A US research led by Dr Michael Schatz showed that asthmatic pregnant women should continue their inhaled steroids. According to Dr. Schatz, inhaled steroids during pregnancy do not affect the growth of the fetus inside the womb, where as non-medication could result to greater risks on the health of the babies.

The US study looked at the effect of inhaled steroids on the birth weight of children of women with asthma. Researchers compared the birth weights of around 400 babies whose mothers used a range of inhaled steroids for their asthma throughout pregnancy.

From Medical news today:

Inhaled steroids have no effect on the growth of babies in the womb, according to a new study that should offer reassurance for pregnant women with asthma.

But many people with asthma have concerns about their medication: Asthma UK research shows more than 50% are worried about the long-term side effects of steroid treatment, including a possible impact on growth.

‘This study provides reassuring data that specific inhaled steroids do not lead to a restriction in fetal growth,’ said Dr Michael Schatz of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego, who led the research.

Katie Shepherd, Asthma UK’s Care Development Manager, echoed this: ‘It is most important that asthma is well controlled throughout pregnancy. Where inhaled steroids have been prescribed, women with asthma should feel safe taking them, as under-treated asthma can pose a much greater risk to the health of their fetus.’

The study proved that there were no differences between the range of birth weights of the children born to women who undergo treatment and those who are in healthy condition. Also, there were no differences in the numbers of pre-term births or the incidence of low birth weight children. In conclusion, inhaled steroids on pregnant women are safe on both mothers and their babies.

Tags:  asthma, Dr Michael Schatz, inhaled steroids, pregnancy

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