Pregnancy and asthma: recent developments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma is the most common potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. Asthmatic women have been shown to be at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. Managing asthma during pregnancy is unique because the effects of both the illness and the treatment on the developing fetus and the patient must be considered. RECENT FINDINGS: This review summarizes the recent studies addressing the interrelationships between asthma and pregnancy and general aspects of pharmacologic therapy of gestational asthma. SUMMARY: The prevalence of asthma in pregnant women appears to be increasing. Recent evidence supports that pregnant asthmatic women with moderate to severe asthma may have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. The goal of asthma management during pregnancy is to optimize maternal and fetal health.