Asthma Society Launches new "Asthma in Pregnancy" guidelines booklet

The Asthma Society of Ireland has launched a new guide on asthma management for women during pregnancy.  The guide entitled 'Asthma in Pregnancy' contains information on a range of issues including the impact of smoking and diet on asthma during pregnancy as well as information on how best to manage asthma symptoms during pregnancy.  Over 60,000 babies will be born in Ireland this year. As asthma affects at least 5% of the population, this means that one in every 20 pregnant women has asthma. If your asthma is controlled, the chance of a normal pregnancy and delivery is the same as that of a woman who doesn't have asthma.  Good pregnancy and asthma outcomes are achieved through combined obstetric and respiratory care, close monitoring of symptoms, precise tailoring of medication, patient education and reassurance. The role of diet during pregnancy is an important factor in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Research published in the Irish Medical Journal highlighted that there is increasing evidence that dietary factors in early life play a role in the cause of childhood asthma.  The research showed that higher maternal fruit and vegetable intake and oily fish consumption were associated with a lower risk of children developing asthma whilst those with relatively higher fat intake had a higher risk of asthma.

A body of research also shows a significant reduction of childhood asthma in children who have been breastfed.  One study demonstrated that the risk of childhood asthma at age six years is reduced if exclusive breast feeding is continued for at least four months after birth.

Asthma Nurse Specialist Frances Guiney, Dr Michael Geary, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
and Master, Rotunda Hospital and model Ruth Griffin at the "Pregnancy in Asthma" booklet launch

At the recent European Respiratory Society meeting, new research from the University of Sunderland was   presented showing that children who had been breast fed for six months or more had a significantly reduced risk of asthma, particularly among young boys. The "Asthma In Pregnancy" guide provides information on a range of related issues including diet advice, breast feeding and general nutrition advice for babies all with a view to reducing the risk of an asthma attack for the mother and also to reduce the risk of the child developing asthma.  The guide also includes information on management of an asthma attack during pregnancy, appropriate use of asthma medications during pregnancy and psychological wellbeing advice.

Commenting on the 'Asthma in Pregnancy' guide, Dr Michael Geary, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Master, Rotunda Hospital said, "During pregnancy it is imperative that all women with asthma take seriously the management of their condition during this time. There is a huge amount that can be done not only to manage symptoms during pregnancy but also to reduce the risk of your child from developing asthma through simple lifestyle changes.  I would urge all pregnant women with asthma to consult their GP or consultant regarding asthma management and to get a copy of the "Asthma in Pregnancy" guide from the Asthma Society of Ireland."
Dr Jean Holohan, Chief Executive Officer, Asthma Society of Ireland said, "We often find that asthma management becomes the least important health concern for women during pregnancy when in fact it should be one of the first issues that you address.  The correct management of asthma during this time will have a knock on effect to your overall experience of pregnancy and child birth so ensure you discuss this with your consultant.  I would urge any pregnant woman with asthma to order a copy of the booklet which is available free of charge through the Asthma Society of Ireland either by contacting 1850 44 54 64 or  Download Your Copy Here.

This information booklet was developed with the support of the Mags Corbett Trust. www.magscorbett.ie