During pregnancy, some women feel worried about taking medicines. But keeping your asthma under control matters for the health of both you and your baby. Your baby does best when you are breathing well.
If your asthma is not well controlled, your baby has a higher risk of being born prematurely and of low birth weight. The best approach is to keep your asthma under control throughout your pregnancy and to review it often with your doctor.
Work with your doctor on an action plan#
Reviewing your asthma regularly with your doctor helps make sure you are getting the best care. Together you can create an asthma action plan that sets out how to manage your symptoms and what to do if they get worse.
Your asthma may change during pregnancy#
Pregnancy can change a woman’s asthma. For some women it gets worse, for others it improves, and for some it does not change at all. About half of women with asthma find their symptoms get a little worse during pregnancy. As the baby grows, some women feel short of breath, particularly when they move around.
Asthma medicines are safe during pregnancy#
Most asthma medicine is inhaled, so it goes straight into the lungs. This means a small dose is often enough. Because inhaled medicine largely stays in the lungs rather than entering the bloodstream, most of it bypasses the baby.
Taking your medicine is safer for you and your baby than having asthma that is not under control. If your asthma is uncontrolled, your baby may receive a low oxygen supply. Remember, if you cannot breathe, then neither can your baby.
Talk through any concerns with your doctor before stopping any asthma medicine.
If you have an asthma attack#
Asthma attacks during labor are rare. Even so, make sure your asthma medication is always within reach, including when you are in hospital. If you have asthma symptoms during labor, take your reliever medication as usual.
Smoking and pregnancy#
Not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your own asthma and for your baby’s health. Smoking can increase the baby’s risk of asthma and breathing infections. Pregnant women who smoke are also more likely to go into early labor.
Smoking during pregnancy is linked to:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Risk of fetal death (stillbirth) and sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI)
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Problems with the placenta
- Premature rupture of the membranes
If you are pregnant, quitting smoking is ideal. If you need help to quit, speak to your doctor or call a quit-smoking helpline.
Asthma and breastfeeding#
Most asthma medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding. Children of mothers with asthma who breastfeed are less likely to have breathing problems, so it is worth trying.
You and your baby may need time to learn and practise breastfeeding. If you are having trouble, there are many people who can help. You can:
- See a lactation consultant
- Speak to your midwife
- Ask your maternal and child health nurse
Key points#
- Keeping asthma under control is important for the health of both mother and baby, and your baby does best when you are breathing well.
- Uncontrolled asthma raises your baby’s risk of prematurity and low birth weight.
- Most asthma medicine is inhaled and goes straight to the lungs, so most of it bypasses the baby and it is safe to keep taking.
- If you have asthma symptoms during labor, take your reliever medication as usual.
- Not smoking protects both you and your baby, and most asthma medicines are safe while breastfeeding.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.