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Asthma Control During Pregnancy and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Emilie Johanne Vedtofte Haastrup1, Esther Bay Smedegaard1, Anne Vejen Hansen1

  • 1Respiratory Research Unit Hvidovre (REAC-H), Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.

The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|March 31, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal asthma itself does not increase pregnancy complication risks, except for small for gestational age (SGA). However, uncontrolled asthma or exacerbations during pregnancy elevate the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pulmonology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Poorly controlled maternal asthma during pregnancy is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Key pregnancy complications include pre-eclampsia, low birth weight (LBW), pre-term birth, and small for gestational age (SGA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the association between asthma control during pregnancy and pregnancy complications.
  • To update understanding of risks for pre-eclampsia, LBW, pre-term birth, and SGA.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
  • Inclusion of 14 studies meeting predefined criteria.

Main Results:

  • Maternal asthma is associated with increased risk of SGA; associations with pre-eclampsia, LBW, and pre-term birth were contradictory.
  • Asthma exacerbations and uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy are linked to increased pre-eclampsia risk.
  • No consistent association found between asthma exacerbations and increased risk of LBW, pre-term birth, or SGA.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal asthma itself is not linked to higher risks of most pregnancy complications, except for SGA.
  • Uncontrolled asthma and asthma exacerbations during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of pre-eclampsia.
Abstract

Keywords:
asthmaasthma controlpregnancy complications

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