Asthma and Pregnancy: What you need to know

Asthma During Pregnancy: Treatment, Medications, and Management

Managing asthma during pregnancy is essential for both your health and your baby’s well-being. Pregnancy can sometimes make asthma symptoms worse, and uncontrolled asthma may increase the risk of complications such as low birth weight or preterm birth. The good news is that with careful monitoring, the right medications, and a personalised asthma management plan, most people can have a healthy pregnancy.

This article covers key areas to help you understand and manage asthma during pregnancy, including safe medications, treatment strategies, recognising and managing asthma attacks, potential complications, postpartum care, and pre-pregnancy planning. We’ll also guide you to trusted support and resources so you can stay informed and confident in managing your asthma throughout this important stage of life.

Understanding Asthma During Pregnancy

Statistics on Pregnant Women and Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting pregnancy, with around 8–10% of pregnant women in Australia living with asthma. Uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. 

Regular monitoring and a tailored asthma management plan can significantly reduce these risks, ensuring better outcomes for both mother and baby. Early identification and proper care are key to maintaining healthy pregnancies for women with asthma.

How Pregnancy Affects Asthma

Pregnancy can affect asthma in different ways. About one-third of women experience worsening symptoms, one-third see improvement, and one-third notice no change. Hormonal shifts, especially increased progesterone and oestrogen, can influence airway inflammation and responsiveness. Physical changes such as reduced lung capacity due to a growing uterus can also impact breathing. 

Understanding these changes helps women and healthcare providers adjust asthma management plans safely during pregnancy.

Can Pregnancy Make Asthma Worse?

Pregnancy may worsen asthma symptoms in some women, particularly if asthma is not well-controlled before conception. Studies show that uncontrolled asthma increases the risk of flare-ups and complications, making regular check-ups, monitoring peak flow, and adherence to medications essential. 

Expert guidance emphasises that continuing prescribed asthma medications is safer than stopping treatment during pregnancy, as untreated asthma poses a higher risk to both mother and baby.

Medications for Asthma During Pregnancy

Can you use an inhaler while pregnant?

Using inhalers during pregnancy is generally safe and highly recommended to maintain asthma control. Reliever inhalers (such as salbutamol) provide quick relief from symptoms, while preventer inhalers (such as inhaled corticosteroids) help reduce airway inflammation and prevent attacks. Continuing inhaler use as prescribed is crucial, as uncontrolled asthma can pose more risk to both mother and baby than the medications themselves. Regular check-ups with your GP or asthma specialist ensure your inhaler plan is adjusted safely throughout pregnancy.

Oral Medications

In some cases, this may be needed if asthma is not controlled with inhalers alone. 

Oral corticosteroids can be prescribed short-term for severe flare-ups, while leukotriene receptor antagonists may be considered under specialist guidance. These medications are generally used when the benefits outweigh potential risks. It’s important to never start or stop these medications without medical advice, as uncontrolled asthma can be more harmful than the medications themselves.

Medications to Avoid

Certain asthma medications are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the developing baby. 

Oral theophylline and some older asthma drugs should be avoided unless specifically prescribed by a specialist. These medications can increase the risk of birth defects or complications. Always consult your GP or asthma specialist before taking any new medication, and inform them about your pregnancy to ensure both your safety and your baby’s.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Reviewing and updating your Asthma Action Plan

Having a personalised Asthma Action Plan during pregnancy is essential. This plan outlines how to manage daily symptoms, recognise worsening asthma, and respond to attacks. Work with your GP or asthma specialist to create and regularly update your plan, ensuring it reflects changes in your symptoms, medications, or lifestyle. Keeping a clear, updated plan helps you stay in control and reduces the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

Regular Reviews and Monitoring

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial. Most women should see their GP or asthma specialist at least once every trimester, or more often if asthma is unstable. These visits allow for consistent monitoring of lung function, medication effectiveness, and symptom patterns, and ensure timely adjustments to your Asthma Action Plan. Early intervention can prevent severe flare-ups and hospital visits.

Taking Prescribed Asthma Medication as Required

Adhering to prescribed asthma medications is vital during pregnancy. Stopping or skipping medications can lead to uncontrolled asthma, increasing the risk of flare-ups and complications such as low oxygen levels for your baby. Taking medications as directed helps maintain lung function, reduce inflammation, and support a safer pregnancy for both mother and baby.

Management of Co-morbidities

Other conditions, such as allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), or sinus infections, can trigger asthma symptoms. Managing these conditions with your healthcare provider helps maintain stable asthma control. Simple steps like addressing reflux, treating infections promptly, and managing allergies reduce flare-ups and support overall health during pregnancy.

Lifestyle and Environmental Controls

Lifestyle and environmental adjustments can minimise asthma triggers. Avoid allergens like dust, pollen, and smoke, and keep your home well-ventilated and clean. Stress management, regular gentle exercise, and a balanced diet also support lung health. Small, practical changes, such as using air purifiers, washing bedding regularly, and avoiding exposure to strong scents, can make a significant difference in controlling symptoms.

Managing Asthma Attacks

Importance of Following an Asthma Action Plan

During an asthma attack, following your personalised Asthma Action Plan is crucial. This plan tells you what steps to take depending on your symptoms, including when to use reliever inhalers and when to seek help. Regularly updating your plan with your GP or asthma specialist ensures it reflects changes in your condition, medications, or pregnancy stage. 

Sticking to your plan helps control attacks, reduces stress, and keeps both you and your baby safe.

Asthma First Aid

Early intervention is key during an asthma attack. Knowing how to act quickly can prevent complications. For a detailed guide, see the Asthma Australia First Aid infographic: Asthma First Aid. This guide shows how to use relievers correctly, monitor symptoms, and respond effectively. Prompt action helps prevent severe attacks and hospitalisation, ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms do not improve after reliever use, you are struggling to breathe, or your lips/fingernails turn blue. Call 000 immediately in Australia. Tell the operator your asthma history, current medications, and that you are pregnant. Uncontrolled asthma during an attack can reduce oxygen supply to your baby, making rapid medical intervention essential for both your safety and your baby’s well-being.

Complications During Pregnancy and Labour

Complications Due to Poorly Managed Asthma

Poorly managed asthma during pregnancy can increase the risk of several complications for both mother and baby. For the mother, uncontrolled asthma may lead to pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and severe asthma attacks. 

For the baby, risks include preterm birth, low birth weight, and reduced oxygen supply, which can affect development. Studies show that maintaining good asthma control through regular monitoring, adherence to medications, and updated Asthma Action Plans significantly reduces these risks. 

Effective management ensures safer labour and delivery outcomes, supporting the health of both mother and baby.

Postpartum Asthma Management

Changes in Asthma Symptoms After Delivery

Asthma symptoms can change after childbirth. Some women notice an improvement, while others may experience flare-ups due to hormonal shifts, stress, or sleep disruption. It’s important to monitor symptoms closely and update your Asthma Action Plan with your Myhealth GP. 

Adjusting medications as needed, keeping track of triggers, and maintaining regular check-ups will help you manage asthma effectively during the postpartum period.

Breastfeeding and Medications

Most asthma medications, including inhalers and short courses of oral corticosteroids, are generally safe during breastfeeding. Continuing prescribed medications helps maintain asthma control and prevents attacks that could affect both mother and baby. Always discuss your medication regimen with your GP or asthma specialist to ensure safety while breastfeeding and to adjust doses if necessary.

Pre-Pregnancy Planning

Importance of Seeing Your Doctor

Consulting your GP or asthma specialist before planning a pregnancy is essential. This allows you to review your asthma control, medications, and triggers, and to ensure your Asthma Action Plan is up to date. Pre-pregnancy planning can help minimise flare-ups during pregnancy, reduce the risk of complications, and support a healthy start for your baby. Discuss any concerns about medications, lifestyle adjustments, or comorbid conditions with your healthcare provider to create a safe, personalised plan for conception and pregnancy.

Support and Resources

Professional Help and Support Services

Managing asthma during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Healthcare providers, GPs, and asthma specialists can help you create and maintain a personalised Asthma Action Plan, monitor your symptoms, and adjust medications safely. Trusted Australian organisations include:

• Asthma Australia

• National Asthma Council Australia

These services offer expert advice, resources, and patient support programs to help you manage asthma effectively throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Educational Materials and Programs

Educational programs and resources can empower families to manage asthma safely. The Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit provides practical guidance on medications, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments for expectant mothers: Asthma Australia – Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit. 

Other materials, including brochures and online guides, offer strategies for trigger management, medication adherence, and understanding asthma symptoms during pregnancy.

See a GP about your asthma today

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have asthma, booking an appointment at any Myhealth clinic is essential. Early consultation helps ensure your asthma is well-controlled, your medications are safe, and your Asthma Action Plan is up to date. 

You should see a doctor before conception, early in pregnancy, and whenever symptoms worsen. Prompt medical advice can prevent flare-ups, reduce risks to your baby, and give you peace of mind throughout pregnancy. Don’t wait! Book your consultation at a Myhealth clinic today to keep both you and your baby safe.