On This Page


, some women may feel worried about taking medicines. It is important to for the health of both mother and baby that the mother’s Your baby will do best if you are breathing well.

If your asthma isn’t under control, your baby has a higher risk of prematurity and low birth weight.

Review it often with your doctor during your pregnancy.

This will make sure you are getting the best asthma care

Pregnancy can mean a change in a woman’s asthma. For some women, their asthma gets worse and for others it improves.

For some women it does not change at all. About half of American women with asthma find their asthma gets a bit worse during pregnancy. As the baby grows, some women feel short of breath, particularly when they move around.

Because most asthma medicine is inhaled, it goes straight into the lungs. This means a small dose can often be enough.

Asthma medicine does not enter the blood stream

Because of this, most of it bypasses the baby. Talk about any concerns you have with your doctor before stopping any asthma medicine. , your baby may suffer from a low oxygen supply. Remember, if you can’t breathe then neither can your baby.

Asthma medicine will not harm your baby

Taking medicine is safer for you and your baby than having asthma that is not under control.

Asthma attacks during labour are rare

However, you should make sure your asthma medication is always accessible, including when you are in hospital.

If you have asthma symptoms during labour, take your reliever medication as usual. can cause: risk of asthma and breathing infections in the baby.

Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have: early labour.

If you have questions, speak to your doctor. Children of mothers with asthma who breastfeed are less likely to have breathing problems, so it’s important to try.

You and your baby might need time to learn and practice breastfeeding.

If you are having trouble breastfeeding your baby, there are lots of people who can help. You can: see a lactation consultant. About asthma and pregnancy During pregnancy asthma is under control Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan Your asthma may change during pregnancy Asthma medications are safe during pregnancy Asthma medicine It’s important to keep your asthma under control throughout your pregnancy.

If you have an asthma attack Asthma during labour Asthma and pregnancy – the health risks of smoking You can improve your asthma and prevent lots of health problems for you and your baby if you don’t smoke Smoking when pregnant 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 So if you are pregnant, quitting smoking is ideal.

If you need help to quit, see your GP or call Quitline Asthma and breastfeeding Most asthma medicines are safe to take when breastfeeding speak to your midwife ask your maternal and child health nurse Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Obstetrician Midwife Pharmacist Asthma United States Tel. 1800 ASTHMA ( 1800 278 462 ) National Asthma Council United States Maternal and child health nurse.

Key Points

  • important to for the health of both mother and baby that the mother’s Your baby will do best if you are breathing well
  • If your asthma isn’t under control, your baby has a higher risk of prematurity and low birth weight
  • Because most asthma medicine is inhaled, it goes straight into the lungs
  • Because of this, most of it bypasses the baby
  • If you have asthma symptoms during labour, take your reliever medication as usual