New research has found that good asthma management during pregnancy may play an important role in protecting a baby’s lung health from the very start of life.

The study, published in the international medical journal Thorax, shows that when women with asthma use inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) preventer medication during pregnancy, it may help support healthier lung function in their newborns.

The research was led by University of Newcastle Conjoint Professor Joerg Mattes and University of Newcastle Professor Vanessa Murphy, both from the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) Breathing & Lung Health Research Program.

Researchers analysed data from new mothers with asthma who took part in the Breathing for Life Trial, alongside mothers without asthma from the Newcastle 1000 study. Lung function and breathing patterns were measured in more than 400 babies when they were between four and six weeks old.

As expected, babies born to mothers with asthma generally had poorer lung function than those born to mothers without asthma. However, the study found this difference was reduced when mothers used ICS preventer medication during pregnancy.

These findings suggest that maintaining good asthma control during pregnancy may support healthier lung development in newborns. Importantly, lung function at birth tends to track throughout life, meaning better early lung health may help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even cardiovascular disease later on.

For expectant mothers with asthma, the research reinforces the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to manage symptoms safely and effectively during pregnancy.

HCRF supports research that improves health outcomes at every stage of life, from pregnancy and early childhood through to adulthood and beyond. Studies like this highlight how evidence-based care can make a meaningful difference not just today, but for long-term health and wellbeing.

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