There is more risk to the mother and fetus during pregnancy from poorly controlled asthma than from the usual medications used to treat asthma. Asthmatic patients should not smoke, especially during pregnancy. Identification and avoidance of potential triggers of asthma are essential during pregnancy. Assessment of asthma should include regular measurements of pulmonary function during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a contraindication to continued allergen immunotherapy in patients who are at maintenance.
Additional considerations apply to the management of asthma during labor and delivery.
In general, the same medications used during pregnancy are appropriate during labor and delivery. E2 gel can be used for cervical ripening before labor induction. Currently, oxytocin is considered the medication of choice for postpartum hemorrhage. Ergonovine and methylergonovine have been associated with bronchospasm. Vol 96, No. 5, part 2.