Theophylline is also considered appropriate during pregnancy if asthma is not adequately controlled by the above medications. Finally, oral steroid medications, such as prednisone, should be used when necessary for severe asthma during pregnancy. If allergy shots are part of the ongoing therapy for the asthmatic woman who has become pregnant, they can usually be continued if no systemic reactions to the shots are being experienced. As an extra precaution, though, the dosage of the allergy extract being used may be reduced somewhat in order to decrease the chance that a severe allergic reaction might occur during the pregnancy. Certainly regular exercise is important to health, and your obstetrician is your best advisor about exercising during your pregnancy.
Swimming is known to be a particularly good exercise for people with asthma.
Using an inhaled bronchodilator ten minutes before you exercise may help you better tolerate your recommended exercise during pregnancy. A. Flu shots are generally recommended for asthmatic patients, and pregnancy does not alter that recommendation. In fact, some information has suggested that influenza may be particularly severe in pregnant women. Although the transfer of most asthma medications into breast milk has not been precisely studied, physicians do not believe they have an adverse effect, in usual doses, on the nursing infant. This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.