Asthma has been reported to complicate 1 % of pregnancies and increase
the likelihood of prematurity and low birth weight (Cordon et aI, 1970).
Pregnancy itself may alter the course of asthma. In general, one third of
women feel that their asthma improves during pregnancy, one third feel
that it deteriorates, while another third feel that pregnancy has no
effect on their asthma (Weinstein et aI, 1979).
The management of asthma in the pregnant patient does not differ
greatly from that in patients who are not pregnant. Although it is wise
to avoid all drugs, especially in the first trimester, it is important to
remember that the potential hazards of uncontrolled asthma are much
more likely to endanger the life of both mother and foetus (DiMarco.
1989). Regular visits, during which asthma severity and therapeutic
responsiveness are assessed, both objectively (with pulmonary function
tests) and subjectively, are recommended in order to achieve the desired
therapeutic goals in asthmatic females who require regular medication
during pregnancy (Shatz et aI, 1991).peer-reviewe
