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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Asthma

13 replies

mckenzie · 06/08/2004 17:02

I'm 12 weeks pregnant and have just been diagnosed with asthma. The doctor has given me 2 inhalers, brown one to use morning and night and another one for if it get's very bad.
I ask him if there were any side effects and he said no, it was fine to use during pregnancy.

Howver, I'm worried as it's a steriod isn't it? Will I put on weight? Will I end up having a huge baby? Am I completely over reacting?

OP posts:
Twiglett · 06/08/2004 17:07

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Original poster
mckenzie · 06/08/2004 17:25

thanks Twiglett (and congratulations on your DD)
Do you remember how long it took to get under control once you started using the inhalers by any chance?

OP posts:
Twiglett · 06/08/2004 17:35

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Original poster
mckenzie · 06/08/2004 17:47

thanks Twiglett, I'll do a google search, it mgiht find the website you mean.

OP posts:
JuA · 06/08/2004 17:52

This reply has been deleted

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albert · 06/08/2004 17:59

As a lifetime asthmatic I'd like to reassure you that there are no problems whatsoever in taking the medication but it is very important that you take it as diagnosed and don't quit even if you feel better. DS was 7lb 7oz so not too big. Please don't worry.

Twiglett · 06/08/2004 18:11

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Caribbeanqueen · 06/08/2004 20:09

Another lifetime asthmatic, I took inhalers throughout my pregnancy and also ended up in hospital once (due to harvest round here) and had to have oral steroid tablets for a week. I didn't want to take them, as I was only 5 weeks pregnant. but was told it was safer to take them and get the asthma under control.

Dd was 7 lbs 12 oz at birth and very healthy and has shown no signs of asthma so far.

Flossam · 06/08/2004 20:35

I have some info on this topic actually. I went to see a GP recently (locum), about another topic, and at the end asked for a repeat prescription for my inhaler. She told me that I shouldn't have it as I was pregnant and it would increase my risk of miscarriage ! She told me that if I got 'wheezy' I should take myself down to A and E and get treated there! .

I really didn't think that sounded right but it wasn't till my asthma got bad that I really started to question it. I personally aren't about to ship myself off to my local a and e just for a bit of a wheeze. I would put it off untill I had no choice. IMO, it is more dangerous to go without.

Prescribing in pregnancy should be based on weighing up the risk to the mother versus the baby. Not being able to breathe properly is not only putting the mother at risk, but also the baby. Poor oxygenation levels would affect the little one too.

Anyway, at work a consultant who specialises in respiratory was on, and the verdict (also verified with a highly qualified pharmacist!)is that yes, asthma should be treated the same in pregnancy as any other time. Salbutamol does not bring on miscarriage or labour, it is actually used to stop labour! My GP does not have a clue! Asthma treatments, as far as any of these things are, are considered safe in pregnancy. HTH.

Twiglett · 06/08/2004 20:37

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Original poster
mckenzie · 06/08/2004 20:55

thank you all so much for taking the time to post.
I feel much better about it all now and I'll check out that website Twiglett too.

OP posts:
Flossam · 06/08/2004 21:20

I haven't actually. I thought it would be worth mentioning to one of the permanent doctors when I go next time though. Too many other things to get worried about at the moment!

Twiglett · 06/08/2004 21:30

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