Treatment of asthma during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

Asthma is the most common, potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. Women with asthma have been shown to be at increased risk of complications during pregnancy. Managing asthma during pregnancy is unique because the effect of both the illness and the treatment on the developing fetus as well as the patient must be considered. This review summarizes the recent studies addressing the effects of asthma or asthma medications on perinatal outcomes, including the 2004 Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. This review summarizes the recent studies addressing the effect of asthma or asthma medications on perinatal outcomes. The prevalence of asthma in pregnant women appears to be increasing. Recent evidence supports that pregnant 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.