Women who contract a virus during pregnancy increase their baby's risk of developing asthma.
According to a new study published in the February issue of the medical journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), women who contract the common cold while pregnant increase the likelihood of their baby having childhood asthma. The more viral infections the mother suffers from during pregnancy, the more likely the child will suffer from asthma. The different colds and infections alter the baby’s utero environment and can have lasting effects on their childhood development.
The research, which took place in Germany, studied 513 women and their 526 children. Participants filled out questionnaires at different stages, beginning during their pregnancy and ending when the baby turned five. Just over 60 percent of the children had a family history of asthma or other breathing afflictions. But what researchers found was a direct link between infections in pregnancy and asthma in babies.
“We know that allergy and asthma can develop in the womb since genetics play a factor in both diseases. But this study sheds light about how a mother’s environment during pregnancy can begin affecting the child before birth,” ACAAI president and allergist Michael Foggs said in a statement.
According to health experts, catching a virus early during pregnancy is very common, as activity of the immune system is lowered during that time frame to avoid the baby being rejected by the woman’s body. The researchers suggested adequate rest, a healthy diet and avoiding stress as a way to help women fight off a cold or flu while pregnant.
Keeping the air in your home clean is another way to help avoid contracting a disease. Purchase a Whirlpool air purifier from US Air Purifiers Direct 2U today!