Pregnant women should manage asthma

Medications to treat asthma are often restricted during pregnancy out of concern for potential harm to the developing child.

The study in the annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that the incidence of preterm delivery was significantly higher among women with poorly controlled asthma during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Also, the incidence of preterm delivery was more than doubled among women hospitalized for asthma during any part of the pregnancy.

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for better management.