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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
A large cohort study confirms that pregnant women with asthma who continued using inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) during the first trimester faced no greater risk of complications than those who stopped — yet nearly two-thirds quit anyway. Untreated asthma in pregnancy is linked to preeclampsia, low birth weight, and emergency C-sections. Experts urge clinicians to proactively reassure patients that continuing ICS is both safe and recommended.
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open followed over 2,100 pregnant women with asthma in South Korea (2009–2023) and found that continuing inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) during the first trimester did not raise the risk of serious maternal or neonatal complications. Despite this reassuring evidence — and clear guideline recommendations to maintain ICS use — nearly two-thirds of women in the study stopped treatment during the first trimester, often out of concern for fetal exposure.
Experts warn that stopping ICS can backfire. Uncontrolled asthma in pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, premature contractions, emergency C-sections, and low birth weight. Women who discontinue ICS may ultimately need oral corticosteroids, which carry significantly greater pregnancy risks.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Many pregnant patients silently stop their inhalers without telling their provider. A simple, direct conversation — "continuing your inhaler is the recommended course" — could prevent serious, avoidable complications for both mother and baby.
