Third Trimester of Pregnancy Forum - Pregnant with asthma

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Q: Pregnant with asthma

asked by: klynn10 on October 20th, 2008

New User

I'm 33 weeks pregnant with asthma, I ended up in the ER last Friday with wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. They gave me a breathing treatment, sent me upstairs to maternity to get the baby monitored and sent me home. Last night I ended up back in the ER with the same symptoms, only worse this time. My oxygen level was low and I could barely breathe. They gave me 3 breathing treatments and a steroid pill. The treatments helped while I was there but 3 hours later I once again couldnt breathe. Now today I am wheezing and can't seem to catch my breath. I know eventually today its going to get worse. Is there anything I can do?? They also gave me a perscription for prednisone, should I take it or will that harm the baby? I'm worried about the effects of all these steroids on the baby. eek

Replies(4)

Mame

replied on October 20th, 2008

Supporter

Prednisone is a category A in the Therapeutic Guidelines of Australia and thus does not seem to possess a threat to the baby.

Users who thank Mame for this post: klynn10

AyaMiyaki

replied on October 20th, 2008

Especially eHealthy

Not being able to breathe is worse for the baby than steroids at this point. I'm sure that, at 33 weeks pregnant, they realized you were pregnant and wouldn't have given you something that would harm your baby. But if it will help ease your mind, you should google the medicine name and "safe for pregnancy", or call your doctor and ask.

Users who thank AyaMiyaki for this post: klynn10

Jules

replied on October 20th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Take the prednisolone, as Aya said it's much more dangerous for your baby not to be getting the oxygen it needs while you struggle. I am asthmatic so you have my complete sympathy, it's horrendous. I struggled a bit in my final trimester but not as badly as you; I was however on antihistamines right through from 10weeks onwards so that may have helped.

This is something that could kill you if untreated so you must take the steroids; your baby will be fine.

Keep us posted.

Jules

replied on October 20th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Oh and here's a little info I found for you:

Prednisolone and pregnancy

Sounds like the steroid doesn't even reach the baby in any significant amount anyway so that's good to know.

Users who thank Jules for this post: klynn10

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