Moms-to-be Stay Away from Cold to Protect Your Child from Asthma

To protect your child from asthma, an expectant mother should take all measures to stay away from cold and viral infections, says a study.

The study, published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), states that a child is more prone to developing asthma or allergies if the mother had common colds and viral infections during pregnancy.

ACAAI president and allergist Michael Foggs said, "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."

Data of over 500 pregnant women and their children were analysed for the research. External environment of a pregnant mother also affects the environment in the uterus. A previous report suggests that approximately 8 per cent women get affected by asthma during their childbearing years.

Deputy editor of ACAAI Mitch Grayson said, "These same children who had early exposure to allergens, such as house dust and pet dander, had increased odds of becoming sensitized by age five."

Source: Medindia