as possible!

Mara Gaudette is a genetic counselor and received her Masters Degree from Northwestern University. Drawn to the satisfaction of providing immediate
reassurance to worried women, she began educating the public about teratogens at MotherToBaby’s Illinois affiliate more than a decade ago. Today, she counsels for MotherToBaby California via phone and live chat.

MotherToBaby is a service of the international Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), a suggested resource by many agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about medications, alcohol, diseases, vaccines, or other exposures during pregnancy or breastfeeding, call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets and find your nearest affiliate.

The post Allergies, Asthma and Pregnancy…Oh My! Wait. Don’t Panic. appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Like clockwork, wildfire season is upon us yet again. Although the upper Eastern seaboard is currently most affected by smoke drifting south from wildfires in Canada, there’s a good chance that many additional areas within the United States will see plummeting air quality due to wildfire smoke in the coming months. So what do people who are pregnant need to know? Here are some commonly asked questions we receive at MotherToBaby about wildfire exposure during pregnancy and while breastfeeding:

Q. What is in the air from the fires?
A wildfire produces particulate matter (a combination of dirt, soil dust, pollens, molds, ashes, and soot), in addition to other chemicals. The particulate matter can be different sizes. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into your lungs, and some may even enter your bloodstream. Contents of the smoke can vary based on what is being burned. In some instances, wildfire smoke can contain heavy metals such as lead. Wildfire smoke also contains carbon monoxide.

Q. I’m pregnant. How does the particulate matter affect my pregnancy? What about the carbon monoxide?
Experts tell us that the smaller the particulate matter, the worse the effects on health, including difficulty breathing, aggravated asthma, and increased risk of heart attack and death due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Although we do not know enough about how exposure to particulates can impact a pregnancy, it makes sense for all individuals to take extra precautions to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.

Carbon monoxide is a gas that enters into the lungs and blood, and displaces oxygen to both mom and baby. The greater the exposure and the longer the exposure, the higher the risk. Studies suggest that there may be a higher chance of birth defects when a woman is exposed to carbon monoxide in the first trimester, but more studies are needed. Other studies have found that exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight. However, this finding may be more related to the stress a woman experiences during a fire, or a combination of factors, than the actual smoke exposure. Again, more research is needed.

Q. I have asthma and I’m pregnant. Do I have added risks?
Yes. Studies in non-pregnant people tell us that exposure to particulate matter of 10 micrometers in diameter or less can make asthma symptoms worse. Pregnancy would not protect you and it may even put you at higher risk of having an asthma attack depending on how far along you are. See our fact sheet on asthma here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/asthma-and-pregnancy/

Depending on your proximity to the fire zone, it may be difficult to get help if your symptoms worsen. First responders may be busy fighting the fires and evacuating residents, and may not get to you as quickly as you need. Emergency rooms may be overrun. For this reason, it is very important to always have your asthma medication with you so that if the smoke exacerbates your symptoms you can start to treat yourself. You also want to be in contact with your doctor and move away from the source of the wildfires as soon as possible.

Q. I’m pregnant and work outdoors. Do I need a mask?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommendations about what masks to use to protect against particulate matter entering the lungs. The goal is to prevent or reduce exposure as much as possible. If you work indoors, for the most part you are protected. If you work outdoors, you may want to consider using a mask that fits correctly and has two head straps to hold it in place. It should be labeled “particulate respirator” and it should have been tested or approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Learn more here. Since pregnancy can alter your lung function, people who are pregnant may have a harder time breathing to begin with. For that reason, it’s important to check in with your healthcare provider before using a particulate respirator.

If you are concerned about your work conditions, NIOSH offers a program called The Health Hazard Evaluation Program. This program helps employees learn whether health hazards are present at their workplace and recommends ways to reduce hazards and prevent work-related illness. Learn more here.

Q. I live about 50 miles from the wildfires. Do I still have to be concerned about being outdoors?
Depending on where you live and the direction of the wind, the air quality in your area may be poor due to the wildfire, even if the fire isn’t that close to you. Listen to the local health and environmental officials, and avoid exercising outdoors, gardening, or performing other activities that may cause you to exert yourself and inhale more of the particulates in the air. If you have any doubts, wait until the wildfires have been extinguished and the air quality is back to normal.

Q: Can fires cause other problems for pregnant people?
Depending on weather conditions, wildfires can spread rapidly. The stress of having to make life and death choices, or the decision to leave your home and decide what items to take with very short notice, all produce tremendous stress. It is absolutely normal to feel sad, stressed, anxious, or scared. In pregnancy, depending on how long the stress is present and the level of stress, it is possible that there could be impacts on the developing baby, so anything you can do to try to reduce stress is always a good idea. Take a look at our fact sheet on stress for more information: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/stress-pregnancy/

Q: I’m pregnant. What if I have to evacuate?
The best thing that you can do is have a plan in place ahead of time. Make a checklist of items to take with you should you need to evacuate your home. Assemble an emergency supply kit and store it in a location where you can easily get to it, and create a family communication plan.

When the time comes to evacuate, stay calm. Be sure to bring any medications that you take on a daily basis (including your prenatal vitamins). Stay well hydrated, continue to eat, and rest as much as you can. If you have to check into a shelter, tell the staff there that you are pregnant so they can make any necessary accommodations.

While making it to your prenatal check-up is probably the last thing on your mind in the midst of an evacuation, it’s important that you continue to be seen by your OB/GYN or midwife. Some individuals may be displaced from their homes for an extended period of time, however, it’s important to keep attending your prenatal care visits to make sure that baby is growing and developing properly.

If you’re close to your due date, check to make sure your hospital or birthing center is not in the mandatory evacuation zone. If it is located close to the fires, the staff and patients there may be asked to evacuate, and you may need to deliver at a different hospital. Knowing this information before you go into labor will reduce any unnecessary stress.

Q: What other steps can I take to minimize my exposure to smoke from a fire?
Stay indoors when possible, and keep your windows and doors closed. If available, an air purifier can help with indoor air quality. If you have to drive somewhere, keep your windows rolled up and use the air conditioner to stay cool. If your car has a button that recirculates air internally, make sure it is turned on. Pregnant people who must venture outdoors may also consider wearing a mask. Although any protection is helpful, a N95 particulate respirator works best to filter out harmful particulate matter.

Q. I’m breastfeeding and I’m concerned about the wildfires in my area
Breastfeeding moms can also face challenges of their own when they have to evacuate their homes. When possible, follow the steps outlined above to reduce exposure to the wildfire smoke for both you and baby.

The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, and in most cases individuals are encouraged to continue to breastfeed their babies even when faced with an emergency like a fire. People who are nursing should focus on staying well hydrated and continue to feed baby on demand.

For moms that choose to pump breast milk, extra batteries may be something worth packing in your emergency supply kit in case the power goes out. For babies that are formula fed, it’s important to bring bottled water.

Q: Where can I learn more about fires currently happening and about air quality where I live?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service reports on large fires nationally. The EPA also has a website where you can check the air quality index in your local area: https://airnow.gov/. Pregnant people should follow instructions laid out for “sensitive individuals.” Lastly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more helpful information about wildfire exposure during pregnancy here: https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/pregnancy.htm

The post Keeping Your Cool during Pregnancy When Fire Season Heats Up appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Wash Your Cares Away

A simple over-the-counter (OTC) saline nose spray can rinse pollen, dust, and other allergy triggers from your nose. This option is not expected to result in an exposure for the pregnancy or to increase pregnancy risks.

Sleep, Magical Sleep

To help you sleep better, consider using OTC nasal strips to open your nasal passages at night. Use a pillow cover to reduce dust and other allergens. Also try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to help drain the sinuses and reduce inflammation.

Still Suffering?

It may be worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of various allergy medications. Before grabbing an over-the-counter medication to treat your symptoms, consider this:

• With any medication, take the time to read your labels. Some allergy medications marketed for cough and cold contain alcohol, which should be avoided during pregnancy. Also, multi-symptom formulas might contain additional medications that you don’t need. As with any medication in pregnancy, use allergy medications for the shortest amount of time needed, and follow dosing instructions carefully.
• Antihistamines: Older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (sold under the name Benadryl^® and other brands) and chlorpheniramine can make you sleepy, so they aren’t ideal for daytime use. Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec^®), fexofenadine (Allegra®), and loratadine (Claritin^®), are less likely to make you drowsy and have not been shown to increase the chance of birth defects or other pregnancy complications when used as directed.
• Eye drops: Allergy eye drops may contain antihistamines, steroid medications, or other active ingredients. Eye drops result in lower exposure for the pregnancy than oral (swallowed) medications do. However, some eye drops have been better studied for use in pregnancy than others have. Check with your healthcare provider or contact a MotherToBaby specialist for questions about your specific eye drop.
• Steroid nasal sprays: OTC options include budesonide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone (you can find the active ingredients listed on the label). Some older studies suggested that using oral steroid medications might increase the chance of cleft lip or palate and affect the baby’s growth, but newer studies don’t find this to be true. In addition, nasal sprays are not well absorbed into the bloodstream when used as recommended, so there is less exposure for the pregnancy. Compared to some other nasal spray ingredients, fluticasone might be absorbed in greater amounts, but these still would not reach the amounts seen with oral medications. No increased pregnancy risks have been seen specifically with OTC steroid nasal sprays.
• Decongestants: The overall research does not suggest that using decongestants for a short time would increase pregnancy risks. However, decongestants work by temporarily making the blood vessels narrower. There are concerns that this could limit the supply of oxygen to the placenta and the developing baby. Some healthcare providers recommend avoiding decongestants in the first trimester, and using them with caution any time in pregnancy. Short term use (3 days or less) of nasal spray decongestants results in less exposure for the pregnancy than oral decongestants do.
• Allergy shots: Most reactions to allergy shots (redness, swelling, itching) are not dangerous. If someone is already receiving allergy shots before they get pregnant, there is no general recommendation to stop during the pregnancy. However, there is a small chance that a person could have a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) if they are new to allergy shots or are building up their dose. For this reason, it is not recommended to start getting allergy shots for the first time or to increase the dose during pregnancy.

If you have questions about specific allergy medications during pregnancy, including those available by prescription, talk to your healthcare provider or contact us at MotherToBaby. Happy spring!

Select References:

Garavello W, et al. Nasal lavage in pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized study. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 2010;151:137.

Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for Allergy and Immunology. Rhinitis 2020: A practice parameter update. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020;146(4):721-767.

Seasonal Allergies. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Available at: http://acaai.org/allergies/types/seasonal. Accessed May 15, 2023.

The post AH-CHOOsing the Best Way to Stifle Seasonal Allergies During Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.

It’s Friday afternoon and you have had a tickle in your throat since you woke up this morning, pressure behind your nose and in your forehead, and, a drippy nose. You are sure that you have a cold and it is not a flu or COVID-19. You have been trying to get a hold of your doctor because you want them to tell you what you can take because you are pregnant and worried about taking the wrong medication. With each hour that passes you know that it is unlikely that you will get a hold of them. Now you are worried about going into the weekend without medication.

What to do? You call MotherToBaby and you talk to a specialist about your concerns. We specialists hear the worry in your voice when you call us and it comes through in the chats and texts that you send us. Ideally, your doctor’s office would have given you a list of medications, ahead of time, that they approve for pregnant patients to take for common medical issues like colds, diarrhea, constipation, and others. However, pregnant people are reaching out to MotherToBaby specialists because this is not happening often enough.

What is a cold? A cold is caused by one of more than 200 viruses that result in inflammation of the membranes in your throat and nose. The symptoms can range in severity and you may know people who only experience one day of the most bothersome symptoms, such as congestion, and others that suffer from a cold for several days and have a lingering cough for weeks.

Fever

In most people, colds do not produce a fever. In adults, a fever is a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Even if your temperature is 99°F however, you may not feel well and want to take something. The most recommended medication for the treatment of fever, headache, and body pain in pregnancy is . Studies on acetaminophen use during pregnancy have not shown a higher risk to the developing baby.

Fever that is untreated and high in pregnancy is a risk for birth defects. A temperature of 101°F, over 24 hours, has been associated with risks for neural tube closure defects and others. You can read more about it here.

Is it a flu or a cold?

If you are unsure if you have the flu or a cold, check out this helpful CDC guide. If you think that you might have the flu, it is important to get into your doctor’s office because they can usually do a flu test in the office. If you have flu, the doctor can write you a prescription for antivirals. Antivirals are recommended for the treatment of flu in the general public including pregnant people. Data shows that early treatment of pregnant people with antivirals lessens the severity of the disease, and reduces hospitalization and mortality. According to CDC, antivirals should be started within 48 hours of the symptoms starting however, even if given after 48 hours, they show a benefit. Oral oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are antiviral medications that are FDA approved for the treatment of influenza (flu). We have a fact sheet on antivirals that goes over the studies and specific recommendations

Cough: medication options

Whenever a pregnant person takes a medication by mouth, the developing baby will almost certainly be exposed when that medication enters the mom’s bloodstream. It is a good idea to learn about the choices that are less likely to be a concern for the developing baby.

When you walk down the pharmacy aisle, there are rows of cough and cold products, some with many ingredients. In pregnancy, it is preferable to take a medication that has the least number of ingredients, taking only those ingredients that address the specific symptoms. In addition, because most cough syrups can contain up to 10% alcohol, it is important to select an alcohol-free syrup.

Cough lozenges and throat lozenges can have ingredients that add a sweet flavor such as honey, medications to numb (anesthetics), vitamins, and others. It is important to read the ingredient label. Menthol, honey, and other flavorings are not a known concern for pregnant people and are consumed in candy and food outside of cold remedies. However, consuming vitamins in cough lozenges may cause you to take too many vitamins, especially if you are already taking a prenatal.

Cold/Flu: non-medication options

Honey and warm tea/water may be helpful in relieving a sore throat from coughing and may thin secretions so that the cough is more productive. Concerns about infant botulism and warnings that children under one year of age avoid honey (and honey-containing products) have been misunderstood and many pregnant women think it applies to them as well. The warning against the use of honey only applies to infants less than 1 year of age.

Nasal Congestion: medication options

A stuffy nose makes it less enjoyable to eat, impossible to sleep, and causes painful sinuses. The over-the-counter nasal decongestant choices fall into two categories, oral and topical/spray. Oral (pill) decongestants include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Nasal sprays may contain phenylephrine or oxymetazoline. Taking an oral decongestant means that your developing baby will be exposed to the medication. The nasal sprays reduce the chance of exposure to your baby, depending on the frequency of use and amount. Always read the labels and take as directed.

Nasal congestion: non-medication options

Nasal irrigation (bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or neti pot): Studies of nasal irrigation have not shown a proven benefit on the duration or severity of colds, however, there are individual users that are committed to this treatment for colds and swear by its benefits. For pregnant women the most reassuring part is that it uses only water (use only previously boiled, distilled or sterile water to irrigate) so there is no medication involved and no exposure to the pregnancy.

Shower tablets/vaporizers: Effervescent shower vapor tablets have become quite popular as they often provide temporary congestion relief. These tablets are placed on the shower floor and as the warm water reaches the tablet, it dissolves, emitting a vaporizer-like effect. Typically, these shower tablets contain sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and essential oils (peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lavender). While there are no studies on the use of shower tablets during pregnancy, the ingredients are used in many candles, lotions, and many other home products so exposure is likely already quite extensive. To date, information has not suggested that there would be a concern with the use of shower tablets during pregnancy.

Humidifier: The humidifier is used to add moisture to the air and provide relief from sinus pressure, dry skin and throat. It uses only water so there is no medication exposure.

Nasal strips: Nasal strips, also called nasal dilator strips, are marketed to individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to snoring and claim to help with congestion from colds. Although the websites do not include studies that demonstrate that these products help with colds, there is some evidence that they may help with snoring. Nasal strips do not contain medication and work by spreading the nose and widening the air passage, therefore a concern does not exist for use in pregnancy.

Electric blankets and heating pads: Electric blankets are sometimes used by people experiencing body chills from flu and cold. Electric blanket use in pregnancy is seen as controversial by some as some studies have suggested that there could be a risk from the heat or from the electricity. There is a theoretical concern that as with fever, electric blanket use might raise body temperature. A fever of 101°F or higher for an extended period of time during early pregnancy increases the risk for birth defects. The studies on electric blanket use during pregnancy have many limitations and have not consistently shown an adverse effect to pregnancy.

Remedies to Avoid

Vitamin C and zinc: When you have a cold, or believe that it is coming on, you could be tempted to reach for vitamin C and zinc. This is not recommended during pregnancy. First, there is insufficient evidence that vitamin C or zinc are effective in preventing or treating colds. Second, the doses of vitamin C and zinc in supplements for colds are much higher than recommended dose for pregnant people. The vitamin C dose recommended for pregnant people is 80 mg for teens and 85 mg per day for adults. The recommended dose for zinc is 12 mg for pregnant teens and 11 mg per day for pregnant adults. If you are taking a prenatal, it is very likely that it contains the vitamin C and zinc that you need for the day.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID): For most healthy pregnant women, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are generally not recommended during pregnancy. However, some pregnant women continue to take these medications at specific doses under a doctor’s supervision, due to an underlying medical condition, and they benefit by taking them.

NSAID’s are associated with a risk for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (a heart and lung condition) in the baby if the medication is used in late pregnancy, at higher doses

Herbal combinations: Herbal medications for colds and flu have not been studied in pregnancy, therefore, possible benefits or risks are not known.  Echinacea has been promoted as a cold remedy, however; a Cochrane Review of over twenty-four double-blind trials with over 4,000 participants did not find that it shortened the duration of colds compared to a placebo.

Prevention

Masks: Although, adults can spread flu a day prior to symptoms starting and can spread a cold up to a few days before symptoms appear, wearing a surgical mask once symptoms start may help reduce the spread of infection from coughing, assuming that the mask is worn correctly and it is the right type of mask.

Hand washing and hand sanitizer: Studies conducted in workplaces, colleges, and other locations have shown that frequent hand washing and regular use of alcohol-containing hand sanitizer reduces the spread of the viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections (colds). The key is to wash your hands regularly, throughout the day, and avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Studies show that with common colds, the hands are the most common vehicle for self-infecting and that flu is more likely to spread from droplets in the air.

Antiviral-Kleenex tissues: Antiviral tissues have not been studied well enough to suggest that they prevent colds; however, they do contain layers of antivirals. Until more information is available, it is important to wash your hands after blowing your nose regardless of the tissue type used to prevent spreading the infection to others.

References:

Botto LD, Lynberg MC, Erickson JD. Congenital heart defects, maternal febrile illness, and multivitamin use: A population-based study. Epidemiology 2001;12:485-90.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Seasonal Flu. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/avrec_ob.htm

Centers for Disease Control, NIOSH Blog, April 9, 2020

https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/04/09/masks-v-respirators/

Chambers CD, Johnson KA, Felix RJ, Dick LM, Jones KL. Hyperthermia in pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Teratology 1997;55:45.

Hubner, N-O., Hubner C., Wodny M., Kampf G., Kramer A. (2010). Effectiveness of alcohol-based hand disinfectants in a public administration: Impact on health and work performance related to acute respiratory symptoms and diarrhea. BMC Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/10/250

Karsch-Völk, M., Barrett B., Kiefer D., et al. (2014). Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3

The post When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Pregnancy is a sensitive time for both the parent and the developing baby. Preventing issues related to allergies, asthma and air pollution is important for a few reasons. If you do have issues with asthma and it affects your breathing, the amount of oxygen in your blood can drop; this can create problems for baby as you are their source of oxygen while pregnant. The baby may have trouble growing as much as they should or may be born at a low birth weight. This can put the baby at higher risk for several health issues.

There has been increasing research on the possible effects of air pollution on pregnancies. Some studies suggest that higher amounts of pollution in the air are related to babies being born too small or too early. Air pollution also can make asthma symptoms worse. There are some ways to lower the amount of air pollution you are exposed to, and this may be even more important for those that live near highways or high traffic areas, or near landfills. Some clear ideas from the American Pregnancy Association include:

• Buying an air purifier to use in your home
• Checking the air quality before planning outdoor activities to see if it is dangerous for groups sensitive to air pollution or pollen. Simply visit this website and enter your zip code: https://www.airnow.gov/
• Choosing to spend more time indoors when air quality is low
• Buying some plants to have in your home that are known to improve air quality. Some common household plants known to help with this include Peace Lilies, Snake plants, Philodendrons, Spider plants, or Rubber Trees

Other important things to consider are checking in with your healthcare provider about any types of medications you may use to treat your asthma or allergies. Quitting your medications as soon as you become pregnant is often not the best choice for you or baby and managing your symptoms is important for the reasons discussed above. MotherToBaby has a landing page on asthma that includes resources: https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-exposures/asthma/ and one about allergies: https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-exposures/allergies/  These pages have links to fact sheets on many medications that are used to treat symptoms related to both topics. 

As you move through the Spring months into Summer, try to appreciate the seasons while also being aware of how air quality can affect your health. As the saying goes, when you are pregnant you are “breathing for two.” As a reminder, our fact sheets also have breastfeeding information near the bottom of them that you can check out. We also encourage you to remember air quality can affect young children as well – especially ones with asthma.  Finding a healthcare provider you and your family can see routinely to manage asthma related issues is important in order to avoid emergency room visits.

Take a deep breath and remember, whatever your concerns are, experts at MotherToBaby will do our best to give you useful information based on research, or to point you in the right direction if we are unable to help.

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