What condition is likely to occur in the newborn of a woman with chronic asthma who discontinues her medication during pregnancy?

The situation of a newborn from a mother with chronic asthma who discontinues her medication during pregnancy poses significant risks, primarily due to the potential exacerbation of the mother's asthma during this critical time. When a pregnant woman stops her asthma medication, she may experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks, which can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) for both her and the developing fetus.

Stillbirth is a serious outcome that can occur as a result of poorly controlled asthma. The lack of adequate oxygen supply due to maternal asthma exacerbations can compromise fetal wellbeing, leading to conditions that increase the risk of stillbirth. Additionally, studies have shown that maternal hypoxia can result in fetal distress, which is another contributing factor to the risk of stillbirth.

Other conditions mentioned, such as low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal jaundice, can certainly arise in various contexts, but the direct link between uncontrolled asthma and the heightened risk of stillbirth positions that outcome as the most concerning consequence in the scenario presented.