Impact of Maternal Asthma and Asthma Treatment During Pregnancy on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Findings from a Cohort Study of 179,024 Children - Report - MDSpire

Impact of Maternal Asthma and Asthma Treatment During Pregnancy on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Findings from a Cohort Study of 179,024 Children

  • By

  • Lama A. Shakhshir

  • Sarjit Singh

  • Jill P. Pell

  • Scott M. Nelson

  • Daniel F. Mackay

  • Claire E. Hastie

  • Logesh R. Sivakumar

  • Michael Fleming

  • February 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Impact of Maternal Asthma and Treatment on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Overview

This cohort study of 179,024 children investigates the effects of maternal asthma and asthma treatment during pregnancy on neurodevelopmental outcomes. It highlights associations between maternal asthma, particularly untreated asthma, and increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and ASD.

Background

Asthma affects 8–13% of pregnant women globally, posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. Clinical guidelines advocate for the continuation of asthma medications during pregnancy due to their established safety profiles. However, the long-term neurodevelopmental impacts of maternal asthma and its treatment remain inadequately explored, necessitating further investigation.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Maternal asthma is associated with increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
  • Untreated maternal asthma correlates with higher incidences of ADHD and ASD.
  • Guideline-recommended asthma medications do not show consistent harm to neurodevelopment.
  • Asthma exacerbations during pregnancy may necessitate additional treatments beyond first-line medications.
  • Longitudinal data indicate that children of mothers with asthma may require special educational support.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should ensure effective asthma management during pregnancy to mitigate risks to both maternal and fetal health. Continuous monitoring and appropriate treatment adjustments are essential to prevent exacerbations and potential neurodevelopmental issues in offspring.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of managing maternal asthma effectively during pregnancy to safeguard neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. Further research is needed to clarify the long-term effects of asthma treatments on child development.

References

  1. Drug Safety, 2013 -- Investigating the Association Between Acid-Suppressive Medications During Pregnancy and Childhood Asthma Risk
  2. Infection, 2024 -- Exploring the Link Between COVID-19 Vaccination/Infection and the Emergence of Asthma in Pediatric Populations
  3. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2021 -- Antidepressant Administration in Pregnant Women and Its Possible Impact on Motor Skills and Cognitive Development in Children
  4. American Journal of Epidemiology -- Impact of Maternal Metal Exposure During Early Pregnancy on Childhood Lung Function and Asthma: Findings from Project Viva
  5. Maternal immune-mediated conditions and ADHD risk in offspring | BMC Medicine | Springer Nature Link
  6. GINA Summary Guide 2025
  7. Maternal immune-mediated conditions and ADHD risk in offspring | BMC Medicine | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Impact of Maternal Asthma and Asthma Treatment During Pregnancy on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Findings from a Cohort Study of 179,024 Children

  • by Lama A. Shakhshir, Sarjit Singh, Jill P. Pell, Scott M. Nelson, Daniel F. Mackay, Claire E. Hastie, Logesh R. Sivakumar, Michael Fleming

  • February 20, 2026

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