The key to a successful pregnancy for asthma sufferers is symptom management. Maternal asthma that is adequately controlled during pregnancy does not increase the risk of maternal or infant complications.
Uncontrolled asthma causes a decrease in the oxygen in the mother's blood.
Since the fetus gets oxygen from the mother's blood, asthma can lead to fetal blood oxygen. Normal growth and development require a constant supply of oxygen, which again underscores the need to manage the symptoms. Studies indicate a correlation between uncontrolled asthma and babies with a lower birth weight. In rare cases, the extremely hard coughing that accompanies an attack can cause premature labor, or can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus. The goal of asthma therapy during pregnancy is virtually the same as in non-pregnant patients.