A study out of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health recently found that a class of drugs known as beta 2 adrenergic agonistics, which are similar to bronchodiolators, can cause neurological birth defects when used frequently in the second and third trimesters.
Bronchodiolators are drugs like albuterol, which open up the airways to ease breathing in the case of an asthma flare. Researchers are not suggesting that these drugs shouldn’t be used in pregnant women, but that the course of treatment should be as short as possible. Women who have uncontrolled asthma and severe attacks during pregnancy are at a higher risk of complications.
Fortunately, controller drugs — or drugs that are taken daily to prevent asthma flares — are getting better all of the time. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, and you have asthma, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for your condition.
Photo: billaday, Flickr